PROGRAMME RETROSPECTIVE

This is a selection of events, programmes, classes and courses which have taken place at the London Shambhala Meditation Centre in recent years. To see current events, programmes, classes and courses select Public Programme from the menu.

OLD BROCHURES IN PDF FORMAT

2003

Spring (Sorry, Summer not available) Autumn Part 1 Autumn Part 2

2004

Spring

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sunday 18 September 2005

Harvest of Peace

A celebration of the Autumn Equinox

Our Shambhala community has adopted a tradition of celebrating the changes of the seasons. These occasions are called Nyida days or Sun and Moon days. The Harvest of Peace celebrates our Autumn Equinox, an opportunity for us to come together as a community and enjoy ourselves.

The day will begin with lunch at 1.00 p.m., please bring along a dish, savory or sweet. After lunch at we'll be having a talking circle, an opportunity for us to hear each others' thoughts. There will be a break before we here the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche's Harvest of Peace address to the international Shambhala community, through a telephone link with Shambhala Centres around the world.

Sunday 18 December 2005

Children's Day

Tuesday 28 February 2006

Shambhala Day

Year of the Fire Dog

Shambhala Day is the Shambhala community's celebration of the Tibetan New Year (Losar).

This year will be the Year of the Fire Dog.

Starting at dawn with the ceremonial opening of the shrine and a celebratory breakfast, activities will continue throughout the day until an evening reception.

6.30 AM	108 Gongs Shrine Opening and Opening Chants Celebratory Breakfast
8.30 AM	Sadhana of Mahamudra
9.30 AM	Free time (we may organise a sangha excursion)
2.00 PM	Children's Activities
3.00 PM	Shambhala News - Year of the Wood Bird: a 20 minute documentary video of events of the past year narrated by President Richard Reoch
3.30 PM	Elixir of Life Practice - The Sakyong has requested the sangha to do this practice on Shambhala Day
4.00 PM	Shambhala Day Address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche (by phone from Halifax, Nova Scotia)
5.00 PM	Shambhala Day Gifts and Distribution of Practice Books
6.00 PM	AGM of The London Shambhala Meditation Centre and Dharmadhatu Charities
7.30 PM	Shambhala Day Celebration - Music, food and drink

Sunday 12 March 2006

Milarepa Day

Milarepa Day is the Shambhala Community's annual celebration of the life and teachings of the great Tibetan meditation master Milarepa (1040-1123), famous for his mountain retreats and his spontaneous songs of realisation (dohas).

As usual, the core of the day is the recitation of the "Rain of Wisdom", a collection of realisation songs by Kagyü lineage masters including Milarepa, which was originally compiled by Mikyö Dorje, the eighth Karmapa, and which has been added to until the present day. The translation of this text into English was a labour of love by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

The day is scheduled from run from 9:30am to 7:30pm and will include lunch at the centre. There will be no charge, except to cover refreshments.

While tantrikas especially are encouraged to regard the day as a single complete practice, it is also possible to attend part of the day.

Everyone is invited to come. Please bring a copy of the Rain of Wisdom if you have one.

Sunday 4 June 2006

Mipham Practice

Mipham the Great was a towering figure in the Rime ("unbiased" or "non-sectarian") movement in the Tibetan Buddhism of the Nineteenth Century. Not only are his commentaries on all areas of the Buddhist teachings regarded as authoritative, he is an important source of the Shambhala Teachings, passed down to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche through his own principal teacher, Jamgön Kongtrül of Sechen.

On Sunday 4th, concurrent with events at Namdroling Monastery in India and elsewhere we will be celebrating the life and teachings of Mipham he Great through the practice of the Mipham the Great Guru Yoga which will form the conclusion of the community nyinthün and will be rounded off with a light reception. This will take place at 4.00 pm onwards.

Everyone (including beginners) is invited to attend!

Sunday 24 September 2006

Harvest of Peace

The Harvest of Peace is the Shambhala Community's celebration of the Autumn Equinox and also an opportunity for the centre to meet socially.

This year Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche will deliver a telephone address at 6.00 pm. There will also be a community meeting and a social celebration.

Further details to be confirmed.

Sunday 17 December 2006

Children's Day

It's fast approaching the darkest time of year and our annual celebration of the Winter Solstice - Children's Day - will be happening at the centre on the Sunday before the actual solstice (21 December).

We will start the day with lunch at 12.00, please bring your favourite snacks and drinks to prepare and share at the centre. After lunch we will put together our flashy, magnetising children's shrine for the enjoyment of all during the mid-winter time. Please let the children bring some of their special objects to place on the shrine. We also need contributions of Jelly Beans / M&M's / Smarties for the offering bowls and evergreen branches for a nice mid-winter backing (see below). Any other decorative items for the shrine or the room are welcome. (For some inspiration read about the first Children's day shrine at Kalapa Court with VCTR at The Chronicle Project. )

Other activities on offer on the day include making lanterns for a parade after dark, a cookie meditation, performance of the Jataka tale "The Rabbit in the Moon" and a Giving Ceremony. For this, please encourage the children to bring along a suitable gift, (it does not need to be new) to be sent to children living in harsher conditions.

All in all we hope the day will be a rich joyful gathering of sangha, young and old.

Everyone is invited, not just families! Please let Claire know what you can bring:

- Smarties / Jelly Beans / M&M's
- Evergreen branches
- Pack of tea-lights (candles)
- Mulled wine (for the adults)
- Materials for lanterns

Sunday 18 February 2007

Shambhala Day

Year of the Fire Pig

Our celebration of the Tibetan New Year starts with the ceremonial opening of the main shrine at dawn and proceeds throughout the day.

Schedule of Events

07:00 Sunrise Ceremony: 108 gongs and lhasang to welcome the New Year

07:45 Celebratory Breakfast

09:00 Sadhana of Mahamudra

09:45 Videos ("Realizing Confidence: Making of the Rigden Thangka" and "Year in Review" by President Richard Reoch)

10:45 Outing to Battersea Park Peace Pagoda

11:30 Battersea Park Peace Pagoda: Circumambulation and Recitation of the Heart Sutra

12:30 Lunch at the Pepper Tree (optional)

14:00 Children's Activities

14:00 (Simultaneously) Reshowing of Videos / Sitting Meditation

15:30 Elixir of Life Practice

16:00 Worldwide Shambhala Day Address: Phone link with address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

17:30 Tea

18:00 Community Blessing and Shambhala Day Gifts

18:15 AGM and Community Meeting

19:30 Dinner (£ 3:00 charge) and party

Everyone welcome!

Sunday 4 March 2007

Milarepa Day

The Glorious Flame of Blessings

Image of Milarepa

Milarepa Day is our annual celebration of the life of the great Tibetan meditation master Milarepa (1040-1123), famous for his mountain retreats and his spontaneous songs of realisation (known as (dohas)).

The practice centres around the group reading (in English) of the Rain of Wisdom, a collection of dohas by masters of the Kagyü lineage of Tibetan Buddhism sometimes interspersed with stories about their lives.

This practice will replace our regular community nyinthün activities.

The translation of this text into English was a labour of love by the Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who said, "Even reading one passage is better than going to a psychiatrist or taking a dose of aspirin. This is not a myth: from my personal experience these songs do provide a kind of staircase of liberation."

The practice will start at 9.30 am and will continue with breaks for lunch and tea served at the centre.

We expect to finish at about 7.30 pm, and may have a small reception afterwards.

All welcome.

Milarepa Day for Children (from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm)

In parallel with the main Milarepa Day activities children are warmly invited to join in with Milarepa Day for Children.

Our regular nyinthün mornings for children will transform into the first of hopefully many Bodhi School mornings, focused this time around the celebration of Milarepa Day.

(Bodhi School provides children with a spiritual education in the tradition of Shambhala Buddhism. Bodhi School lets children touch into their basic goodness in a nurturing and enjoyable environment and experience their world more fully, as a way to instill confidence and kindness. Each class explores a Buddhist or Shambhala theme through stories, games, crafts, child-oriented contemplations, mindful movement (like yoga), and a "juice and cookie ceremony". At present, Bodhi School is intended for children aged 4-11. Younger children are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian.)

This programme also provides a time for parents to meditate together with the Shambhala community.

We will join the Milarepa Day participants for a lunch of 'nettle' soup and other yogic delicacies!

For further details contact Claire van Rhyn 079 565 88682 or claire.vanrhyn@virgin.net

All welcome!

Thursday 21 June 2007

Midsummers Day

Tuesday 26 June 2007

London Shambhala Youth Night

Meditation practice and Buddhist philosophy discussion with people aged 16 to early 30s.

This practice session and discussion group provides an incredible opportunity to meet other young people from the London 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 discussion about a Buddhism, and tea and cookies afterwards.

Friday 29 June 2007

Nalanda Sausages and Mish-Mash

Ever thought of combining Singing with Calligraphy? Or Haiku with Elocution? Well the day hath come! Please join the London Shambhala creative community for our monthly Mish-Mash (Official title to be brewed up during sessions).These creative sessions will take place on the Friday evening before the Nyinthün from 19.00 unless otherwise advertised. The evenings are open to all, old and new. Bring your creative prowess in whatever flavour and see how it can translate into another creative language. Try out the Vidyadhara's stage plays, his vocal exercises or lets concoct our own. It's about what happens to that bravery called creativity once it's left your mouth / pen / body / brush etc. A self-catering, celebratory Friday night thang...

Wednesday 15 August 2007

Sakyong Wangmo Empowerment Community Celebration

On 15 August 2007 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche will perform a spiritual empowerment for Khandro Tseyang to assume the role of Sakyong Wangmo of Shambhala. The Sakyong Wangmo, or Earth Protector Lady, is the manifestation of feminine energy of gentleness and peace that we all possess. Representing the accommodating quality of space, which is the wisdom of basic goodness, the Sakyong Wangmo is an example of how to be a warrior. In the words of the Druk Sakyong Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, "space is the mother principle, which safeguards against the development of ego's impulse."

The many-faceted role of the Sakyong Wangmo in Shambhala society includes cultivating peace and harmony through communication and through encouraging true sophistication and elegance. By radiating gentleness and warmth, the Sakyong Wangmo promotes enlightened leadership and uplifts our world by joining all of us in a celebration of basic goodness.

We will be celebrating this joyous occasion by gathering and practising together as a community by reciting the Supplication to the Mother Lineage, doing a contemplation practice honouring the empowerment of Khandro Tseyang as Sakyong Wangmo, and afterwards having a celebratory reception which will include a reading from the booklet The Sakyong Wangmo Empowerment: Celebrating the Feminine Principle. Please come and celebrate this current of feminine energy joining our sangha.

Wednesday 26 September 2007

Slideshow: The History of Ikebana

with Marcia Shibata

Join our regular Wednesday open evening for a slideshow and commentary on the history of Ikebana by MARCIA SHIBATA, well known Kado / Ikebana instructor. This is a taster for the upcoming Kado workshop and is open to all.

Sunday 30 September 2007

Harvest of Peace

Our Shambhala community has adopted a tradition of celebrating the changes of the seasons. These occasions are called Nyida days ("Sun and Moon" days). The Harvest of Peace celebrates the Autumn Equinox, and is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and enjoy ourselves.

The day is expected to include a telephone address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Futher details will be posted in due course.

Tuesday 27 November 2007

London Shambhala Youth Night

Meditation practice and Buddhist philosophy discussion with people aged 16 to early 30s.

Friday 30 November 2007

Nalanda Mish-Mash

This month sees the MishMash evening take the form of a warm-up for the weekend programme: Meditation, Movement and Space - Improvising From the Inside Out with Steve Clorfeine.We will be playing / working with a improv-method called the Red Square to loosen up our relation with space. All welcome to join even if you are not planning to join the entire weekend programme. MishMash remain, as always, a free, self-catering, celebratory Friday night thang...

WHAT IS MISHMASH? Ever thought of combining Singing with Calligraphy? Or Haiku with Elocution? Well the day hath come! Please join the London Shambhala creative community for our monthly Mish-Mash.These creative sessions will take place on the Friday evening before the Nyinthün from 19.00 unless otherwise advertised. The evenings are open to all, old and new. Bring your creative prowess in whatever flavour and see how it can translate into another creative language. It's about what happens to that bravery called creativity once it's left your mouth / pen / body / brush etc.

Sunday 16 December 2007

Children's Day

2pm-5pm

Calling all parents, families, children and friends. Our annual celebration of the Winter Solstice - Children's Day - will be happening at the London Shambhala centre on the Sunday before the actual solstice (21 December). Everyone is invited, not just families!

Activities will include:

- decoration of the children's shrine

- drama games

- crafts including making lanterns

- a giving ceremony

- lantern procession

The event is FREE but please bring:

- some food/drink/snacks to share

- clear glass jars for lanterns if you have any

- a small cash donation from the children (see below)

- your child's choice of special object to place on the shrine

If anyone can bring some of the following it would also be appreciated (please let Tessa know what you can bring):

- Smarties / Jelly Beans / M&M's

- evergreen branches

- decorations for shrine

- pack of tea-lights (candles)

- mulled wine

Giving ceremony: In the past we have asked the children to bring one of their toys to give away. This year we are suggesting they bring a small donation of money which will be given to the Tibet Relief Fund to buy warm winter clothes for Tibetan refugee children in India. This could be 50 pence or five pounds, but we suggest that the money should come from the child in some way (apart from very small children), whether from their pocket money or perhaps money they earn through doing a chore or sponsored activity.

Join us for a joyful celebration at this darkest time of the year!

For more info: Tessa Watt 07890361531 (tessawatt@hotmail.com)

Friday 1 February 2008

Nalanda Sausages and Mish-Mash

Fix Up Look Sharp !

Ever thought of combining Singing with Calligraphy? Or Haiku with Ellocution? Well the day hath come! Please join the London Shambhala creative community for our monthly Mish-Mash.

These creative sessions will take place on the Friday evening before the Nyinthün from 19.00 unless otherwise advertised. The evenings are open to all, old and new. Bring your creative prowess in whatever flavour and see how it can translate into another creative language. Try out the Vidyadhara's stage plays, his vocal exercises or lets concoct our own. It's about what happens to that bravery called creativity once it's left your mouth / pen / body / brush etc. A self-catering, celebratory Friday night thang...

Join the upcoming MishMash evening on Friday 1 February, for an 'energizing' of the centre before Shambhala Day (the celebration of the new year).

The group will discuss principles of object arrangement and spend some time applying these principles to energizing the centre's rooms to welcome in the Year of the Earth Mouse!

