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Weekly Programs for Newcomers
Please note that while there is no charge for our weekly introductions donations are warmly accepted. There is no need to RSVP or pre-register for the programs listed below, and all of them are open to the public; if you want to join our mailing list please click here.
Weekly Open House - Meditation and Dharma Talks
Every Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Community
Newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike gather for group sitting or meditation instruction, followed by an engaging lecture and discussion with one of our resident teachers. This is an excellent way for first-time visitors to get a glimpse of what we offer. Refreshments follow.
The Weekly Open House is a good introduction to how to work with your mind through meditation. The dharma teachers that lead discussion every Wednesday night teach on basic human emotions and how to relate meditation experience to your daily life. This is the most popular way for newcomers to introduce themselves to the Shambhala Center.
Practice
Join in a group practice of sitting meditation with experienced teachers, with free meditation instruction available.
Explore
Hear talks and participate in lively discussions on a wide range of topics relating Shambhala Buddhist teachings to everyday life. Enjoy special presentations on art, writing, music, yoga, and more by Shambhala community members. Learn more about the diverse programs offered at the Shambhala Center.
Connect
Get to know others who share your interest in meditation and the Shambhala Buddhist path.
UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES:
August 4 |
Charlie Trageser |
Meditation and Dharma Talk |
| August 11 |
Jim Rosen |
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August 18 |
Mark Diamond |
Recognizing our Insight |
| August 25 |
Charlie Trageser |
Meditation and Dharma Talk
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September 1 |
Mark Diamond |
Including the Kitchen Sink |
| September 8 |
Khenpo Gawang |
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Under Thirty Meditation Night
Every Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Meditation practice and Buddhist philosophy discussion with people under the age of thirty. This ongoing weekly practice session and discussion group provides an incredible opportunity to meet other young people from the Boston area. Anyone who already has a meditation practice in any Buddhist tradition, or would like to start one, is encouraged to attend. Meditation instruction is available, free of charge. The evening includes meditation instruction and sitting, a talk by a senior student of the community or discussion led by one of the Under Thirty regulars, and tea and cookies afterwards.
Public Sitting and Chants
Note: This will not be meeting again until September - see you then!
Every Wednesday and Thursday, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Our open practice consists of sitting meditation interspersed with periods of walking meditation and concludes with the evening chants. There is no need to preregister. The Open House and dharma talk immediately follows on Wednesday nights.
Nyinthun: Sunday Morning Meditation
Every Sunday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nyinthun begins at 9:00 AM with a short set of traditional group chants, including Buddha's well-known 'Heart Sutra.' Joining in the chants is optional. Sitting meditation is then interspersed with periods of walking meditation for the rest of the morning, which often includes a reading and ends at noon with ten minutes of closing chants. When the full or new moon coincides, participants are led in a vivid, powerful group practice called 'The Sadhana of Mahamudra,' written by the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Nyinthun is best experienced in its entirety, but people are free to arrive and leave at anytime. There is no need to preregister. Coffee, tea, and bagels or muffins are provided.
Community Contemplation and Meditation on Homelessness
This idea for a meditation arose from a community meeting about how to relate to homeless persons living around the Shambhala Center. Within this meeting, an awareness unfolded of the greater issues of homelessness in the Boston area, and meditation was dedicated to working with feelings of helplessness and groundlessness that these issues brought up.
This practice session has since been changed. An inspired group of community members are working together to organize specific groups or events which focus on this issue. If you are interested please contact us at info@shambhalaboston.org and we will connect you with the group.
The Heart of Recovery
Every Monday, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
A weekly meditation and sharing support group bringing together Buddhist meditation practice and the Twelve Steps. The group will meet weekly in the main shrine room to:
~ Welcome each other
~ Practice Shamatha Viphasyana (peace of mind, awareness of mind) meditation
~ Share our personal experience, strength and hope
We will use the principles of Council (a talking stick) practice and The Twelve Step traditions (no cross talk & anonymity) to:
~ Integrate the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to abstinence
'Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal; generosity where there was self-centeredness; community where there was isolation; joy where there was bitterness; trust where there was cynicism.'
~ Kevin Griffin, One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps
Open to all—Buddhist practitioners from all traditions and Twelve Step practitioners from all programs
Leader : Jeffrey M.
617.354.7555 (H) or 617.359.0056 (M)
LGBT Meditation Group
Every 2nd Sunday of the month at 7:00 PM
The LGBT meditation group offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for those interested in exploring the teachings of Buddhism. Each program includes group meditation, a dharma talk, discussion and socializing. The group is open to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Meditation instruction is available to those requesting it.
The group fosters a gay-friendly environment for genuine exploration of Buddhist teachings (dharma), providing a powerful path toward the development of maitri (friendliness), making friends with oneself and others in the most genuine way.
While the group is hosted by the Boston Shambhala Center, people of all spiritual-contemplative traditions are welcome. Guest speakers participate from various Buddhist centers around the country and New England, from Zen, Shambhala and Insight traditions to name a few.
To get details on the monthly meetings as well as special events, please email Bruce at windhorse13@gmail.com, or call the Shambhala Center: 617-734-1498.
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