Classes at the Shambhala Center

At the Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago, we offer a number of classes, from begining meditation courses, to courses in various contemplative art disciplines, courses to work with the body, and a series of courses and retreats called the Shambhala Buddhist Path.

The Shambhala Buddhist Path

The Shambhala Buddhist Path is a series of courses in which students are introduced to Buddhist and Shambhala teachings in the context of an ongoing meditation practice. The path includes a series of programs designed to stabilize and strengthen a student's meditation practice, and to clarify their understanding of the teachings. For more information about the Shambhala Buddhist Path and the courses we offer, click here.

Introductory Meditation Courses & Offerings

We offer a number of introductory classes.

Learn to Meditate is 3 hour course that teaches the basics of meditation.

Shambhala Training Level I is a beginning 1 and half day weekend program that offers meditation instruction, group discussions, and talks given by a teacher on the Shambhala teachings of basic goodness.

The Meditation in Everyday Life course is a 5 week series (2 hours on a weeknight) designed to provide students with the introductory tools and teachings for working with meditation in everyday life. In this course, simple instructions and support on mindfulness meditation practice are offered, which then can become part of our lives, bringing greater stability, strength, and clarity.

Open Houses - Beginners can receive free meditation instruction from a qualified Meditation Instructor or Guide, at the beginning of any of our open houses. (the first 15 minutes of the open house) For more information about open house times and locations, click here.

Contemplative Arts Courses

Contemplative Arts teach us to use our sense perceptions in bring about a state of wakeful awareness. At the Chicago Center we teach and practice Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), Miksang (contemplative photography), Mudra Space Awareness. We also have strong ties to Chicago's Kyudo (Japanese archery) community.

Body & Mind Courses

We periodically offer courses in various body disciplines, including Qigong classes as well as yoga and contemplative dance.

Other Courses

We also offer additional classes from time to time. These include visits by Tibetan teachers or Shambhala Acharyas (senior teachers), videotaped classes ( e.g. Pema Chödrön teachings), classes on various specialized topics, study groups and other classes felt to be beneficial at a particular time.