Teachings

"The Shambhala teachings are unique in that they present a world that we do not abandon, but rather, engage in. We understand the vicissitudes of suffering while trying to nurture our inherent basic goodness and the Ashe, the confidence of all. These teachings encourage us not to have our private stash of spirituality hidden away. They say that a genuine spiritual practice is having no privacy and laying down one's life and mind for the welfare of others. This is what we call enlightened society, enlightened world, or the kingdom of Shambhala."

~ Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, from the Letter to the Sangha, 23 January, 2005

The teachings of the Shambhala path fall more or less into three main areas: Shambhala Training, Buddhist studies, and Nalanda.

Shambhala Training

Because the basic nature of our mind is calm and clear, once we begin to work with our mind and thoughts and fears through meditation, we begin to discover a sense of peacefulness and innate strength.

We can begin to bring out our innate human qualities which are often covered over by our fears and anxiety. We can learn to be more present in the moment, less fearful, more open, interested and warmhearted. Through all of this, we can learn to appreciate ourselves as we are, with all our imperfections and rediscover the beauty of the world.

In this way, the Shambhala Training programme can be said to be a discovery of what it means to really be human.

The core of the Shambhala Training programs is working with the practice of meditation. The practice of mindfulness/awareness meditation presented in Shambhala Training weekend programmes enables us to look precisely at our state of mind without trying to alter it. This practice cultivates openness toward ourselves and our environment, moment by moment.

To continue reading about Shambhala Training, click here.

Shambhala Buddhism

The Buddha taught that our experience of life is marked by confusion and frequently painful states of mind, brought about by our clinging to a sense of self, or ego. Underneath this confusion is our awakened state of mind, which is always there, and is merely covered up. This is known as Enlightenment. In the Buddhist view, spirituality is not about attaining some heavenly realm, but about working thoroughly with the basis of our existence, our minds, and our confusion, to begin to cut through the confusion and to uncover the wisdom that is always there. This is done through meditation. Thus, the entire Buddhist path is based on the discovery of egolessness and the maturing of insight and knowledge that comes from egolessness.

To continue reading about Buddhist study and practice, click here.

Nalanda

Shambhala society encompasses a number of secular disciplines and activities that integrate art and culture with everyday life. Each of these disciplines represents a genuine contemplative path; together, they bring beauty, vividness, and wisdom to our lives and culture.

These contemplative disciplines are grouped under the heading of Nalanda. Nalanda takes its name from an eleventh century Indian university that welcomed teachings and disciplines from many different traditions. In this same spirit, many groups and activities have developed within the Nalanda family. Shambhala cultural activities may be roughly grouped into four categories: the arts, health, education, and business. Some of these activities occur within structured organizations; others are pursued by individual practitioners with similar inspiration.

To continue reading about the Nalanda path of contemplative disciplines, click here.