Basically Good
Shambhala Training
Every person is naturally good, warm-hearted, and intelligent—this is the foundation of the Shambhala teachings. These innate qualities of goodness, warmth, and intelligence are cultivated and nurtured through meditation practice. We can continue to develop them everyday life, radiating out to family, friends, our surroundings, and society.
The Shambhala path offers an introduction to meditation techniques and wisdom teachings rooted in the ancient tradition of Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhism.
As a structured meditation path, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators alike. The individual modules consist of weekend seminars and courses that build on one another and are led by experienced Shambhala teachers. However, weekend seminars and courses can also be attended independently.
“We must try to consider how we can help this world. If we don’t help, no one else will… To begin, we should make an effort to examine our own experience to see what it contains, in order to help ourselves and others improve their existence.”
Shambhala Training
5 Weekend Courses
The first five weekends of the Shambhala Path are called Shambhala Training. They are taught in Shambhala Centres worldwide according to the same curriculum and they provide comprehensive meditation training.
The Art of Being Human
Shambhala Training 1
In meditation, we learn to find inner peace and balance amidst the many challenges of daily life. We discover who we truly are, see the vibrancy of each moment, and gain the ability to engage with life’s situations awake and wholeheartedly. In doing so, confidence and gentleness arise within us, and we develop a sense of humor.
Birth of the Warrior
Shambhala Training 2
Meditation practice allows us to discover how we weave a cocoon of habitual patterns to cover up our fears and irritations. When we dare to step out of these patterns, we see the brilliance of the world while simultaneously perceiving our sensitivity and authenticity.
“Meditation here refers to something very fundamental and simple that is not tied to any particular culture: sitting on the ground, adopting a good posture, and developing a sense of our place in the world.”
(Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche)
Warrior in the World
Shambhala Training 3
We learn to apply the formal practice of mindfulness and awareness in everyday life. We awaken all our senses, develop mindfulness and openness, and perceive the world around us more vividly. On this basis, we experience the immediacy and fearlessness that arises.
Awakened Heart
Shambhala Training 4
When we allow openness and vulnerability in our communication with the world, it also means that the world can touch our heart and that our heart awakens through this connection. Free from habitual, rigid ideas and thought patterns, we encounter the world with clear senses.
Open Sky
Shambhala Training 5
When we communicate gently and fearlessly with the world, our awareness is sharpened, and we experience the open, clear sky of the mind: a delightful source of wisdom and uplifting energy. We have enough confidence in our true nature to let go and immerse ourselves in each moment.
“In silent sitting, as you follow the breath as it flows out and dissolves, you connect with your heart. You simply let yourself be as you are, and from that, genuine sympathy for yourself arises.”
(Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche)
Shambhala Training Events in the UK
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Dathun
Four-Week Retreat
Those who wish to continue after the Shambhala traininglevel 5 are recommended to participate in a Dathün (four-week retreat). The focus here is on intensive meditation practice and self-knowledge. It includes talks, meditation in action and 1-1 support for your meditation. These retreats are held in our Shambhala ‘land centres’ (in Europe this is Dechen Chöling). It is a great opportunity to meet people from other countries on the Shambhala path.
Not everyone is able to take a month off from their daily routine. There is also the option of completing two 14-day or four one-week retreats instead.
Sacred Path
The second part of the Shambhala Path consists of a series of weekend seminars and study courses. We delve deeper into the qualities of the ‘Four Dignities”: Tiger, Lion, Garuda and Dragon, study the corresponding Shambhala root texts and deepen our understanding of the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings.
Weekend Seminars
- Great Eastern Sun
- Windhorse
- Drala
- Tiger
- Snow Lion
- Garuda and Dragon
- Golden Key
Warriors Assembly
The conclusion of Shambhala Way Part 2 is Warriors Assembly, a 10-day seminar in a rural center (Dechen Chöling in France) with the focus on the following question: How can we implement what we have learned in the world in a helpful way?
Warriors Assembly brings together people from all over Europe, the USA and Canada and offers a great opportunity to network, develop ideas together and start initiatives.
Together We Thrive
We offer meditators in the South-West of the UK opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.
There are further opportunities available at the London Shambhala Centre and further afield in Shambhala Europe.