Meditation practice begins by sitting down and assuming your seat. You begin to feel that by simply being on the spot, your life can become workable and even wonderful. You realize that you are capable of sitting like a king or queen on a throne. The regalness of that situation shows you the dignity that comes from being still and simple.

~Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

The practice of meditation is the heart of all programs offered at the Shambhala Centre. Meditation is a way of slowing down and getting to know yourself, a way of making friends with your life and developing strength of mind, and a way of synchronizing body and mind in the present moment. It is a way of becoming fully present and appreciating your world.

Meditation is taught in a variety of ways in the programs at the Shambhala Centre. Its simplest form is found in the sitting practice of meditation where one works with the breath. We call this mindfulness/awareness meditation. Developing mindfulness cultivates a mind that rests calmly, and developing awareness cultivates a mind that sees clearly.

The tradition of meditation is essentially an oral tradition, passed on from teacher to student. The Shambhala Centre offers the opportunity to work regularly with a qualified meditation instructor

If you would like to learn to meditate, instruction is available at the Shambhala Centre Open House that takes place every Wednesday evening at 8 pm. There is no charge and no need to register. For more information call the Centre at 420-1118, ext. 10.

Read more about meditation instruction at the centre.

Read a simple meditation instruction given by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Shambhala Training provides a comprehensive introduction to mindfulness/awareness meditation through a series of workshops.

Dathun is a one month meditation retreat scheduled throughout the year at our practice and retreat centers in Vermont, Colorado, Nova Scotia and France.



photo credit: Liza Matthews