If you are interested in bringing art into your everyday life, this will be useful practice and an offering to the centre at the same time!

Plan to be there for 7.30pm. The usual self catering arrangements apply (please bring drinks and snacks)

For more info call Claire on 079 565 88682.

Open to all

Thursday 7 February 2008

Shambhala Day

Year of the Earth Mouse

Our celebration of the Tibetan New Year starts with the ceremonial opening of the main shrine at dawn and proceeds throughout the day.

Schedule of Events

07:30 sharp Sunrise Ceremony: 108 gongs and lhasang to welcome the New Year

08:00 Celebratory Breakfast

09:30 Sadhana of Mahamudra

10:30 Free social time

15:00 Elixir of Life Practice

16:00 Worldwide Shambhala Day Address: Phone link to Halifax for the address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

17:00 Community Meeting including: review of past year and preview of the next; Charity AGM; Appointments and retirements; Presentation to Joy and Werner Wuensche for service to the Centre; Community Blessing Ceremony

19:00 Celebration: Please bring food to share.

We hoping to organise some children's activities after 4.00 pm.

Everyone welcome

Sunday 17 February 2008

Milarepa Day

The Glorious Flame of Blessings

Image of Milarepa

The practice will start at 9.30 am and will continue with breaks for lunch and tea served at the centre.

All welcome.

Friday May 2 and Saturday May 3 2008

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche: Public talk and Meditation Workshop

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche with his wife Khandro Tseyang

We are very pleased to announce that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche will be giving public teachings in London in May 2008.

Based on the teachings from his most recent book Ruling Your World, Rinpoche will present how to move through life with windhorse - the innate ability to attain success that comes from acting virtuously.

For full details of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche's teachings in London, please see our visit web pages.

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Shambhala Day

Year of the Female Earth Ox

Our celebration of the Tibetan New Year starts with the ceremonial opening of the main shrine at dawn and proceeds throughout the day.

Draft Schedule of Events

07:00 Sunrise Ceremony: 108 gongs and lhasang to welcome the New Year

07:30 Celebratory Breakfast

09:00 Sadhana of Mahamudra

10:00 Free Social Time

15:00 Elixir of Life Practice

16:00 Worldwide Shambhala Day Address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche (via phone conference link).

18:00 Community Meeting including formal AGM of the Charitable Company

19:00 Celebration.

Please note that this is a draft schedule and the final schedule may change slightly except for the Sunrise Ceremony, the Shambhala Day Address and the Community Meeting/AGM.

Everyone welcome!

Saturday 2 May 2009

Shambhala Arts: Contemplative Art Talks and Demonstrations

These art forms, inspired by the meditative tradition of Shambhala Buddhism, communicate how to slow down to find time to be with yourself and the world around you.

Demonstrations and talks will include:

10:00 - Kalapa Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging);

11:45 - Miksang (contemplative photography);

14:00 - Calligraphy (meditative script);

15:30 - Kyudo (Zen archery).

Slow Down London Logo This programme is part of Slow Down London, a campaign and festival from April 24th to May 4th 2009 across London.

Slow Down London aims to inspire Londoners to challenge the cult of speed and to appreciate the world around us. It will give people a chance to explore slow music and arts; to try meditation and yoga; to sample slow food and crafts; to discover 'slow travel' in our own city; to debate ideas about time and pace; and to find our own ways to create more sense of space in our lives.

Sunday 20 September 2009

Harvest of Peace

On Sunday September 20th we will be celebrating Harvest of Peace at the London Shambhala Meditation Centre.

The event, held around the time of the autumn equinox, is an opportunity for local communities to gather, hear teachings by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and celebrate the riches of our local cultures and heritage. Everyone is welcome. In the afternoon The Sakyong will address the international community through a live broadcast to Shambhala Centres around the world, and this is followed by a celebratory reception in the evening.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

10:00 am-12:30 pm - sitting

12:30pm - 3:00pm - Harvest of Peace celebration with food and drink, including family activities

3:30pm - 4:30pm - Community Discussion

5:00pm - International Address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

6:30pm - Celebratory gathering

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Tenshuk Celebrations

Please join us at the London Shambhala Meditation Centre on Tuesday 10th November for a special evening to celebrate the Tenshuk (long life ceremony) for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. This is the culmination of a period of practices we've been conducting as a global community in honour of the Sakyong's upcoming year-long retreat.

The evening will start at 7:30 pm and will include chants, sitting practice, and video highlights of the ceremonies being conducted earlier in the day by His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche in Halifax, Canada.

This event will replace our regular Tuesday sitting meditation practice, and is open to all. Newcomers will be offered meditation instruction as usual.

We hope to see you there!

Sunday 13 December 2009

Children's Day

Calling all parents, families, children, young people and friends. Our annual celebration of the Winter Solstice - Children's Day - will be happening at the London Shambhala Centre on Sunday 13th December. Everyone is invited, not just families!

Activities will include:
• making a life-size Shambhala King & Queen
• a paper 'lineage chain'
• a giving ceremony
• sky lanterns
• food and drink

The event is free, but please bring:
• some rich food to share
• a small cash donation from the children (see below)
• items to dress king & queen (clothing, jewellery, crowns, 'hair' and other riches) - items can represent qualities of an enlightened ruler / buddha-nature.

If you can also bring some of the following it would also be appreciated. Please let Claire know what you can bring:
• tights + stuffing (newspaper, hay, synthetic stuffing, fabric scraps) to build King and Queen with.
• staplers or tape for lineage chains
• sweets for bowls, and one set of bowls (5 bowls the same type)
• tea lights and holders
• matches
• evergreen boughs
• mulled wine
• hot chocolate
• sky lanterns (http://www.nightskylanterns.co.uk)

Giving ceremony: This year we are suggesting the children bring a small donation of money for the Surmang Foundation which provides much-needed medical services in eastern Tibet, especially helping to prevent women and small children from dying in childbirth and infancy. (www.surmang.org) This could be fifty pence or five pounds, but we suggest that the money should come from the child in some way (apart from very small children), whether from their pocket money or perhaps money they earn through doing a chore or sponsored activity.

Join us for a joyful celebration at this darkest time of the year!

Sunday 14 February

Shambhala Day

Year of the Iron Tiger

Image of Tiger Eye

Our celebration of the Tibetan New Year starts with the ceremonial opening of the main shrine at dawn and proceeds throughout the day.

Draft Schedule of Events

07:00 Sunrise Ceremony: 108 gongs and lhasang to welcome the New Year

07:30 Celebratory Breakfast

09:00 Sadhana of Mahamudra

10:00 (approx) Sitting meditation / Free Social Time / Trip to V&A / Treasure Hunt (?)

12:30 (approx) Lunch (on or off the premises)

14:00 Film show

16:00 Community Meeting including formal AGM of the Charitable Company

17:00 Elixir of Life Practice

18:00 Worldwide Shambhala Day Address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche (via the Internet).

19:00 (approx) Community Blessing Ceremony

19:00 + Celebration and Music: Please bring food to share.

Further details to be announced. Please note that the address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is two hours later than announced earlier.

Wednesday 17 February

London Shambhala Youth Night

Under Thirty Meditation Night

Meditation practice and Buddhist philosophy discussion with people under the age of thirty. This practice session and discussion group provides an incredible opportunity to meet other young people from the London 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 discussion. Tea, cookies, and perhaps a trip to a local pub afterwards.

Sunday 28 February

Milarepa Day

The Glorious Flame of Blessings

Image of Milarepa

The translation of this text into English was a labour of love by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who said, "Even reading one passage is better than going to a psychiatrist or taking a dose of aspirin. This is not a myth: from my personal experience these songs do provide a kind of staircase of liberation."

The practice will start at 9.30 am and will continue with breaks for lunch and tea served at the centre.

All welcome.

4 August

London Shambhala Youth Nights

This ongoing practice session and discussion group provides an incredible opportunity to meet other young people from the London 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, sitting, reading and discussion. Tea, cookies, and a possible trip to the local pub afterwards.

This night occurs every other Wednesday night starting from the 17 February 2010. Please note: Youth Nights will not be taking place during July 2010.

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

Friday 26 to Sunday 28 November 2004

Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness

with Jim Scott

A weekend programme starting Friday 26 November at 7.30pm and continuing on 27 and 28 November

The stages of meditation represent a progression from gross to subtle. It is like the example of a person being instructed on how to find a needle on a mountain. First he needs to know the general direction of the mountain for which he needs a large-scale map. Once he has found the mountain he needs a small-scale map in order to find the exact location. It may lie near a large rock, for example. On nearing the rock he can be shown the exact tree under which it lies. On arriving under the tree he needs the exact place pointed out. Finally, however, it is with his own eyes that he has to find it. In the same way the early stages of the meditation progression bring one nearer and nearer to the true realisation of emptiness, but finally it is through one’s own direct perception that it is seen.

This weekend will be taught by Jim Scott, who is one of Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rimpoche’s most senior translators. It will comprise of a set of talks and meditations on emptiness and luminosity. This course is a requirement for students wishing to attend Sutrayana and Vajrayana Seminary. It is recommended that those wishing to attend acquire Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche’s book of the same title and read it beforehand.

This weekend is mainly intended for students who have already undertaken some study, but beginners are welcome too.

Friday 10 to Sunday 12 December 2004

Sign and Symbol: Seed and Syllable

A Shambhala Art programme with Acharya David Schneider

How is 'meaning' conveyed? How is it condensed? What happens when it's expanded? How can something 'stand' for something else? How do artists use this? How do merchants use it? And what in the world does Trungpa Rinpoche mean by 'symbolism?' If one or all of these questions interests you, please join us for a weekend of meditation, discussion, sensory awareness and ink-slinging.

It would be excellent if participants could read, in advance of the weekend, pages 32-79, from "Dharma Art." by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications

Open to all. (Please book in advance.)

30 January to 1 February 2005

PRISON DHARMA

with Fleet Maull

We are pleased to present a weekend programme on Prison Dharma. It will be presented by Fleet Maull, an ex-prisoner, and founder of the Prison Dharma Network. This is an organisation dedicated to supporting prisoners in the practice of contemplative disciplines, with emphasis on meditation practice. They regard the path of wakefulness and non-aggression as an ideal means of self-rehabilitation and transformation.

All are warmly invited to this programme, particularly those with an interest in working with prisoners.

Saturday 6 February to Sunday 8 February

THE UNION OF SHAMATHA AND VIPASHYANA

With Acharya David Schneider

Full awakening is not possible until we have realized the inherent unity of shamatha and vipashyana. Being on the dot is only possible when we appreciate the whole space of our existence. Opening to our world comes from being fully present and alive to who we are. Traditionally, we practise these qualities of precision and vastness as if they were separate and gradually blend them together. Finally, we realize they have never been apart.

This weekend continues to deepen our practice of shamatha, and offers glimpses of vipashyana and its union with shamatha.

Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May 2005

Crazy Lineage: Life Stories of the Kagyü Siddhas

with Ashe Acharya John Rockwell

The father's mad and the son is mad—the whole lineage is crazy!
At the top you've got great Dorje Chang—he's a total wacko,
My great-grandpa, Tilo Sher Zang, was a complete loony,
My grandfather, Naro Panchen, had bats in the belfry!
My dear old dad, Marpa Lotsa, was called "el loco gordo",
And as for me, Milarepa, well I'm just plain insane!

Milarepa singing to Dampa Sanggye of India

We are constantly telling our story: recounting our colourful confusions, our flashes of insight, and our ongoing journey. In the Buddhist tradition, studying the life stories of great masters is a powerful way of clarifying our path. Their stories embody the teachings such that we can identify with their earthy, human qualities and see their unique wisdom in how they woke up from their confusion.

In this weekend, we will look at the stories of Tilopa who went straight to the dakinis and Vajradhara for empowerment; Naropa the great pandita who left the ivory towers of Nalanda to encounter the naked truth; Marpa the translator, businessman, father, husband, and teacher who did it all to bring the dharma to Tibet; Milarepa who practised with one-pointed devotion as if his hair was on fire; Gampopa, the physician monk who gathered so many students that monastic institutions began to develop; and finally the Karmapas who have ruled the Karma Kagyü lineage as dharma kings up to the present day.

Ashe Acharya John Rockwell came to the dharma in 1975, having had his "heart and life blown wide open by a near death experience" when he almost drowned. Soon after that, he met Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche at Karmê Chöling and became his student. John was the Director of Shambhala International in Nova Scotia for five years. Now, John spends his time doing a bit of everything: teaching, translating and working on curriculum.

The morning of Sunday 1 May coincides with the monthly Nyinthün practice and will be a self-contained community event (children welcome upstairs). It is likely that a number of new practices will be introduced on this occasion.

Open to all.

N.B. In addition to this public programme, a separate Vajrayana programme will be taught by Acharya Rockwell on Monday 2 May (Bank Holiday).

Sunday 8 May 2005

Family Meditative Arts Day

with Kerry MacLean

The day will cover talks on family meditation in the morning, on how meditation helps children by creating a peaceful place inside and how to - realistically - get your kids to sit with you. In the afternoon, there will be sessions of calligraphy, yoga, ikebana and haiku. Childcare will be provided in the morning. There will be a picnic in the park for lunch (please bring some food to share).

The day is recommended for families as well as adults interested in working with children.

Kerry MacLean is a senior student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Open to everyone

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 May 2005

Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche

The Moon of Wisdom

We are delighted and honoured to welcome back Khenpo Rinpoche, who will teach from his new book, The Moon Of Wisdom (Snow Lion Publications). The book is based on chapter six of Chandrakirti's "Entering the Middle Way" and also draws on the commentary on Chandrakirti's verse from the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje's "Chariot of the Takpo Kagyü Siddhas". The Moon Of Wisdom explains the Buddha's ultimate teachings, how to gain confidence in them, and how to put them into practice in one's own life.

Copies of the book will be available before the programme and participants are strongly recommended to obtain one, as Khenpo Rinpoche teaches extensively from the text. To reserve a book, please contact the programme coordinators.

Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche is one of the foremost living masters of the Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions in Tibetan Buddhism.

A public programme open to everyone.

Friday 24 - Saturday 26 June 2005

Dissolving Separation: Working with Groups

with John Seex

This weekend is for anyone who works with groups, including discussion group leaders, people who chair or lead meetings and anyone involved in community meetings.

In any group there is a tension between the desire to separate and the desire to merge. The weekend will look at how to work with this tension: how we hold ourselves back and how to go beyond into open space and how the facilitator can support this process. It will look at the nature of group life, models of group process, facilitation skills, how to deal with conflict and how to encourage the development of group mind, where people let go of "I am my position/thought" to entering into a common pool of experience. We will include sitting meditation, experiential group process, experiential exercises and talks.

