A Larger View of the Shambhala Path

There are a diversity of ways to connect and engage with our own basic goodness. Depending on our personal connection to any given expression of wakefulness, we may find ourselves inspired by various teachings and practices in the Shambhala tradition. Below are a few examples of how we might move through the terrain of the path at different points. We can begin by finding stability in meditation and continue onward from there.

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to learn more about any of these examples.

1. Stabilizing the Mind
The foundation for a mindful life and the foundation for the spiritual path
Hinayana, Meek

Meditation

Buddhadharma

Shambhala dharma

Societal dharmas

Contemplative arts and embodiment

Developing a regular personal practice

Joining group meditation sessions

Joining group study sessions

Programs:

  • Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies
  • Programs that engage with the topics below
  • Refuge Vow

Topics of study:

  • Four noble truths
  • Three marks of existence
  • Karma
  • Renunciation
  • Three jewels /Refuge

Programs:

  • The Art of Being Human
  • Birth of the Warrior
  • Warrior in the World
  • Contentment in Everyday Life
  • Basic Goodness 1: “Who Am I”

Programs:

Topics of Study:

  • Radical Responsibility
  • Right Use of Power
  • death and dying
  • aging
  • working with illness
  • child rearing

Programs:

  • Creative writing retreats
  • Calligraphy

Topics of study:

  • Four foundations of mindfulness
  • Awareness of place (interdependence, karma)

2. Opening the Heart
Strengthening energy and motivation to benefit our world
Mahayana:Relative bodhicitta, Perky

Meditation

Buddhadharma

Shambhala dharma

Societal dharmas

Contemplative arts and embodiment

Maintaining a personal practice incorporating compassion practices

Exploring intensive practice such as weekend or week long retreats

Programs:

  • The Profound Treasury, Mahayana
  • Programs that engage with the topics below
  • Bodhisattva Vow
  • Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies

Topics of study:

  • Relative bodhicitta
  • Paramitas
  • Lojong
  • Engaged Buddhism

 

Programs:

  • Awakened Heart Open Sky
  • Joy in Everyday Life
  • Basic Goodness 2: “How Can I help”

Programs:

Topics of study:

  • Communication
  • Fostering dialogue
  • working with conflict
  • Causes and consequences of prejudice

Programs:

  • Social Presencing Theater
  • Mudra Space Awareness
  • Social Meditation
  • Shambhala arts such as Ikebana, calligraphy

3. Fearless Awareness
The freedom and authentic presence of letting go
Mahayana: Ultimate bodhicitta,  Outrageous

Meditation

Buddhadharma

Shambhala dharma

Societal dharmas

Contemplative arts and embodiment

Maintaining a personal practice including compassion practice

Intensive practice such as dathun or month long retreats

Exploring guided or group Mahayana contemplation/ sadhana practices such as White Tara

Programs:

  • Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies
  • Sutrayana Assembly
  • Book groups working with the topics below

 

Topics of study:

  • Absolute bodhicitta
  • Shunyata
  • Buddha nature

Programs:

  • Fearlessness in Everyday Life
  • Wisdom in Everyday Life
  • Great Eastern Sun
  • Windhorse
  • Drala
  • Meek/Perky Outrageous/Inscrutable
  • Basic Goodness 3: “What is Real”

Programs:

Topics of study:

  • Taking part in Leadership positions at PVSC
  • Dorje Kasung

 

 

Topics of study:

  • Aimless wandering and Sit Spot
  • Perception exercises such as object placement
  • Dharma Art

4. Ordinary Magic
Dancing with the natural perfection of the cosmos
Vajrayana: Sacred World,  Inscrutable

Meditation

Buddhadharma

Shambhala dharma

Societal dharmas

Contemplative arts and embodiment

Maintaining a personal practice including compassion practice

Explore solo retreat practice

Group and personal Mahayana contemplation/ Sadhana, Sadhana of Mahamudra

Shared restricted practices such as Werma

 

Programs:

  • Sadhana of Mahamudra
  • Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies

Topics of Study:

  • Lineage and Devotion
  • Mandala
  • Journey without Goal
  • Entering the Vajra World

Programs

  • Golden Key
  • Warrior Assembly
  • Stroke Practice
  • Tiger Lion Garuda Dragon Glory
  • Werma transmission
  • Werma practice

Programs:

Topics of Study:

  • Society as energetic mandala (Basic Goodness 2)
  • Gender dynamics/ sexuality, applying masculine and feminine principles

Programs:

Working with energy in body and environment

  • Maitri
  • Five Wisdoms
  • Lujong
  • Qi Gong