Dharma Arts integrates art and culture with everyday life. The discipline of practicing any art form allows one to open and express one's creative self. With a calm mind, awareness and training of our perceptions, this opening permits experiencing the sacredness or brilliance and freshness of the world around us. Each discipline represents a genuine contemplative path; together they bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and culture.

Shambhala Art

Shambhala Art is art that springs from clear perception and pure expression. To artist or non-artist, the creative process often seems mysterious and magical.  How do we give a physical reality to some ephemeral inspiration or abstract truth? How do we create forms that communicate some essential nature beyond the limits of their container?  The Shambhala Art Program's purpose is to explore the creative process and the product we call art from the point of view of clear perception and pure expression.  It is about the source of inspiration, how the creative process manifests and finally how what we create communicates that inspiration. See also www.shambhalaart.org and join Shambhala Art on Facebook.

Miksang Contemplative Photography

Miksang is a Tibetan word that translates as "good eye." The Miksang Society offers a number of programs, courses and events that present a form of contemplative photography. This school of contemplative photography brings together the art of photography, the discipline of meditation and the Dharma Art teachings of the meditation master and scholar Chögyam Trungpa. See also www.miksang.org. and join Miksang on Facebook.

Kyudo

Kyudo means the way of the bow and can be described as a form of standing meditation. Under the direction of Shibata Kanjuro, Sensei and senior instructors, students learn an ancient form of archery using traditional Japanese bows. Kyudo is a form of meditation practice, not sport, and hitting the target is not considered important. The purpose of kyudo is to purify one's heart and mind to awaken the natural dignity of being human, beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion.

In Chicago, Fuko Kyudo (Windy Tiger) practices the Way of the Bow according to the instruction and leadership of Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XX. Vada Woods and Yasuo Ito are leading the group. Students interested in taking "First Shot" - the entry to this practice - should contact Yasuo Ito at 773-301-4378.

Ikebana

The students at our center practice Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging. Ikebana was originally developed in Zen temples. We conduct periodic classes at the center, given by a teacher of the Sogetsu school.

Mudra Space Awareness

This awareness practice is based on postures and movement from traditional Tibetan monastic dance. Simple yet demanding, these techniques train students in synchronizing body and mind, in relating with space, in maintaining awareness during intense activity, and in communication.

The center offers periodic classes and talks in Mudra. In addition, mudra excerises are done periodically in various classes.

Shambhala, Shambhala Meditation Center, and Shambhala Center are registered service marks of Shambhala International (Varjadhatu). Shambhala Training is a registered trademark of Shambhala/Nalanda Foundation.