Saturday 10 September 2005

Kado, the Way of Flowers

with Josef Prelis

In 2004 Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche gave his blessing to the formation of a school of Japanese flower arrangement dedicated to the transmission of the wisdom of Shambhala Buddhism on egolessness and basic goodness. He named this school "Shambhala Kado Europe".

Shambhala Kado Europe is a school of ikebana that emphasises the practice aspect of flower arranging, based on the teachings of Shambhala Buddhism.

Working with flowers becomes a way of training our perceptions and connecting us with the world in a direct and vivid way. This course is suitable both for beginners and previous students. It is essential to pre-register as numbers are limited and we also need to calculate how much material is needed.

JOZEF PRELIS is a long-term student of Shambhala Buddhism and an experienced kado practitioner and teacher.

Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October 2005

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche: Vast Heart, Profound Mind

We are very pleased and honoured to host the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

Rinpoche will explain the complete path of the Mahayana by presenting teachings on the unique outlook and practices of Buddhism’s “Great Vehicle”. Rinpoche will draw on the wisdom of traditional Indian and Tibetan texts, the pithy oral instructions of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages, as well as explanations of the songs of realization of Milarepa, the famed Tibetan yogi.

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is acknowledged as one of the foremost scholars of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyü schools of Tibetan Buddhism. A prolific author and teacher, Rinpoche has dedicated himself to the preservation of traditional Buddhist traditions in the East and to the support the establishment of a genuine transmission of Buddhism to the West.

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche will be assisted by Acharya Kelsang Wangdi.

Friday 7 to Sunday 9 October 2005

Shambhala Training Level One

The Shambhala Training path of study and practice begins with the Heart of Warriorship programme. This consists of five weekend programmes ("levels") which offer meditation instruction and practice, talks on the Shambhala teachings, group discussions and interviews.

Completing the Heart of Warriorship provides the tools you need to establish a personal meditation discipline and take the basic principles of warriorship forward into your daily life. Beginning with a free public talk on the Friday evening, Level One introduces the rich Shambhala tradition, which inspires and encourages us to explore and celebrate what it is to be human. During the weekend we begin to work with the practice of meditation which allows this gentle exploration to take place. Level One offers both a good introduction for complete beginners and a fresh inspiration for those who may already have some experience of meditation within their own spiritual traditions.

The weekend begins with a free introductory talk on Friday at 7.30pm, and continues on Saturday from approximately 9am-6pm, starting with breakfast and going out for an evening meal.Sunday continues from 9am ending with a reception at roughly 7pm.

Friday 9 to Sunday 11 December 2005

Dakini Wisdom

with Acharya Judith Simmer-Brown

The practice of meditation uncovers our fundamental wisdom, the intimate understanding of vastness at the heart of experience known as the feminine principle. In the experience of men and women, this vastness arises as fearless wisdom symbolized by the dakini, the sky- dancing goddess of Tibetan Buddhism. Through an exploration of the dakini, we may access our own vast wisdom beyond gender--and yet discover new meaning in our embodied, passionate lives as women and men. This weekend explores the dakini's wisdom lessons through sitting practice, guided meditations, talks, and discussion groups.

ACHARYA JUDITH SIMMER-BROWN, Ph.D., is a professor of Buddhist Studies at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where she has taught since 1978. A student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, she is the author of Dakini’s Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism (Shambhala 2001).

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 January 2006

Fearless Buddha, Peaceful Warrior

This weekend introduces in a “pithy” fashion who we are and what we do at the Shambhala Centre. There will be talks on shamatha meditation and also on each of the three yanas (or paths) of the Buddhadharma, including tantra or vajrayana. An overview of the Shambhala Training path is also presented.

Fearless Buddha, Peaceful Warrior gives a complete picture of our Shambhala world. It is recommended for all newer students, but will also be helpful for more experienced ones, and is a pre-requisite for Sutrayana Seminary.

Peter Conradi is a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He is the author of several books, including Going Buddhist and Iris: A Biography.

Saturday 8 April 2006

The Four Noble Truths

This one-day public study course will present an overview of the first teaching of the Buddha, the four noble truths. The course is ideal for those new to the Buddhist teachings as there is no requirement for any prior learning. The day will include guided meditation practice, talks and discussion. Course notes will be provided.

Saturday 20 May 2006

Ego, Emptiness and Compassion

A one-day Buddhist programme

This programme will look at the significance of ego and suffering in Buddhism. It will explore the notions of egolessness and emptiness, both conceptually and experientially, and go on to relate them to compassion. The core of Buddhism is the union of emptiness and compassion and we will try to understand what that means to us.

The teacher for this programme, Orhun Cercel, is a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and the head of the Buddhist Gate in the London Shambhala Centre. Currently he works as a counsellor and acupuncturist.

Saturday 3 June 2006

Family and Children's Meditation Workshop

with Kerry Lee Maclean

This will be a follow up to the very successful Family and Children's Meditative Arts Day from last year. Kerry MacLean from the US will once again be guiding us through the sometimes seemingly impossibly tasks of combining mindfulness and awareness in our daily family lives.

Saturday morning will start at 9.00 AM and will consist of a talk for parents on how meditation helps children by creating a peaceful place inside, with helpful instructions for starting to practise meditation with children. In the afternoon there will be plenty of fun mindfulness exercises for parents and children including calligraphy, haiku, tai chi / yoga, kado (flower arrangement) and object arrangement. We will have lunch together either in the centre, or if weather permits, maybe on Clapham Common, so please bring along some of your favourite dishes to share. We expect the day to end at approximately 5.00 PM.

The day is open to sangha and non-sangha alike, parents, teachers and others working with children, so please bring along your interested friends and family. All ages welcome.

On Sunday (which is also the June community nyinthün day) the morning activities will continue from 10.30-12.30 as always with sitting while the children, parents and Kerry explore further. We will again share a lunch, this time with nyinthün participants at the centre.

Both these days will be self staffing.

KERRY MACLEAN is a senior student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. She is also teaching around Europe during May and will be leading the Family Camp and Rights of Passage programme this summer at Dechen Chöling.

Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 July 2006

Meditation, Movement and Space

Improvising From the Inside Out with Steve Clorfeine

We will start with the fundamental tools of movement-theatre - stillness, silence and space. This calls forth the contrast between empty space and the qualities we project onto it. How can we be ourselves on the spot and embody what we want to communicate? We will practise with voice, sound, and movement. Our work will focus on being and doing in both ordinary and theatrical space and time, exploring our natural strengths, doubts, attractions and inhibitions.

Please bring a notebook and wear comfortable clothing.

Long standing collaborations include work with Lanny Harrison, Jerry Granelli, Arawana Hayashi, Brenda Bufalino, Jay Clayton, Steve Gorn, Barbara Bash. Steve is the co-founder of Sky Lake Lodge, a Shambhala land centre for meditation, arts and community; and the former Chair of the Shambhala Arts Council. (Steve Clorfeine will also give a talk and book-signing on the evening of Monday 17th July)

Friday 11 to Sunday 13 August 2006

Breakthrough with the Brush

Japanese Calligraphy with Kazuaki Tanahashi

Calligraphy by Kazuaki Tanahashi Drawing a line with a brush is a wonderful way to work with our body and mind. While being in touch with our own anxiety, frustration, and self-criticism, we will follow the traditional way of learning brushwork. We will learn the basic skills and creative process of brushwork by reproducing ideograms from ancient Chinese masterpieces. There will also be time to interpret these works and improvise. We will witness mindfulness, surprise and joy while contemplating how healing and breakthroughs work in our body, mind, society, and the environment. The brushes and materials will be provided by the instructor. No previous experience of brushwork is needed.

Friday will be an open evening of peace poems and East Asian calligraphy and can be attended separately from the rest of the weekend.

KAZUAKI TANAHASHI, a calligrapher, painter, and writer, originally from Japan, has had solo exhibitions of brushwork internationally. His publications include Brush Mind; Penetrating Laughter: Hakuin's Zen and Art; Moon in a Dewdrop: Writings of Zen Master Dogen; Enlightenment Unfolds: Essential Teachings of Zen Master Dogen; and Beyond Thinking: A Guide to Zen Meditation: Zen Master Dogen.

A printable (PDF) brochure for the programme is available here.

Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 October 2006

Kado: The Way of Flowers

Ikebana as Meditation with Jozef Prelis

In 2003 Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche gave his blessing to a new school of ikebana "Shambhala Kado Europe" founded by Marcia Wang Shibata and based on the teachings of Shambhala Buddhism. The purpose of this school is not merely to make beautiful arrangements, but to work with classical ikebana forms as a way of training our perceptions, allowing us to see ourselves clearly and connect with the world vividly and directly.

Jozef says of this programme: "This weekend is not just an extended workshop, or a weekend version of what I did on the previous Kado days in London. I intend to make it into a real full fledged Kado programme, with demonstration, several talks, and teachings going beyond just technique (of course the basic forms will be taught and practised as the "meat" or bulk of the programme). I think it is important for people to know this, especially for those who have done one or two of the workshop days with me before, since this is really a replacement programme for the programme that Marcia would have taught. However, since we always start from the beginning - square one - absolute beginners are welcome and will not feel lost (especially since it will be a small group, there should really be space and time to work with everyone at their specific level)." ,

This course will include periods of meditation, for which instruction will be given.

(Please note that Marcia Wang Shibata will not be able to participate in this programme as previously advertised because her husband has been involved in a serious accident.)

Weekend participants should bring cutters if possible and send a £10 deposit to Maggie Fealdman: 60 Denison Close, London N2 0JU as numbers are limited. Cheques should be made payable to: London Shambhala Meditation Centre.

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 October 2006

The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One

The weekend will be led by Jane Hope, a senior student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November 2006

Venerable Gyetrül Jigme Rinpoche: Gesar of Ling

We are delighted to welcome Gyetrül Jigme Rinpoche for his first visit to our centre.

Gyetrül Jigme Rinpoche has received extensive teachings on Gesar of Ling from his father, His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, head of the Ripa lineage of Nyingma Vajrayana Buddhism. These include terma teachings known as the "New Treasures Cycle".

Gyetrül Jigme Rinpoche is the Abbot of Rigon Thupten Mindrolling Monastery in Orissa, India, and is the initiator and supervisor of several development projects for the welfare of Tibetan refugee camps in the area.

In addition, he is the eldest brother of Khandro Tseyang, and is therefore the brother-in-law of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

The legend of King Gesar of Ling has existed among Tibetans for over a thousand years. King Gesar represents the principle of warriorship – in the sense of realising the power, dignity and wakefulness inherent in all human beings. As a king, Gesar represents the embodiment of enlightened wisdom in the worldly realm. Gesar is of special importance in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and particularly for students of Shambhala Training as his life story demonstrates the principles of ruling one's world with compassion, bravery, and wisdom.

Friday 24 to Sunday 26 November 2006

Mudra Space Awareness

with Acharya Fenja Heupers

Mudra Space Awareness is a practice of working skilfully with space based on the aspiration to experience reality fully, properly and precisely. Only when we can meet space on its own terms are we able to have the fearlessness to remain present in intense and difficult seeming situations and work creatively for the benefit of the beings involved.

This weekend intoduces mudra exercises that were developed by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on the basis of his training in monastic dance in Tibet. By means of intense physicality and slowing down perception we can explore the depth of body, mind and space, so that there is space in mind, mind in body, and body in space.

The programme is open to all, and may be of particular interest to people from theatre, bodywork or meditation backgrounds, or to those who wish to further explore their relationship with reality through a moving body-and-mind-centred form.

The Friday evening introductory workshop can be attended separately from the full weekend.

ACHARYA FENJA HEUPERS studied modern dance and was a member of the Mudra Theater Group in Boulder, Colorado, USA from 1974-1978. She has been teaching Mudra Space Awareness in Europe since 1990. She was appointed an acharya (senior teacher) by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in 2005.

Friday 19 to Sunday 21 January 2007

The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One

Friday 9 to Sunday 11 February 2007

Maitri and the Five Wisdom Energies

with Acharya Barbara Maertens

Maitri: Five Wisdom Energies is a meditation practice that was created in 1973 by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche based on the traditional principles of the five Buddha families and a Vajrayana approach to mind, energy, and space. Though it has a strong Vajrayana flavor, Maitri has been a practice available to the public and practitioners of all levels. In particular, it has been used in a therapeutic community setting for in-depth training in Buddhist psychology, as well as the arts, at Naropa University.

Maitri practice essentially highlights and tunes us directly into our different psychological styles or energies. This allows us to clearly see and experience how we embody and relate to them in either a sane or neurotic fashion. Gradually, we open up and embrace these energies in ourselves and our world with friendliness or maitri. This warmth helps us transform the frozen energy of self-centeredness into the flowing creativity of compassionate wisdom.

This practice is generally done in an intensive group format. It both needs and creates a strong container and sense of community.

A public weekend programme open to everyone.

Acharya Barbara Märtens is trained in cultural pedagogy, Zen-arts and contemplative psychology; currently she is the director of the Buddhist Gate of Shambhala Europe. Barbara Märtens teaches, Maitri Space Awareness practice and other contemplative approaches to art, work, and to life in general. Her special emphasis lies in training sense perception and creative expression in individual and group work. She is a Shambhala and Buddhist teacher with more than 20 years of practice. Today she is a member of faculty in Karuna and Upaya, an organization for contemplative psychology, health and art. She has two grown up children and lives in Hamburg, Germany.

Saturday 3 March 2007

Family and Children's event with Sophie Maclaren

Meditative fun for young and old alike!

Join the London Shambhala Meditation Centre for a day celebrating childhood and families through the practice of meditation and other Shambhala arts: a get-together for families and those working with children to exchange and share a vision for eryday life and the future - a get-together for children from any background to explore their inner wisdom and proclaim heir exuberant sanity! an opportunity for young and old share a sacred world.

10.15 Introduction to meditation with children and families
10.45 Morning Shambhala Arts activity (Children and Adults)
11.30 Talk and discussion for Adults - Parenting as a path and Children and Awareness
(The Children will be entertained separately at this time.)
12.30 Lunch - please bring along your favourite dish and drinks to share.
14.00 Afternoon Shambhala Arts activity (Children and Adults)
15.00 Tea
15.30 Wrap-up and closure (everyone in shrine room)

Friday 22 to Sunday 24 June 2007

The Three Jewels

with Acharya David Hope

"In the Buddhist tradition, the purpose of taking refuge is to awaken from confusion and associate oneself with wakefulness. Taking refuge is a matter of commitment and acceptance and, at the same time, of openness and freedom. By taking the refuge vow we commit ourselves to freedom." Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, from Heart of the Buddha.

