Shambhala Training
Shambhala Training is a secular meditation program of weekend retreats offering experiential practices, teachings, contemplative arts, and physical disciplines. The emphasis is in developing a meditation practice and bringing meditation into everyday life. There are 5 introductory levels, 1-5, that are taken sequentially. These trainings were developed by the meditation master Chogyam Trungpa. In his book Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior, Trungpa presents the Shambhala Teachings which are based on Buddhist teachings but integrate a non-religious and ecumenical path to develop a present and awake relationship to our mind, each other, and our world.
Level 1 - The Art of Being Human
Through the practice of meditation, we glimpse unconditional goodness as the ground of our existence. Opening to ourselves with gentleness and appreciation, we begin to see our potential as genuine and compassionate human beings.
Level 2 - Birth of the Warrior
Having experienced a taste of basic goodness, we want to go forward. Meditation practice allows us to observe how we create a cocoon of habits to mask our fear. We begin to appreciate that there is no fundamental obstacle to experiencing basic goodness.
Level 3 - Warrior in the World
Developing fearlessness by examining our habitual tendencies, we are willing to experience our life without relying on the cocoon. We begin to engage the world directly and extend the attitude of fearlessness to our activities. Next Level 3 - TBA
With trust in basic goodness and daring to experience the sharp edge of reality, we move forward with gentleness, increased awareness, and inquisitiveness about the world, as it is. We can extend ourselves to others fully and with kindness. Next Level 4 - TBA
Level 4 - Awakened Heart
Communicating with the world gently and fearlessly, our awareness is sharpened and we find the open clear sky of mind—a delightful source of wisdom and uplifted energy. We trust our nature enough to let go into the present moment. Next Level 5 - TBA