Frequently Asked Questions
Shambhala
What is Shambhala?
Shambhala is a global community of meditation and retreat centers founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and until summer 2018 was led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, who has now stepped aside from his teaching and administrative roles given accusations of sexual misconduct. To learn more about harms and community responses in Shambhala, see this page about international care initiatives in Shambhala.
Leaders and members of the Edmonton Shambhala Centre, and at the more than 200 Shambhala centers and groups around the world, are working closely and diligently on how to enhance safety, accountability, and kindness in our communities, which manifest some of the same patterns of hierarchy and harm as the societies that surround us.
Shambhala Centers offer courses in meditation and other contemplative arts and disciplines, and also host community gatherings, celebrations, and family events. Read and learn more about Shambhala.
What are the Shambhala Teachings?
Shambhala is rooted in the contemplative teachings of Buddhism. In the mid-1970s Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche began to introduce teachings on Shambhala vision. This tradition teaches how to live in the secular world with courage and compassion. Shambhala is a fresh expression of how human beings can bring the dignity and respect of the spiritual journey into our everyday life.
Our Shambhala Center
I have my own spiritual tradition. Can I learn meditation without becoming a Buddhist?
Yes. Meditation in Shambhala is compatible with every spiritual tradition and can benefit anyone.
In Shambhala, the vision of a decent and peaceful society includes people of all faiths and walks of life. Although some of our programs and events are open only to those who have fulfilled certain prerequisites, all are welcome at our center and at public programs.
Do I have to be a member to attend programs or practice meditation at the Edmonton Shambhala Center?
No. Everyone is welcome to attend meditation sessions and courses at our Centre. Note that for some activities and programs, attendance is limited based on certain prerequisites and one’s current meditation practice. This information is included in the program descriptions.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a member of the Shambhala Center, please visit the Membership page.
How diverse are you?
The global Shambhala community is diverse: our centres are located in different parts of the world, and reflect different nationalities, cultures, languages, ethnicities and races. People who come to our centres may have different religious faiths, follow different spiritual traditions or teachers, or have different paths of practice and opinions, including political views. They have different ages and genders, as well as different sexual orientations, and physical, perceptual and mental abilities.
What we share as a community is a desire to lead sane, dignified, and confident lives. Through the practice of meditation we cultivate the capacity to be fully open to our experience, and the ability to respond to everyday life situations with greater clarity and respect—respect not only for our life situations and ourselves, but for all individuals, social groups and cultures.
This does not mean that Shambhala is a perfect society. If you visit our Centre, you’ll see that we do not yet mirror the demographics of Edmonton. But please know that it is the intention—and stated policy—of all Shambhala centres to welcome everyone who enters. This intention is at the very core of the Shambhala Buddhist teachings. The Edmonton Shambhala Centre is open to everyone, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, indigeneity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, marital status, or income.
Is the center accessible to those with mobility limitations?
To our regret, there is a flight of stairs down to the Shambhala Centre, which we know represents a barrier to some participants.
Is there a cost for programs?
Although there is no cost to receive meditation instruction, or to simply come and meditate, for most evening classes and weekend programs there is a cost to attend. However, we do not want cost to be an obstacle for anyone: please see our Generosity Policy.
Can I visit the Edmonton Shambhala Center to see what it offers?
Yes, you are more than welcome to visit the Edmonton Shambhala Center: see the links under ‘Weekly Gatherings’ and ‘Courses’ above.
Learning to meditate
How can I learn about meditation at the Shambhala Center?
See Learn to Meditate.
What is a good way to develop a regular meditation practice?
Attending classes and weekend programs provides opportunity to learn about the path of meditation and its application to daily life. After receiving meditation instruction, it is helpful to have a daily meditation practice, morning or evening, for a set period of time. You can begin with short meditation sessions and increase your practice gradually over time.