This weekend, to be taught by Acharya David Hope, explores what is meant by taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, the act of becoming a Buddhist. The weekend is open to anyone who is curious and wants to understand the significance of taking refuge as a major step on the path; one need not already be at the point of making such a formal commitment. However, for those who do feel ready to take this step, there will be a formal ceremony at the end of the weekend, which all participants are warmly invited to attend as witnesses.

ACHARYA DAVID HOPE has been a member of the London Shambhala Centre since its early days in the front room of his home. He attended seminary in 1983, and was then resident Director for Shambhala Training in London for many years. In the 1990's he lived and worked at Dechen Chöling, the Shambhala residential centre in France, where he was a co-director from 1995-8. From 1999 to 2004 he served on the Shambhala International board of directors. In 2005 he was asked to serve as an Acharya, or senior teacher, by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He lives near Dechen Chöling, with his wife Chris de Block.

The weekend begins with a free introductory talk on Friday at 7.30 pm, and will continue all-day on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday 18 August 2007

Bodhicitta, the Practice of Loving-kindness and Compassion

A one-day meditation workshop

"The Buddhist term bodhicitta means completely open heart and mind. 'Citta' is translated as heart or mind; 'bodhi' means awake. The cultivation of the noble heart and mind of bodhicitta is a personal journey. The very life we have is our working basis; the very life we have is our journey to enlightenment. On this journey we're moving toward that which is not so certain, that which cannot be tied down, that which is not habitual and fixed. We're moving toward a whole new way of thinking and feeling, a flexible and open way of perceiving reality that is not based on certainty and security. This new way of perceiving is based on connecting with the living energetic quality of ourselves and everything else. Bodhicitta is our means of tapping into this awakened energy and we can start by tapping into our emotions. We can start by connecting very directly with what we already have." Pema Chödron.

Bodhicitta, or Awakened Heart, is the essence of the Mahayana Path of Buddhism. In the Mahayana we work on developing loving-kindness and compassion in our connection with others in order to open up further to the world around us. The Bodhicitta practice of the Four Immeasurables or Limitless Qualities enables us to connect directly with the challenges in our lives and in our relationships.

Drawing on the teachings of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Pema Chödron and Sharon Salzberg, this one-day introductory workshop will present the Bodhicitta practices of loving-kindness and compassion, building on the foundation of shamatha mindfulness meditation.

The teachings will be led by CHRISTINA DE BLOCK, a senior teacher in the Shambhala lineage. Chris is originally from London, and now lives with her husband, Acharya David Hope, near Dechen Chöling, a Shambhala Residential Contemplative Centre situated in the countryside near Limoges in France.

All are welcome to participate. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 September 2007

KADO, Ikebana as meditation

with Marcia Shibata

Kado practice is based on the practice of sitting meditation and is more than flower arranging in the "Asian way". It is a path that can teach us how the world works, both the inner and outer worlds. Kado is based on the truth of nature, the way things are. It is at the same time, an art form, a contemplative discipline and a guide to our lives. It helps us to see and understand what is right in front of our eyes.

Each session will begin with meditation, then continue by learning and practising Classical Ikebana forms. There will be group meditation instruction and group flower forms demonstrations each day. The weekend is open to both new persons and experienced students from any Ikebana school. Weather you consider your self “talented” or "not talented" is never an issue.

MARCIA SHIBATA began her study of Ikebana and the practice of meditation in 1974. At this time she became the student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetian Buddhist meditation master, who was also a master of Ikebana in the “Sogetsu” School. It was through Trungpa Rinpoche’s influence that she began her formal training in Ikebana and in 1980 when she moved to Japan to live and study the discipline of Flowers.She holds the degree of “Junkakyo” from her foundation school of study called “Ikenobo”. The Ikenobo School is the oldest classical school in Japan. Ms Shibata continues to study with a master in the newest school of Ikebana, called “Sogetsu”. Since 1985, after returning to the US she has been actively teaching both in the US and Europe. Presently she resides in northern Vermont, USA.Limited to 15 participants.

To book, please send £20.00 deposit together with your name and contact details, marked KADO, to: London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, SW4 6AYIf you have cutters please bring them along as we have limited pairs.

Friday 26 to Sunday 28 October 2007

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

with Acharya Mathias Pongracz

"The method for beginning to relate directly with mind, which was taught by Lord Buddha and which has been in use for the past twenty-five hundred years, is the practice of mindfulness. There are four aspects to this practice, traditionally known as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness."
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

All teachers emphasize the critical importance of beginning the Buddhist path "at the beginning," by relating directly to one's mind through the practice of mindfulness (Tib: trenpa) and awareness (Tib: sheshin) meditation. Traditionally, the four foundations are the first undertaking of the first path of accumulation. This weekend programme of meditation is for practitioners at all levels of practice, beginning students as well as teachers and meditation instructors who wish to deepen their practice.

Please note that it is possible to attend the Friday evening talk separately from the full weekend.

ACHARYA MATHIAS PONGRACZ joined Shambhala in 1983 and attended Vajradhatu Seminary in 1984. He studied closely with Kobun Chino Roshi from 1992 until his paranirvana in 2002. Acharya Pongracz is the former resident director of Shambhala Training in Vienna and the father of one daughter. He currently lives at Dechen Chöling, Shambhala Europe's Residential Contemplative Centre situated in the beautiful countryside near Limoges, France , where he has been the resident Acharya since May 2006. (The title Acharya is a Sanskrit word which means "teacher." It refers to individuals who Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has empowered to represent him and the Kagyü, Nyingma, and Shambhala lineages that he holds.)

Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November 2007

The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London,

Saturday 1 to Sunday 2 December 2007

Meditation, Movement and Space

Improvising From the Inside Out with Steve Clorfeine

This workshop focuses on elements of movement and theatre that have correspondences with the meditation practices of mindfulness-awareness. The exercises are drawn from a mixture of space-awareness practices and contemporary movement and theatre improvisations. We will start with the fundamental tools of movement-theatre - stillness, silence and space. This calls forth the contrast between empty space and the qualities we project onto it. How can we be ourselves on the spot and embody what we want to communicate? We will practise with voice, sound, movement and writing. Our work will focus on being and doing in both ordinary and theatrical space and time, exploring our natural strengths, doubts, attractions and inhibitions. Bring a notebook and wear comfortable clothing.

Along with bi-annual workshop residencies in Europe, since 2004, Steve has been presenting workshops in physical theatre and voice in Nepal and in India through the American Center. Recent works include Field Road Sky, a collection of poems, In The Valley of The Gods, journals from Nepal and a sourcebook on creative process.

Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 December 2007

Ordinary Magic

Shambhala Training Level One in Wales

Two days of meditation with Jim O'Neil and Peter Conradi

Venue: The Hall Barn. The Bleddfa Centre for the Creative Spirit (near Knighton) Powys, LD7 1PA, Wales.

Personal exploration in a world adrift and distressed is still needful, perhaps more than ever. Unlike Western traditions, Buddhism and Shambhala Training alike do not see us as condemned to Original Sin; we have the possibility, moment-by-moment, of tapping into our own wakefulness and brilliance, of perceiving the ordinary magic of the world and uncovering our own innate gentleness and fearlessness, not being afraid of who we are.

It is accordingly possible to read Tibetan stories about a legendary and model kingdom - Shambhala (peaceful, prosperous, governed wisely and compassionately)- as referring to a ground or root of sanity and wakefulness that exists as a potential in every moment. This Shambhala training level One is the first in a series of five contemplative workshops open to both beginning and also experienced meditators, in which we examine the ground of our experience. We will study and practice shamatha, the ancient meditation technique of 'calm abiding'. The two-day programme consists of a mixture of short group and individual meditation instruction, gentle physical exercise, discussion and talks.

Peter Conradi is a writer (Iris Murdoch: A Life; Going Buddhist) and Jim O'Neil a psychotherapist; they have been teaching in Europe and meditating in this tradition for twenty years. This weekend grows out of the interest expressed at the spring session.

Please bring a blanket, a packed lunch and wear warm loose clothing. Soup, tea/coffee will be provided.

For further info telephone 01547-550-377 [ Bleddfa Centre]
Or Peter and Jim on 01547-560-377

Friday 18 to Sunday 20 January 2008

Working with the Emotions: Joining head and heart in practice

with Sarah Coleman

Buddhist meditation practice is said to be the ideal means of taming and training the wild horse of our mind, of learning how to ride our demons instead of letting them ride us. Unfortunately in our haste to get away from our troubling emotions, we sometimes misuse our meditation technique as a subtle way to manipulate our experience. In the name of ‘letting go’, we train ourselves to leap quickly and professionally away from our messy ‘heart’ feelings and return to the relative safety of our clear and analytical ‘heads’, dealing with all our experience as mere thought. This basically cynical approach cuts us off from our heart - the source of passion, compassion and communication.

In this programme we will explore working with the emotions in the three yanas of Tibetan Buddhism. In particular, we will examine how to shift the emphasis of our practice from ‘letting go’ to ‘letting be’. When we allow ourselves to ‘be’ with the full range of our experience - thoughts and feelings, head and heart - then the moisture of passion can start to soften the hardness of our cynicism. Instead of being professional meditators who know exactly how to do everything right, we learn to be inquisitive about what’s actually going on in our being and to dance with our reality with joy and warmth, and start to realize our full human potential.

SARAH COLEMAN has been a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche since 1972. She has been teaching Buddhism and Shambhala Training for over 25 years, and has been living and teaching in Europe for the last 10 tears. Currently she is responsible for practice and study in Dechen Chöling and is the meditation instructor for Karuna Training, a contemplative psychology programme taught throughout Europe.

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Friday 22 to Sunday 24 February 2008

The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One with Yeshe Fuchs

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Friday 7 to Sunday 9 March 2008

Mahayana, Confidence and Compassion in daily life

with Acharya Barbara Märtens

The basic Mahayana vision is to work for the benefit of others and create situations in our life that will benefit others. This altruistic approach is only possible once we learned to experience a sense of gentleness toward ourselves. Through various mindfulness and awareness disciplines of the Hinayana tradition we fundamentally learn to tame our mind so we are able to develop openness, warmth and precision in dealing with ourselves. On that ground a sense of friendliness to others begins to arise naturally.

This friendliness or natural energy of compassion is known in Tibetan as nyinge, which literally means "noble heart".

"In Tibetan paintings, buddhas are often depicted sitting on lotuses, which represent our innate yearning for the happiness of others. This self-arising flower is the core of our being. We need to create space in our mind in order to nurture it." Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

In the Mahayana we are willing to commit ourselves to working with all sentient beings. But before we actually launch into that project, we first need a lot of training; we need to nurture our inherent capacity for wisdom and compassion. First we develop a sense of taming, of relaxing or being at peace with who or what we are. The next step is to use our mind further. We can train or process ourselves to wake up the inherent qualities of our noble heart.

ACHARYA BARBARA MÄRTENS is trained in cultural pedagogy, Zen-arts and contemplative psychology. She teaches, Maitri Space Awareness practice and other contemplative approaches to art, work, and to life in general. Her special emphasis lies in training sense perception and creative expression in individual and group work. She is a Shambhala and Buddhist teacher with more than twenty years of practice. Today she is a member of faculty in Karuna and Upaya, an organisation for contemplative psychology, health and art. She has two grown up children and lives in Hamburg, Germany .

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 March 2008

Gyetrül Jigme Rinpoche: Teachings on the Prajñaparamita

Padma Ling UK presents Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche teaching at the London Shambhala Meditation Centre

Rinpoche will be giving teachings over the course of four days which will include three day and two evening teachings on Prajnaparamita, the transcendent consciousness. Topics will include an introduction to meditation, the eight consciousnesses, the five wisdoms, Bodhichitta (Awakened Heart), the Dakini Principle, and an introduction to Taksham Yeshe Tsogyal, which was discovered as terma by his father, His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche. There will also be an opportunity to take refuge with Rinpoche.

To register, please download a registration form and return it to Padma Ling UK. (The address is given on the form.)

For further details of these teachings, please see Padma Ling's website: www.padmaling.org.uk.

GYETRUL JIGME RINPOCHE was recognized by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, the Head of the Nyingma School, as the reincarnation of Gyetrul Pema Yonten Rinpoche, head of Ogmin Ogyen Mindolling, the largest monastery in the Pedmakod region, who was a reincarnation of Padma Lingpa. Among the Great Tertons, or spiritual treasure finders, five are particularly prominent - known as the "Five Kings of the Tertons"- of whom Padma Lingpa was one.

Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche's father, Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, is the supreme head of the Ripa lineage. Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche is related to Shambhala by the recent marriage of his sister Khandro Tseyang to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Rinpoche's openness and humour make his teachings and instructions a lively experience, connecting the timeless truth of Buddhism with a contemporary understanding of modern life.

Saturday 24 May 2008

Mixing Meditation with Modern Life

A city retreat with Peter Conradi

Sometimes our lives are so busy that learning meditation might seem like just another project which we may start but will never follow through. How can we combine modern living with meditation practice? Rather than a regime of punishing self-improvement, the Shambhala Teachings describe the starting point of meditation as placing one's mind in the "cradle of loving-kindness", but what does this mean in practice?

Drawing on the teachings of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, this one-day exploration of meditation will include guided meditation practice, individual interviews, group discussion and talks. The workshop will be suitable both for beginners and for those with some experience of meditation practice.

PETER CONRADI is a senior student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He has been practising meditation since 1979 and now teaches on meditation and Buddhism throughout Europe. He is the author of several books, including Going Buddhist and Iris Murdoch: A life, the authorised biography of the celebrated novelist.

To book a place in the programme please send a cheque for £15, payable to 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre', including a note with the name of the programme you are booking for.

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June 2008

The Sadhana of Mahamudra

with Kunga Dawa

The Sadhana of Mahamudra is a powerful guru yoga practice whose purpose is to enable us to invoke the blessings of the Practice Lineage and to renew spiritual strength. But how are we to understand the wild and wrathful imagery of its symbolism, which may at first seem rather strange and outlandish? And how can the sadhana help to purify the degenerate state of meditation practice and enable us to see the living dharma within?

This seminar will explore these issues and will include group practice, talks, discussion and individual instruction.

The Friday evening may be attended separately, free of charge.

KUNGA DAWA (Richard Arthure) was present with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche at Tagtsang in Bhutan when the Sadhana of Mahamudra was revealed in 1968, and collaborated with him to create the English language version which is widely practised to this day.

Saturday 9 August 2008

Stillness and insight: Two aspects of meditation - A City Retreat

with Acharya David Hope and Chris de Block

This day of meditation practice and instruction combines the simplicity of Shamatha meditation (resting the mind), with the insightful process of contemplation.

Shamatha allows our minds to settle and let go of random and distracting thoughts and emotions. Contemplative meditation, on the other hand, uses the intelligence of the thought process to bring us insight into the basic realities of our human experience, so that we can gain clarity about the direction and purpose of our lives.

The programme will include meditation instruction and guided contemplations. There will be opportunity to discuss our experience of the practices in small groups. The day will be led by Acharya David Hope and Christina de Block.

DAVID HOPE has been a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for the past 25 years. He helped establish the London Shambhala Centre in the 1980's. Since then he has taught widely in Europe and many other places, and was named an Acharya, or senior teacher, in 2005.

CHRISTINA DE BLOCK has been a member and teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition for many years. Formerly resident in London, she taught meditation and Buddhism regularly at the London Shambhala Centre. She has led several City Retreats in London in recent years.

David and Chris now live in France near Dechen Choling, a rural residential meditation centre.

All are welcome to attend and pre-registration is encouraged. To register please send a deposit of £10 to the address below (cheques payable to London Shambhala Meditation Centre) with your details and the name of the programme. Please contact info@shambhala.org.uk for further information.

Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November 2008

Vipashyana and Union

with Acharya David Hope

This weekend programme distinguishes shamatha (resting the mind), and vipashyana (clear seeing) meditations in terms of their similarities, differences and relationship.

We will practise the subtly different techniques of shamatha that have been presented at different times by our teachers, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and we will explore analytical vipashyana through contemplations on selflessness and appearance emptiness, two of the fundamental aspects of the Buddhist view of existence.

Finally we will discuss the ultimate merging, or union of shamatha and vipashyana, that develops from the long-term practice of these two types of meditation.

ACHARYA DAVID HOPE been a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for the past 25 years. He helped establish the London Shambhala Centre in the 1980's. Since then he has taught widely in Europe and many other places, and was named an Acharya, or senior teacher, in 2005. He now divides his time between Great Britain and Dechen Chöling in France.

The weekend is recommended for practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of meditation. A certain experience of sitting meditation is recommended.

To pre-register, please send a deposit of £20 payable to 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November 2008

Shambhala Art Part One - Coming to your Senses

with Herb Elsky

What is Shambhala Art?

To artist or non-artist, the creative process often seems mysterious and magical. How do we give a physical reality to our inspiration so it communicates its essential nature? Shambhala Art’s purpose is to explore the creative process and the product we call art, from the viewpoint of a meditative discipline. It is a viewpoint that encourages us to see things as they are, rather than just how we think or imagine they are. Shambhala Art does not teach a particular skill or technique such as painting, singing, or dance. It is about the source of inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to us beyond the limits of its container. Once a view and a path are established it can be put into practice within any artistic discipline. Although the Shambhala Art teachings are inspired by Shambhala Buddhism, they are not in any way religious or about adopting a religion. They are about discovery and play, and the universal nature of creativity and communication.

Shambhala Art - Part One

“The practice of dharma art is a way to use our lives to communicate without confusion the primordial and magical nature of what we see, hear, and touch.”
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Art has more to do with perception than talent. Without clarity, all we express is our inability to accurately perceive. The creative process requires that we first perceive our world as it is before we can represent it in an art form or use it as a launching pad for expression. Part One is the exploration of the nature of our perceptions and how our thoughts influence what we perceive. We learn through a meditative discipline the source of creativity and the meaning of pure expression, which transcends the limitations of self-referencing expression. As we learn to rest in “square one” where our mind and body is synchronised, our expression becomes vivid, possessing greater richness and accuracy by being true to things as they are.

The weekend will be presented in a workshop format using a variety of exercises which directly engage the participants in the creative process. We will explore the relationship between meditation and the artistic process, looking and seeing, and how to make an appropriate and genuine gesture in all of our activities.

There will be voice work to help free up blockages of speech and a variety of calligraphy exercises.

HERB ELSKY received his Master of Arts diploma from U.C.L.A. (University of California at Los Angeles) in 1966.

In 1971 he met Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche during Rinpoche's first visit to Los Angeles and was a founding member of the Los Angeles Dharmadhatu (the name for our meditation centres before they were called Shambhala Centres).

He worked with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche when the dharma art teachings were first presented and helped him to create two large environmental flower arrangements: at Los Angeles in 1980, and at San Francisco in 1981.

Herb has served in many director roles: he was resident director of Shambhala Training in Los Angeles, the head of practice at the Karme Chöling practice centre in Vermont as well as head of practice for Dechen Choling practice centre in France.

During the past twelve years he has travelled to almost all the countries in Europe to teach Shambhala Art and Shambhala Training.

His own art work has evolved to become a combination of sculpture and theatre creating visual and sound compositions using ordinary objects.

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November 2008

The Art of Being Human: NOW FULLY BOOKED

The weekend begins with a free introductory talk on Friday at 7.30 pm, and continues on Saturday from approximately 9.00 am - 6.00 pm, starting with breakfast and going out for an evening meal. Sunday continues from 9am ending with a reception at roughly 7.00 pm.

Cost: £115 (£95 if pre-registering before November 22nd)

Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January 2009

Karma and the Path of Meditation

with Tomasz Pietrzykowski

There can be few Eastern terms heard so often but so little understood as 'karma'. Even people with some background in Buddhism sometimes employ expressions such as: 'burning karma', 'bringing karma to fruition' or 'stopping karma' without any deep comprehension of what they might mean. This weekend workshop is aimed at helping to clarify the concept of the law of karma as understood in the Buddhist tradition, and in particular how it applies to our everyday lives.

The weekend will investigate the mechanism of karma as described by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in the Karma Seminar (1971) and go on to look at the variety of approaches to karma which develop as the path of meditation evolves from its beginning to the advanced perspectives of mahamudra and maha ati (dzogchen). It is said to be very important to be able to differentiate between these approaches so that we can use the appropriate skilful means depending on our state of mind and life situation. During the workshop we will be able to work on actually applying some of these techniques in our own life.

TOMASZ PIETRZYKOWSKI was born in 1934 in Poland where he completed his education and started an academic career. Thanks to fortunate karma he was able to leave Poland clandestinely and so became professor of computer science at the University of Waterloo in Canada, later serving as professor at several other universities. His academic specialisation was in optimisation, theoretical artificial intelligence and software technology.

In 1975 he became a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and in 1980 began teaching Buddhist topics at the Vajradhatu Seminary. Since that time he has continued to teach Buddhism and meditation, most recently using video chat to address audiences in Poland, Ukraine and Moscow. He lives in France.

This weekend is highly recommended for everyone who would like to deepen their understanding of meditation and Buddhism. Recommended readings: 'Ruling Your World' by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche; 'Karma Seminar' by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

It will be possible to attend the Friday talk separately.

To pre-register, please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February 2009

The Art of Being Human:

Shambhala Training Level One

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

PLEASE NOTE: deadline for bookings is Saturday February 7th. We are expecting a large number of bookings for this programme, so it is advisable to pre-register as soon as possible.

Saturday 28 February 2009

Kyudo

The Way of the Bow

In 1980 the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche invited Onyumishi Kanjuro Shibata XX to come and teach Kyudo to his students. Rinpoche said “Through Kyudo one can learn to live beyond hope and fear, one can learn how to be”. Since then Shibata Sensei has travelled extensively and established Kyudojos throughout North America and Europe and continued to manifest as a true warrior and teach Rinpoche’s students.

In the words of Shibata Sensei “One is not polishing one’s shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery. In Kyudo there is no hope. Hope is not the point. The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth”. The way of the bow is a living tradition of meditative archery, rooted in the warrior traditions of Japan. It is an art form with no other goal than the highest experience of the present moment beyond the strategies of thought and concept. Through working with the precision of form a natural process gradually unfolds through which direct experience of the essential nature of mind is realised. This is the target.

Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March 2009

Bodhichitta, the Broken Heart of Compassion

The Path of Mahayana Buddhism with Sarah Coleman

Image of Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion Bodhichitta literally means “awakened heart”, and refers to the open state of mind which is the only source of true compassion and human sanity.

In the Mahayana path of Buddhism, in order to help our world we take the heroic attitude that other beings--all other beings--are more important than ourselves. This is not an easy thing to do!

Ordinarily, we are engaged in a continual process of trying to protect ourselves from the vicissitudes and sharp edges of our lives. Secretly we feel too vulnerable, too sensitive, to cope. We have a soft spot, a secret wound, in our hearts. We think that if anyone were to see us as we really are, we could never hold our heads up again. Therefore we hide behind masks of competence and complexity, constantly projecting one image or another, to keep others from seeing how tender and vulnerable we really are. We’ve been trying for so long to shield ourselves from our pain and heartbreak, literally putting our hearts to sleep.

According to the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, there is only one way to find the strength to help ourselves and our world: we must relax, drop all of the self-fabricated barriers we have erected between ourselves and our own feelings, ourselves and other people, ourselves and our world. When we allow ourselves to wake up and feel our broken hearts as they are, then we find the source of true compassion--the love, kindness and sanity that are already right there, in our very own personal experience.

This weekend will include group meditation, talks, guided Mahayana meditations, individual meetings with qualified meditation instructors, and discussion groups. Meditation instruction will also be available for beginners.

SARAH COLEMAN, a long-time practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, has been a student of the Vidyadhara the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, since 1972. Serving as his editor for many years, she helped work on many of his dharma books, including Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving Kindness, a book on the Mahayana slogans of mind training. For the past twelve years, after moving from America to Europe in 1996, Sarah has been travelling extensively and teaching throughout Europe and the Eastern Bloc countries. “Working with the Emotions”, the last programme which Sarah taught at the London Shambhala Meditation Centre was very well received by newcomers and by well-established practitioners of meditation alike.

To pre-register, please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March 2009

[Brighton] The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One

This weekend meditation workshop provides an introduction to meditation in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. Shambhala training is a series of weekend meditation workshops offering the tools you need to establish a personal discipline of meditation into your daily life. Ideal for beginners or those who would like to deepen their practice.

The weekend will take place at the Dharma School, Ladies Mile Road, Brighton. Travel information to follow.

To register send a deposit of £20 made payable to 'Brighton Shambhala Meditation Group' to T. Coxon 15 St Lukes Terrace, Brighton BN2 9ZE

Saturday 4 April 2009

Kyudo

The way of the bow

The way of the bow is a living tradition of meditative archery, rooted in the warrior traditions of Japan. It is an art form with no other goal than the highest experience of the present moment beyond the strategies of thought and concept. Through working with the precision of form a natural process gradually unfolds through which direct experience of the essential nature of mind is realised. This is the target.

RICHARD BLECKMAN has been a student of Shibata Sensei since 1992 and was authorised by Sensei as a Kyudo instructor in 1996.

Saturday 25 April 2009

Live Life in Real Time

An Introduction to Meditation for Busy Londoners

In the midst of speed and stress, meditation trains us to cope better with our lives and to be in the present moment instead of rushing through it. As we train the mind to slow down and see things more clearly, we can learn how to relate to our anxieties and emotions without being swept away by them. Research studies consistently show the benefits of meditation in reducing stress, improving sleep, lowering blood pressure, and improving overall health and well-being.

This workshop will introduce the technique of sitting meditation, which can be learned and practised by anyone, whatever their religious or cultural background. The session will include a talk, practice and discussion, led by Jim O’Neill, an experienced teacher and psychotherapist who has been practising meditation for over 20 years.

By the end of the session participants will have experience of a simple but profound practice which can be used anywhere, and which can help us to slow down, create a gap, and appreciate our lives and our world.

Slow Down London Logo This programme is part of Slow Down London, a campaign and festival from April 24th to May 4th 2009 across London.

Saturday 6 June 2009

Kyudo

The way of the bow

RICHARD BLECKMAN has been a student of Shibata Sensei since 1992 and was authorised by Sensei as a Kyudo instructor in 1996.

Saturday 4 July 2009

Kyudo

The way of the bow

RICHARD BLECKMAN has been a student of Shibata Sensei since 1992 and was authorised by Sensei as a Kyudo instructor in 1996.

Saturday 3 October 2009

City Meditation Retreat

Join us for this one-day city meditation retreat to deepen both your practice and understanding of shamatha (mindfulness) meditation. There will be a special emphasis on the study of both the stages and the obstacles and antidotes to shamatha practice. This retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators.

The course will be taught by JIM O'NEILL, a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He also works full time as a psychoanalyst.

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20.00 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London SW4 6AY

Saturday 17 October to Saturday 12 December 2009

The Nine Stages of Shamatha

The London Shambhala Meditation Centre is pleased to offer a course on The Nine Stages of Shamatha. The programme, which will run over the course of three Saturdays, will be taught by Richard Bleckman, a 20-year student of meditation in the Shambhala Tradition, student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and Veterinary Doctor.

The Nine Stages of Shamatha provides a map of the meditative process, exploring how the stability, vividness, and strength of the mind can be brought to the fore and utilized in our everyday life through these progressive stages. In the course, we look at how we can take our minds - full of fear, anxieties and misunderstandings - and actually work to clarify confusion and emotional conflicts so that the fundamental nature of our mind, its primordial purity, can shine through. It describes the journey of the mind from its confused state of suffering to the freedom of its natural state. The nine stages of shamatha are a centuries-old Buddhist teaching on the signposts that meditators experience in stabilizing their minds on the path to the dawning of innate wisdom. It is an in-depth look at how the practice of meditation can stabilise and strengthen the mind’s innate qualities and give rise to a mind of peace and joy. This course is suitable for beginner and advanced students. Meditation instruction will be provided.

"As the lineage of meditators sat on their cushions and worked with their minds, they saw the same unfolding process: nine ways that the mind can be true to its inherent stability, clarity and strength. In their descriptions of nine stages of training the mind through the practice of shamatha meditation, or "peaceful abiding," they left us signposts of that process. These guidelines are helpful because the mind is so vast that if we’re left to our own devices, we’ll usually just wander in thought. These nine stages are a map of the meditative process." Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

To pre-register, please send a deposit of £20 to the London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London SW4 6AY with a note indicating your interest in attending this course.

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2009

The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One [NEW DATES!]

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Due to unforeseen circumstances this programme's date has had to be changed from the date originally published (6-8th November). Apologies for any inconvenience.

Friday 15 to Sunday 17 January

The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Friday 26 to Sunday 28 March

Working with Emotions - Karma and Kleshas

with Acharya Mathias Pongracz

Meet your inner demons and set them free.

Emotions have all sorts of colours, they can be white, they can be black, sometimes they are red, sometimes blue, sometimes green, sometimes gold. They can inspire and uplift us or bring us down. They can make us and others happy or they can bring harm and destruction to us and others. We talk about positive and negative emotions. Sometimes we have the impression they overwhelm us, we feel imprisoned. At other times, they open our hearts completely. How can we work with emotions in a way that softens and opens our hearts and minds, instead of being imprisoned further by them? In this weekend, we will look at that question and attempt to answer it from a Shambhala and Buddhist point of view.

This weekend will be taught by ACHARYA MATHIAS PONGRACZ who has been serving as the resident senior teacher at Dechen Chöling, the European residential meditation centre of Shambhala since 2006. Acharya Pongracz joined Shambhala in 1983 and attended seminary with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1984. He studied closely with Kobun Chino Roshi from 1992 until his parinirvana in 2002. Acharya is a Sanskrit word that means "teacher." It refers to individuals that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has empowered to represent him and the Kagyu, Nyingma, and Shambhala lineages he holds. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche chose these individuals because of their knowledge, wisdom, and commitment to the confluence of teachings found in Shambhala.

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY.

Saturday 1 May

Kyudo

The way of the bow

RICHARD BLECKMAN has been a student of Shibata Sensei since 1992 and was authorised by Sensei as a Kyudo instructor in 1996.

Friday 11 to Sunday 13 June

Fear and Fearlessness

Working with fear through the practice of meditation with Acharya David Hope

Every human being experiences fear. It has very deep roots, and comes to the surface in many ways, such as anxiety, worry, restlessness, impatience or aggression. The practice of meditation enables us to see this process more clearly, and face the source of our fear. This leads to the development of fearlessness.

"The ground of fearlessness and the basis of overcoming doubt and wrong belief is to develop renunciation. Renunciation here means overcoming that very hard, tough, aggressive mentality which wards off any gentleness that might come into our hearts. Fear does not allow fundamental tenderness to enter into us. When tenderness tinged by sadness touches our heart, we know that we are in contact with reality. We feel it. That contact is genuine, fresh and quite raw." Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

ACHARYA DAVID HOPE has been a member of the London Shambhala Centre since its early days in the front room of his home. He attended seminary in 1983, and was then resident Director for Shambhala Training in London for many years. In the 1990’s he lived and worked at Dechen Chöling in France, where he was a co-director from 1995-8. From 1999 to 2004 he served on the Shambhala International board of directors. Acharya is a Sanskrit word that means "teacher." It refers to individuals who Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has empowered to represent him and the Kagyü, Nyingma, and Shambhala lineages which he holds. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche chose these individuals because of their knowledge, wisdom, and commitment to the confluence of teachings found in Shambhala.

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY

Friday 25 to Sunday 27 June

The Art of Being Human

Shambhala Training Level One

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London, SW4 6AY

Saturday 31 July

One-day Meditation Programme

Picture of people meditating In this one-day programme we will learn the basic techniques of meditation. We will explore the reasons why we meditate and what the purpose of meditation is.

Modern life is often hectic and stressful; meditation can provide a method for us to encounter a natural state of calm and well-being that we all have in us. By connecting with the spacious openness of our minds we can have an opportunity to take stock of where our lives are going.

Besides basic mindfulness meditation we will also be introduced to contemplation as another method that can help us work with our mind.

The day is suitable for both beginners and also more advanced students. The teacher will be Orhun Cercel. Orhun has been meditating since 1990 and is a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. His varied career has taken him from investment banking to Chinese medicine and psychotherapy. He travels in Europe teaching Shambhala programmes and has recently been appointed by the Sakyong as a ‘shastri’, or senior teacher.

To pre-register please send a deposit of £20 payable to: 'The London Shambhala Meditation Centre' c/o London Shambhala Meditation Centre, 27 Belmont Close, London SW4 6AY

TALKS

Wednesday 5 May and Thursday 6 May 2004.

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

The Three Jewels

"The Three Jewels" refers to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Buddha is an example of a human being who transcended confusion and also refers to enlightenment itself. Dharma includes the teachings that are told and written, as well as their realization - the dharma that is experienced. Sangha is the community of practitioners and also the assembly of realised ones.

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is an eminent Buddhist teacher whose scholarship, fluent English and responsive teaching style have become much appreciated in dharma centres throughout the world. HH the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche were his root gurus. He has studied and practised under the guidance of many distinguished teachers from all the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Among his publications is a book on the first Jamgön Kongtrül and the Rimé movement.

Open to all.

Sunday 31 July 2005

It is up to You: Looking in the Mirror Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche

We are delighted and honoured to welcome back Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche, who will give a public talk and conduct a book-signing for his new book, "It is up to You: the Practice of Self-reflection on the Buddhist Path".

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche was born in Northen India to Tibetan parents. Recognised as an incarnation of Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye, he received extensive training in all aspects of Buddhist doctrine and his root teacher was H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Rinpoche is the founder of Mangala Shri Bhuti, an organisation established with the vision of furthering the wisdom and practice of the Longchen Nyingthik lineage. He is also the founder of the mountain retreat centre, Longchen Jigme Samten Ling in Colorado. When not in retreat, Rinpoche travels widely throughout the world teaching.

A public programme open to all.

Wednesday 26 October 2005

Community Talk with Gesar Mukpo

with Gesar Mukpo

MR GESAR MUKPO is the son of The Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Lady Diana Mukpo and the brother of The Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Recognised as the incarnation of Chögyam Trungpa's root guru, Sechen Kongtrul Rinpoche by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, he was enthroned in a traditional Tibetan ceremony at the age of three.

Gesar works as a film editor and cameraman. He currently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his wife Anna and daughter Chokyi.

Mr Mukpo will be giving a series of talks at six shambhala centres in North America and Europe. The evening will conclude with a reception.

In his role as Director of the 'Running for Shambhala' campaign Mr. Mukpo is representing The Sakyong and Shambhala. He is hoping to meet as many people as possible to talk about the forthcoming marathon and what he and the Sakyong hope their fund-raising efforts will accomplish for the mandala as a whole.

It is an opportunity to meet Mr. Mukpo and connect with him as a senior member of the Mukpo family. He will be accompanied by Ms.Terry Rudderham, the head of Shambhala's Office of Finance and Development. In addition, Gesar Mukpo will be joined on this occasion by Mr. Richard Reoch, President of Shambhala International and former director of the London Shambhala Meditation Centre. People will receive first hand information about the central operations of the mandala, the new projects that are planned and ask any questions that may be on their minds.

Wednesday 12 July 2006

Protecting the Dharma

with Dennis Southward

The Dharma is the "truth" or "things as they are", without our usual distortions and blinkers. How do we protect the dharma and what does that mean? Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, created the Dorje Kasung, as one aspect of the Shambhala organisation. Members of the Dorje Kasung protect the teacher, the dharma (teachings) and the sangha (community of practitioners). Mr Southward will talk about his experience as a Kasung and the foundation of protection as the development of wisdom and compassion through meditation and connection with an authentic teacher.

DENNIS SOUTHWARD (Dapön M) has been a Kasung for over 30 years and was the first Kasung to be appointed a Desung by the Vidyadhara. He currently lives in Boulder, Colorado and is very active in the Shambhala community there. He is known for his mountain - like qualities and his soft, enigmatic smile. For many years, he was a member of the Council of the Makkyi Rabjam, the circle of Kasung closest to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Monday 17 July 2006

Dharma Art Talk and Book-Signing

with Steve Clorfeine

STEVE CLORFEINE has been writing, performing and directing theater pieces since 1975. He performed for many years in the companies of Barbara Dilley, Meredith Monk Ping Chong, and at Naropa University, where is he on the adjunct faculty. His own performances and workshops have toured throughout the U.S. and Europe . Long standing collaborations include work with Lanny Harrison, Jerry Granelli, Arawana Hayashi, Brenda Bufalino, Jay Clayton, Steve Gorn, Barbara Bash. Steve is the co-founder of Sky Lake Lodge, a Shambhala land centre for meditation, arts and community; and the former Chair of the Shambhala Arts Council.

Steve will be signing copies of his new poetry book "Field Road Sky".

Monday 31 July to Tuesday 1 August 2006

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche: How to Progress on the Spiritual Path in Modern Times

Over the course of two evenings Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche will discuss the application of the spiritual path in modern times.

The credo of our modern culture is individual freedom and rights. We are encouraged to focus on our own self-interests — to put ourselves in the centre. Unfortunately, we have failed to find any kind of lasting happiness or meaning when cherishing and protecting only ourselves. The Buddhadharma encourages us to change our focus to the welfare of all beings — a radical but meaningful approach — a path that penetrates our modern individualist tendencies and transforms and perfects our minds.

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche defines what it means to be a spiritual person in modern times through his teaching, his passion as an abstract painter, his steadfast loyalty to his lineage, family and students (which he describes as one of his most cherished qualities), through his joy in solitude, his fierce independence and his unshakable determination to engage his own path. Throughout it all, Dzigar Kongtrül mixes practice and life. “Isn’t that the goal of the spiritual path?” Rinpoche often asks. Indeed it is. To be flexible, courageous and exploratory in the face of life’s joys and paradoxes, while never parting from a connection to its deepest meaning.

Photo of Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche DZIGAR KONGTRÜL RINPOCHE was born in 1964 in Northern India. Recognised at the age of nine as an incarnation of the great nineteenth century Rimé master, Jamgön Kongtrül Lodro Thaye, he received extensive training in all aspects of Buddhist doctrine. He was particularly schooled in the teachings of the Longchen Nyingthik lineage of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism by his root teacher, the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Rinpoche also studied extensively under Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Nyöshul Khen Rinpoche and the great scholar Khenpo Rinchen.

In 1989 Rinpoche moved to the United States with his family and in 1990 began a five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at the Naropa Institute. During this time he founded Mangala Shri Bhuti and later established Longchen Jigme Samten Ling, a long-term retreat center in Southern Colorado. Currently, he has centres for study and retreat in Vermont, India and Brazil. Rinpoche spends much of his time in retreat and guides students in long-term retreat practice. When not in retreat, Rinpoche travels widely throughout the world teaching the dharma and furthering his own education. His first book, which came out last year, is called “It’s Up to You: Self Reflection on the Buddhist Path.”

Rinpoche's students include the well-known author Acharya Pema Chödrön.

It is possible to attend one evening only.

Friday 20 October 2006

Introduction to Kado, the Way of Flowers

with Jozef Prelis

An evening ikebana demonstration and talk by Jozef Prelis.

Please note that Marcia Wang Shibata will not be able to participate in this programme as previously advertised because her husband has been involved in a serious accident. Instead the course will be lead by Jozef Prelis.

Wednesday 13 December 2006

Community Talk and Slideshow: The Chögyam Trungpa Legacy Project

with Carolyn Gimian

April 4 2007 will mark the twentieth anniversary of the death of Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche [1940-1987]. We are only now beginning to realise the tremendous scope of his personal contribution to the introduction of authentic Buddhist practice and knowledge in the West. His books are considered classics on meditation and the Buddhist path, and he is certainly one of the most important and influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century.

Chögyam Trungpa presented a truly vast view. He proclaimed not only the entire nine yanas [stages] of the Tibetan Buddhist path, but also the Shambhala path of warriorship and compassionate action. His vision was that the Shambhala teachings could apply equally to practitioners from all of the world's traditional religious approaches, providing a fundamental ground on which all religious traditions could flourish. He himself was an artist, a poet, and many would say a warrior-statesman. He practised and offered innumerable skillful means to wake people up, in fields as diverse as art, poetry, psychology, theatre, and politics.

In his honour and in his footsteps, please join in establishing the Chögyam Trungpa Legacy Project. We envision this project as creating a very large tent of dharma space as vast and open as Trungpa Rinpoche's mind, or as close to that as we can project. We want to establish a place for everyone who connects with Rinpoche's legacy, now and in the future, and we invite you to contribute to manifesting that legacy, keeping it alive in the deepest sense of the word.

The sole purpose of the Chögyam Trungpa Legacy Project is to promote and support the dharma legacy of Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. The Legacy Project will be an independent non-profit foundation incorporated in the United States, in Canada (as a charitable organisation) and in Europe, serving to preserve, disseminate and expand Chögyam Trungpa's legacy. The Legacy Project will support and augment the preservation, propagation and publication of Trungpa Rinpoche's dharma teachings. It will further these goals through support for existing programmes as well as the initiation of new projects and programming. This will include the creation of a comprehensive virtual archive and learning community. The project will also help to create the financial base for current and future generations to support this mission. Through this process, the Chögyam Trungpa Legacy Project will enhance, enrich, and further inspire existing institutions and other manifestations of the Shambhala world that Chögyam Trungpa created.

For further information on the project, please see the project website www.chogyamtrungpa.com

Wednesday 28 February 2007

Public Evening Talk: Mind and Meditation

A public talk by Orhun Cercel on Wednesday 28 February

In this talk we will explore the Buddhist approach to the mind. We will look at the habitual patterns of discursiveness that dominate our minds and how these are connected to the notion of ego and suffering. We will investigate the effect of meditation on the mind and learn about the two aspects of practice: mindfulness and awareness.

Monday 5 March 2007

Public Evening Talk: Young Adults in Shambhala

with Sophie Maclaren

This talk will be a prod into the viability of starting a young adults group.

Sophie, who falls into this category herself, will give an inspiring talk on the events and lives of young people all over the international Shambhala mandala. After sitting, the traditional outing to the pub for young people!

All welcome. Ages 18 - 30-ish.

Wednesday 14 March 2007

Public Evening Talk: Approaching Tantra

Going Further in the Path

A talk by Peter Conradi

This talk is for those who may be interested in entering the Vajrayana path, or simply finding out more about it. There will be a short talk followed by a discussion and you are encouraged to bring questions.

Peter is one of the most senior European teachers in Shambhala International and has been involved in teaching for many years. He is the author of "Going Buddhist"and has a great deal of experience in working with students.

Open to all.

Friday 23 March 2007

Sacred Outlook

The Mahamudra Approach to Sense Perceptions with Ashe Acharya John Rockwell

"The sense perceptions are built in meditation" Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

The spiritual path is sometimes viewed as a retreat or withdrawal from the distractions of the senses. Yet we can not live and communicate without the delights of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. Mahamudra, the teachings of the great symbol, point out how to bring sense perceptions to the path of compassion and wisdom.

ASHE ACHARYA JOHN ROCKWELL is one of the most senior teachers in the Shambhala Community. He was a student of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and is now a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He is in charge of leading the group of teachers who organise and prepare the curricula that are taught throughout Shambhala centres in the world. He himself travels and teaches widely and is much sought-after. He is famed for being able to present the vastness of dharma with great precision and in a very accessible and inspiring manner.

Over the years he has built an intimate friendship with the London sangha.

This is a public talk, open to all.

( The talk precedes a weekend programme "Totally Cutting: The Razor Blade of Ashe" which is restricted to people who have completed practice and study prerequisites. For further details see the further programmes page.)

Wednesday 28 March 2007

Trungpa Rinpoche on Trungpa Rinpoche

"Born a monk,
Died a king—
Such thunderstorm does not stop.
We will be haunting you, along with the dralas.
Jolly good luck!" [Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, from his will]

April 4, 2007 marks the twentieth anniversary of the parinirvana (death) of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the founder of Shambhala International and one of the greatest meditation masters and Buddhist teachers of the Twentieth Century.

Jim O'Neill will introduce an audio recording of Trungpa Rinpoche talking about his own life in Tibet.

Wednesday 23 May 2007

Public Evening Talk: Working With Emotions

"What we usually call emotions are nothing but confused avenues to our basic aliveness, vividness and freshness. We don't need to control them and when we don't do that they don't control us." Acharya Barbara Maertens

David Rule will examine the experience of working with strong emotions on the spot, drawing upon the range of possible ways of working with these emotions, as discussed by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Pema Chödron, and others.

DAVID RULE is a long-time student of Tibetan Buddhism and Shambhala Buddhism.

Sunday 3 June 2007

Understanding the Dharma and the Kasung

with Kasung Dapön Barry Boyce

We are happy to invite you to come to the next Nyinthün on 3rd June, for our usual open day of sitting that takes place on the first sunday of every month, which is a great opportunity to meet other sangha members and deepen the practice of sitting meditation.

At this next Nyinthün we have the pleasure of hosting Kasung Dapön Barry Boyce who has served as Kasung Dapön in the Shambhala Community since 1997. A Buddhist practitioner for over thirty years, he is senior editor and staff writer at the Shambhala sun and Buddadharma magazines. He is a co-contributer to a recent translation of and commentary on, Sun Tzu's Art of War, and co-author of the forthcomming book, The Art of War in Everyday Life.

He is a great teacher and is being particularly generous in offering a chance for all of the community to come along in the afternoon, after lunch, and ask questions relating to the dharma. Dapön Boyce spent a lot of time serving and looking after Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in various roles as a Dorje Kasung, it is a great opportunity for us to ask questions about the role of the Kasung, Who are the the Dorje Kasung? what do they do? Why do they wear a uniform? What does it mean to protect the Dharma?

Come along and find out more!

Monday 13 August 2007

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche: A Spiritual Life in Modern Times

The credo of our modern culture is individual freedom and rights. Focusing only on our self-interest, though, does not bring lasting happiness. The Buddhist teachings (Buddhadharma) encourage us to change our focus to the welfare of all beings - a radical but meaningful approach. In this evening, Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche will talk about how we can skilfully mix practice and life.

Photo of Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche DZIGAR KONGTRUL RINPOCHE is a teacher in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Recognised at the age of nine as an incarnation of the great nineteenth century Rimé master, Jamgön Kongtrül Lodro Thaye, he received extensive training from his root teacher, the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Rinpoche is Pema Chodron's main living teacher and author of "It's Up To You". Born in Northern India, Rinpoche moved to the USA in 1989 and he currently lives in Southern Colorado. When he is not in retreat, Rinpoche travels throughout the world teaching.

REGISTRATION

Space is limited. Pre-registration is encouraged. To pre-register, send a deposit of £10 with your personal details to the Centre (please make cheques payable to the London Shambhala Meditation Centre). If we do not receive a deposit, you will not be guaranteed a place - registration on the night will be on a first come, first served basis.

In addition to the registration fee, it is traditional to offer a gift to the teacher in appreciation for his teachings. Your registration fee covers the cost of bringing the teacher to the Shambhala Centre. The teaching gift goes directly to the teacher to support his livelihood.

Wednesday 28 November 2007

Buddhism and Western Science

Mind from the inside, Mind from the outside

Thanks largely to a series of Mind Life Seminars in which His Holiness the Dalai Lama conversed with groups of scientists, there is progress and excitement about connecting the Buddhist experience of mind with the outside view of mind revealed by neuroscience and psychological experiments. What does this tell us about conceptual and non-conceptual mind as we experience them in meditation practice? Is there any external correlate to our feeling that our practice has been worthwhile?

ROD BURSTALL studied physics at Cambridge, taught himself computing with a lot of help from his friends and retired as Professor of Computer Science at Edinburgh. He has been attempting to practise the Buddhadharma for thirty years under the guidance of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Monday 3 December 2007

Art in Everyday Life - Perception and awareness in our everyday life

A free talk on Art in Everyday Life - Looking at perception and awareness in a contemplative framework in our every day lives - will take place instead of our usual Monday opening evening reading.The talk will be given by Steve Clorfein.The session will start as usual at 7.30pm

STEVE CLORFEINE has been writing, performing and directing theatre pieces since 1975. Blue Serge Suite, Current Memories, Sense and Nonsense, Part of My History and While I Was Dancing have been performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. Steve performed for many years in the companies of Barbara Dilley, Meredith Monk, and Ping Chong. He is on the theatre faculty of Naropa University and the Authentic Leadership Conference of the Shambhala Institute. He teaches theatre and writing residencies in public schools, art centres and universities in the US and elsewhere. Along with bi-annual workshop residencies in Europe, since 2004, Steve has been presenting workshops in physical theatre and voice in Nepal and in India through the American Center. Recent works include Field Road Sky, a collection of poems, In The Valley of The Gods, journals from Nepal and a sourcebook on creative process.

Wednesday 13 February 2008

The Rain of Wisdom

The Rain of Wisdom (also known as the Essence of the Ocean of True Meaning) is a compilation of realisation songs (dohas) of the Kagyü Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, interspersed with stories about the contexts in which the songs were composed. First compiled in the sixteenth century under Mikyö Dorje, the eighth Karmapa, it is a growing collection to which the songs of later figures such as the great Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye have been appended.

The translation of this text from Tibetan into English (working with the Nalanda Translation Committee which he established) was one of the many significant achievements of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and the entire text is recited as part of Milarepa Day, Shambhala's annual commemoration of the life of Milarepa, the Tibetan saint and meditation master who is most famous of all for his songs.

This short talk will be an opportunity to find out a little more about the Rain of Wisdom and some of the people and ideas which appear in it.

MERLIN COX is co-director of the London Shambhala Meditation Centre.

Wednesday 19 March 2008

The Mahayana Buddhist Practice of Helping Others

Social engagement and compassion in everyday life with Bill Karelis

On the path of meditation, we work with our own basic state mind, and at the same time we must deal with our every day lives. Compassion applies to the kitchen sink of existence, including how we treat our family, friends and even our pets. Social engagement is a further expression both of compassion, and of our individual state of mind. In this talk, Mr Karelis will address the practice of helping others as an extension of the meditative path.

BILL KARELIS has been studying and practising the Buddhadharma for 36 years. He graduated from Harvard in 1969, spent many years in business, and currently travels the world presenting the insights of meditation according to the Shambhala and Buddhist paths. He founded the Shambhala Prison Community in 1996 to offer education to those involved in the world of criminal justice. Mr Karelis enjoys the artistic practices of photography, poetry and calligraphy. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Brigitta.

Thursday 7 August 2008

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche: Light comes through

Teachings on awakening to our natural intelligence

Our thoughts and emotions can take us anywhere. In an instant they can bring us down or lift us up. If we don’t attend to the mind, the source of all our thoughts and emotions, it can seem like a runaway train. Yet when guided by wisdom, our mind can lead us to awakening. How do we utilise this resource?

The Buddha asked big questions concerning the causes and conditions of happiness and suffering and how we can shape our mind and attitude to support our well-being. According to the Buddhist teachings, when our natural intelligence is sparked by contemplation and meditation, we discover insights into what true happiness means–and how to achieve it. The distilled wisdom of the Buddhist tradition leads us to clarity of mind, and step by step, the light of our natural intelligence comes through.

Photo of Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche DZIGAR KONGTRUL RINPOCHE is a teacher in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tuesday 10 February 2009

The View of Shambhala Art

with Acharya Arawana Hayashi

We are delighted to announce an evening talk with Acharya Arawana Hayashi on the principles of Shambhala Art.

Acharya Hayashi will give a breakdown of the 5 part Shambhala Art programme, as well as lay bare the view at the core of these precious teachings on creativity.

Shambhala Art - an overview

To artist or non-artist, the creative process often seems mysterious and magical. How do we give a physical reality to our inspiration so it communicates its essential nature? Shambhala Art’s purpose is to explore the creative process and the product we call art, from the viewpoint of a meditative discipline. It is a viewpoint that encourages us to see things as they are, rather than just how we think or imagine they are. Shambhala Art does not teach a particular skill or technique such as painting, sculpture, or dance. It is about the source of inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to us beyond the limits of its container. Once a view and a path are established it can be put into practice within any artistic discipline. Although the Shambhala Art teachings are inspired by Shambhala Buddhism, they are not in any way religious or about adopting a religion. They are about discovery and play, and the universal nature of creativity and communication.

About Acharya Arawana Hayashi

Ms. Hayashi is a dancer, choreographer, and movement teacher with roots in Asian and Western arts. She began her dance training in classical ballet, culminating in studies with Nina Fonaroff in New York, and later trained at the Merce Cunningham Studio.

She was on the faculty of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School, the Massachusetts College of Art, and was Co-Director of the Dance Program of Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado.

Throughout her career she has been involved in interdisciplinary, ensemble improvisation. She founded the Jo Ha Kyu Performance Group in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1981, and was its artistic director for nineteen years. The company performed both contemporary dance forms and bugaku, Japanese Court Dance. Ms. Hayashi has received choreography grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the LEF Foundation. She is a student of Suenobu Togi, formerly of the Japanese Imperial Household Agency Music Department in Tokyo. She is one of the foremost performers of bugaku today. She has also co-created outdoor community performances celebrating sacred spaces in both urban and rural environments.

Ms. Hayashi began studying and practising Tibetan Buddhism with the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa in 1974 and has been named an acharya (senior teacher) in the Shambhala Buddhist organisation by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. She was Teacher in Residence at Karme Chöling Meditation Center in Vermont and remains on the teaching staff of the Mukpo Institute, a residential study and practice programme at Karme Choling.

Arawana is a co-founder of the Presencing Institute where she teaches the Presencing Foundation course with Otto Scharmer and Beth Jandernoa. She is also developing the Social Presencing Theater wing of the Presencing Institute.

Her workshop in creative process, The Art of Making a True Move, has been presented in educational institutions, meditation centers, and organizational settings in the U.S. and Canada.

Since 2000 she has been on the Creative Process faculty of ALIA’s Shambhala Institute for Authentic Leadership in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is on the faculty of the Certificate Program in Authentic Leadership at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, USA.

Sunday 1 March 2009

Public Talk

with Dapön E, Don Winchell

DON WINCHELL met Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in about 1970. He became part of the Dorje Kasung when they were just people driving Rinpoche around and before they were even called "vajra guards".

He was an officer at the first Magyal Pomra Encampment and has participated in about ten more encampments since then. He has led many Dorje Kasung campaigns, including the Blossoming of the Sun: the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo's wedding in Halifax.

He was a member of the original Dorje Kasung Command Group in Boulder and is now again a member of the Council of the Makkyi Rabjam.

In the ordinary world he has been an entrepreneur, starting and running businesses ranging from electrical contracting to telephone systems and software. He is currently a business consultant.

He has a great sense of humour and says that he sometimes even has glimpses of his own basic goodness.

Everyone is warmly invited to attend the talk.

Monday 13 April 2009

Working with the Speed of Mind

In the coming weeks, Slow Down London will encourage us to slow down and relax a bit. Most days we become caught up in our world. The speed and stress of our experience is closely related to our own minds - seemingly relentless thoughts and emotions. Meditation practice and study in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition provides an opportunity to work directly with our own speed regardless of external circumstances.

DAVID ROOK has been practising and teaching meditation in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition for nearly thirty years and is a student of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyatso Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He is a teacher, meditation instructor and director at the Shambhala Meditation Centre of Albany in the United States.

Monday 27 July 2009

Shibata Sensei: Kyudo

Way of the Bow

The London Shambhala Meditation Centre is honoured and delighted to host a talk by Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XX, one of the greatest living masters of Kyudo (meditative archery). The talk is open to all and is free of charge.

photo of Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XX KANJURO SHIBATA SENSEI XX is one of the last living Kyudo masters of his generation. Sensei shared a deep devotion to the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s vision, and through his loyalty he gave his word to help care for and teach his students. Sensei has never stopped doing this.

The Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche invited Onyumishi Kanjuro Shibata XX , in 1980, to come and teach Kyudo to his students. Rinpoche said "Through Kyudo one can learn to live beyond hope and fear, one can learn how to be". Since then Shibata Sensei has travelled extensively and established Kyudo dojos throughout North America and Europe. In the words of Shibata Sensei "One is not polishing one’s shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery. In Kyudo there is no hope. Hope is not the point. The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth".

Thursday 6 August 2009

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche: The Heart of Buddhist Meditation

The London Shambhala Meditation Centre is delighted to host another visit by renowned Buddhist teacher Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche, who will be teaching on 'The Heart of Buddhist Meditation'. The talk is open to all, from newcomers to experienced meditators.

About the talk: "The Heart of Buddhist Meditation" will always be bodhicitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all mother sentient beings. Yet we are plagued by self-importance, a narrow focus on the 'self', which obscures the equality we share with others in wishing for freedom and happiness.

Through Buddhist contemplation and meditation we come to see our own fundamental experiences of suffering and joy as common themes rather than purely selfish concerns. Our fixation on the self becomes less tight, and our sympathy, compassion and sense of comradeship with other sentient beings increases.

Photo of Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche DZIGAR KONGTRÜL RINPOCHE was born into a noble Tibetan family in Northern India. His father was the third incarnation of the great tertön Chogyur Lingpa, while Rinpoche’s first teacher, his mother, was a great and renowned practitioner, completing 13 years of solitary retreat before she married, and continuing her retreat schedule of four sessions a day while raising 5 children. At the age of nine, Rinpoche was recognized as an incarnation of Jamgon Kongtrül Lodro Thaye, and went on to receive extensive training from his root teacher, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, as well as Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Nyöshul Khen Rinpoche and the great scholar Khenpo Rinchen.

In 1989 Rinpoche moved to the United States with his family and in 1990 began five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Naropa Institute. During that time Rinpoche founded Mangala Shri Bhuti, an organization established to further the study and practice of the Nyingma lineage of the Buddhadharma in the West and particularly the Rimé tradition. Rinpoche is the author of two books, It’s Up to You: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path, and the newly released, Light Comes Through: Buddhist Teachings on Awakening to our Natural Intelligence. He is also an avid painter in the abstract expressionist tradition well as an aspiring photographer, as he travels throughout the world teaching and furthering his own education.

Wednesday 14 April

Representation and Offering

Shrines in a Non-theistic Tradition with Andrea Doukas

Image of Primomrdial Rigden Are you curious about the shrine and how it fits with our meditation practice? This talk is an exploration of the role and function of the shrine in Shambhala Buddhist tradition. Who are we offering to, and what is being represented by the shrine implements and iconography, and how does that make sense in a non-theistic tradition?

This is a chance to discuss the symbolic and practical aspect of working with shrines and ceremonies, as well as shrine-room protocol in our Shambhala world.

ANDREA DOUKAS has been working as a choppön or shrine server, and as a teacher in the Shambhala community for thirty years, both with the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Thursday 3 June

Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche: Sailing on the Wind of Merit

If samsara is an ocean, we can see ourselves as sailors. In order to cross this ocean of confusions and misery, the wind of merit must blow strongly in our sails. By cultivating the causes of merit - positive actions for the benefit of others, imbuing our mind with bodhichitta - we further our voyage to the shores of liberation.

Photo of Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche The London Shambhala Meditation Centre is delighted to host another visit by renowned Buddhist teacher DZIGAR KONGTRÜL RINPOCHE.

Rinpoche was born into a noble Tibetan family in Northern India. His father was the third incarnation of the great tertön Chogyur Lingpa, while Rinpoche’s first teacher, his mother, was a great and renowned practitioner, completing thirteen years of solitary retreat before she married, and continuing her retreat schedule of four sessions a day while raising five children. At the age of nine, Rinpoche was recognised as an incarnation of Jamgon Kongtrül Lodro Thaye, and went on to receive extensive training from his root teacher, HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, as well as from Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Nyöshul Khen Rinpoche and the great scholar Khenpo Rinchen.

In 1989 Rinpoche moved to the United States with his family and in 1990 began a five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at the Naropa Institute. During that time Rinpoche founded Mangala Shri Bhuti, an organisation established to further the study and practice of the Nyingma lineage of the Buddhadharma in the West and particularly the Rimé tradition.

Rinpoche is the author of two books, It’s Up to You: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path, and Light Comes Through: Buddhist Teachings on Awakening to our Natural Intelligence. He is also an avid painter in the abstract expressionist tradition well as an aspiring photographer, as he travels throughout the world following what he calls his 'life-long assignment': to offer the genuine wisdom of the Buddhist teachings to those who have an interest.

EVENING COURSES

Thursdays October 7, 14, 21 and 28 2004

Open Secret

A course of four evenings comprising tapes of talks given by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Open to all

Thursdays November 11, 18, 25; December 2, 9 and 16 2004

Emptiness

Cutting through our conceptualised versions of the world with the sword of prajña, we discover shunyata - nothingness, emptiness, voidness, the absence of duality and conceptualisation. Finally we come down to earth, we see things as they are.

This does not mean having an inspired mystical vision with archangels, cherubs and sweet music playing. But things are seen as they are, in their own qualities. So shunyata in this case is the complete absence of concepts or filters of any kind. It is a question of seeing the world in a direct way without desiring “higher” consciousness or significance or profundity. It is just perceiving things literally, as they are in their own right.

This course is mainly intended for students who have already undertaken some study, but beginners are welcome too.

Thursdays March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 2005

Journey without Goal

This course introduces students to the principles of Tantra. Readings are drawn primarily from the book "Journey Without a Goal", which was compiled from a series of lectures given by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche at the Naropa Institute. The course provides a direct and experiential picture of the tantric world, with emphasis on the practice of meditation.

This course is open to all, but is primarily directed at students who have attended some weekday evening classes (or equivalent study) previously.

Thursdays 2, 9, 16 and 23 June 2005

Taming the Mind

This course introduces students to the view and practice of the Hinayana, the foundation of the Buddhist teachings. The Hinayana is the path of working with ourselves.

This set of teachings covers basic topics such as the Four Noble Truths, mindfulness-awareness, and contemplative meditation. Through the practice of meditation, our mind relaxes and becomes more human and decent. We are no longer quite so arrogant, and begin to understand selflessness. We see the big picture of liberation.

Public programme open to all.

Thursdays 24 November 1, 8, 15, 22 December 2005

Walking the Bodhisattva Path

Introducing Mahayana Buddhism

In Mahayana we explore how to work with others and look at the practice of compassion.

This course follows on from the "Taming the Mind" course taught in June. It is open to both experienced students and newcomers.

Thursday 6 April to Sunday 7 May 2006

Bodhisattva Warrior

The Six Paramitas

Having developed a powerful aspiration to attain complete enlightenment for the benefit of all, one takes the Bodhisattva Vow to manifest and actualise that aspiration. After this, one engages in the practice of the six transcendent actions or "paramitas" of the bodhisattva path, which are presented in this course.

This is a second cycle course. It is especially suitable to those who have attended "Walking the Bodhisattva Path" but everyone is welcome to attend.

Thursday Evenings May 25 - June 29 2006

Principles of Buddhism

What is it that connects the simplicity of the buddhist traditions in South East Asia with the apparent austerity of Zen and the richness of the Tibetan vajrayana?

Principles of Buddhism is a public course for people who may not have encountered Buddhism before. We explore the wide variety of buddhist traditions that have developed since it was founded over 2500 years ago.

May 25th:
The Life of the Buddha and the practice of meditation.

June 1st:
The Buddha's early teachings

June 8th:
Southern Buddhism and the monastic tradition

June 15th:
The Development of The Great Vehicle

June 22nd:
Eastern Buddhism; Pure Lands and Zen.

June 29th:
Northern Buddhism and Shambhala.

Five Thursday evenings from 26 October to 23 November; Sunday 3 December 2006

Lineage and Devotion

This course will the explore the student-teacher relationship as a central component in the history of Shambhala Buddhism; and discuss the idea of transmission.

Although historical figures are studied in this class, this is not so much a history class as a look at the human qualities of our lineage holders, and how their particular dharma-paths did not essentially differ from our own.

We will look at the role of "devotion" on the path. And we will introduce some central lineage figures of our Kagyü, Nyingma and Shambhala traditions and the living and up-to-date nature of their life examples.

This course will be led by Peter Conradi and Merlin Cox, students of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Peter Conradi is the author of several books, including Going Buddhist and Iris Murdoch: A Life. Merlin Cox is co-director of the London Shambhala Meditation Centre.

This is a second-cycle course in the Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies. Ideally participants will have some previous Buddhist study experience but everyone is very welcome to attend.

An optional reading source-book is available for this course priced £12.00.

Thursday 1 February to Thursday 1 March 2007

Meditation and Compassion

Tape teachings by Pema Chödrön

Come and join us on five Thursday evenings, 1, 8, 15 and 22 February, and 1 March where we will practise meditation, listen to teachings given by Pema Chödrön (by tape) and then engage in group discussion afterwards.

"When we start out on a spiritual path we often have ideals we think we're supposed to live up to. We feel we're supposed to be better than we are in some way. But with this practice you take yourself completely as you are. Then ironically, taking in pain - breathing it in for yourself and all others in the same boat as you are - heightens your awareness of exactly where you're stuck."

ACHARYA PEMA CHÖDRÖN, an American Buddhist nun, is widely known for her down-to-earth teachings on compassion and meditation in the Shambhala lineage of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Her books, including the best-selling "When Things Fall Apart" and "The Places That Scare You" are popular among people from many spiritual traditions. Chödrön, whose Buddhist name means "Lotus Torch of the Dharma," was born Deirdre Blomfield-Brown in 1936 in New York City. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Chödrön spent many years as an elementary-school teacher and in the 1970s began to study Buddhism, which she turned to earnestly in the wake of her divorce. She was ordained a Buddhist nun in 1981 and today is the resident teacher of Gampo Abbey, a Buddhist monastic centre in Nova Scotia. Now in strict retreat much of the time and suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, Chödrön occasionally teaches at the abbey and a few other retreat centres.

Thursday evenings from 6 September until 25 October 2007

The Tibetan Buddhist Path

A DVD course of teachings by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche was one of the most remarkable (and controversial) of the Tibetan teachers who fled from the Chinese invasion of Tibet and came to the West. Among his many achievements was the foundation of Naropa Institute (now Naropa University) which combines the Eastern traditions of contemplation and scholarship with the Western academic tradition.

Please join us for a DVD series of talks from the first seminar conducted by Chögyam Trungpa at Naropa Institute in the summer of 1974. The series is noted for it's unusual content and scope. It is an excellent introduction to Trungpa Rinpoche's teachings.

In addition to watching the DVD there will be readings for those interested in deepening their understanding of the material. Each evening will conclude with a group discussion

DATE / TOPIC

6 September Spiritual Materialism

13 September The Three Marks of Existence<

20 September The Five Skandhas

27 September Meditation and Surrender

4 October The Narrow Path and The Open Path

11 October Bodhisattva and Paramita

18 October Meditation and the Fourth Moment

25 October Nirvana and Mysticism

Wednesdays 5, 12, 26 March; 2, 9 April 2008

Taming the Mind

Why do we meditate? What brought us here in the first place, what do we hope to achieve?

We bring with us our own motivations, which are what we have to work with, and we have certain habitual patterns or forms of suffering that we would like to deal with. These represent the wild and untrained aspects of our mind. But we also have some inspiration, longing for truth, sanity and goodness. This is our basic nature, which is always with us, our ordinary human inheritance of sanity, calling to us. Meditation practice is a way to connect with that basic nature, and also a way to tame the wild mind.

This five-week course explores the practice of Buddhist meditation as taught in Shambhala. It is suitable as an introduction for complete beginners as well as being a useful refresher for people who have been meditating for a while. Topics covered include motivation, suffering, shamatha meditation, contemplation practice and discovering bodhicitta.

The course will be taught by PETER CONRADI, JANE WARD and ANGIE NEWTON, on Wednesday evenings from the 5th of March. There will be a break on the 19th of March for a talk by Bill Karelis on "The Mahayana Buddhist Practice of Helping Others", and the course will resume on the 26th, finishing on the 9th of April. The evenings will start with regular sitting meditation from 7:30 pm, and the course will start at 8:15 pm and last for one hour.

(Please note that people who wish to practice meditation for the whole 7:30 to 9:30 pm period are welcome to come along as usual: from 8:15 pm we will divide, with one group using the upstairs meditation room.)

Wednesdays May 14th, 21st, 28th and June 4th 2008

Why Meditate?

A four week course on the practice and study of meditation

'Meditation is a natural state of the human mind—at rest, open, alert. Undertaken as a steady practice, meditation allows the mind to relax and settle. It encourages our inherent qualities of stability, clarity and mental strength to emerge.'
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Life is precious and that makes us nervous. Or as Woody Allen said, "Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon". Meditation or mindfulness/awareness is a practice of slowing down and making a connection with our mind and our body. It is a discipline, but one that frees us up to relax and to live meaningful and enjoyable lives. We begin to feel less nervous about life and to celebrate the preciousness of being alive.

Why Meditate? is a four week course on the practice and study of mindfulness/awareness meditation. Whether you are a beginner or a long-term meditator who is looking for inspiration, this course will provide the opportunity to explore and deepen your meditation practice. It begins on Wednesday, May 14 with a free introductory talk.

The course will be led by CAROLINE HELM and JIM O'NEILL, who are both very experienced meditation instructors.

Thursday 8 October to Thursday 26 November 2009

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction - eight week course

Please note that this course is being organised by Being Mindful.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a leading programme for reducing stress and anxiety, and has been widely approved by the international medical community. It teaches greater awareness of our thoughts, feelings and sensations through simple techniques like meditation and gentle movement.

The eight week course is made up of weekly two-hour sessions. In the course you will learn:

* to stay in touch with the present moment and be less caught up in negative thought patterns;
* to develop more helpful responses to stress;
* to use simple meditation techniques which can transform daily life and help you become more focussed, relaxed and aware, including sitting meditation exercises (eg mindfulness of breathing), body scan and yoga.

The course will be taught by Tessa Watt and Debbie Johnson.

For more information, please visit the Being Mindful web-site.

Tuesdays from 5 January to 23 February 2010

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Tuesday course

Please note that this course is being organised by Being Mindful.This course is now full - the next course starts Tuesday 30 March. Please contact beingmindful@beingmindful.co.uk to book a place.

The eight week course is made up of weekly two-hour sessions. In the course you will learn:

• to stay in touch with the present moment and be less caught up in negative thought patterns;
• to develop more helpful responses to stress;
• to use simple meditation techniques which can transform daily life and help you become more focussed, relaxed and aware, including sitting meditation exercises (eg mindfulness of breathing), body scan and yoga.

The course will be taught by Tessa Watt (07890361531) and Debbie Johnson (07791021147).

For more information, please visit the Being Mindful web-site.

Wednesday 27 January to Wednesday 17 March

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction: Wednesday course

Please note that this course is being organised by Being Mindful. This course is now full - the next course runs on Tuesday evenings from 30 March. Please contact beingmindful@beingmindful.co.uk to book a place.

The eight week course is made up of weekly two-hour sessions. In the course you will learn:

The course will be taught by Tessa Watt (07890361531) and Debbie Johnson (07791021147).

For more information and booking, please visit the Being Mindful web-site or email beingmindful@beingmindful.co.uk. (Please note it is essential to book ahead for this course)

Tuesday 30 March to Tuesday 18 May

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction - Tuesday course (March-May)

Please note that this course is being organised by Being Mindful.

The eight week course is made up of weekly two-hour sessions. In the course you will learn:

The course will be taught by Tessa Watt and Debbie Johnson. It takes place in the Oddfellows Hall at London Shambhala Meditation Centre.

For more information and booking, please visit the Being Mindful web-site. (Please note it is essential to book ahead for this course)