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The Way of Shambhala:
Year Two of Our Core Curriculum
The Way of Shambhala year two curriculum combines the Sacred Path Levels of Shambhala Training and the Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies classes. This second year of retreats and classes introduces further warriorship practices that extend the basic meditation training received in year one. These practices are based on a societal vision and aspiration to help the world. By learning the tools taught in the Buddhist studies classes, we hone our mindfulness and awareness so that know more about ourselves and how we perceive and act in the world. Through this training, we cultivate our inherent dignity and confidence, and rediscover our inherent gifts that allow us to act in the world with a compassionate and practical influence.
During a series of visionary experiences that took place between 1976 and 1980, the founder of Shambhala - Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche wrote down the Shambhala texts. The Sacred Path is based on these texts and on the extensive commentaries Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave on these teachings and on how to practice them in modern times.
The path of the practitioner of dharma is rich with opportunities for self-examination and discovery. Beginning with looking at one's own experience directly in meditation, the practitioner learns about the ways the mind works. Through meditation, the practitioner penetrates confusion to experience the naturalness of being awake. Through studying the wisdom of the lineage, the great practitioners dating back to the Buddha, the student is challenged and inspired to discover a direct view of the nature of mind and reality. While there are many opportunities to join with others on the path for practice and study, the journey is personal.
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The Way of Shambhala Year Two Series
Great Eastern Sun
This weekend retreat program teaches us how to see the Great Eastern Sun - the primordial energy and brilliance that is the basis of all that exists. It is an introduction to membership in Shambhala—a living context for building a sane society.
Schedule coming soon.
Karma and the Twelve Nidanas
This class examines the complex workings of karma and how to untangle ourselves from the web of confusion, fueled by negative emotions and habitual patterns. The twelve nidanas reveal the origins of phenomena, and the feedback loop of conditioning and causation that leads to suffering in our lives. Schedule coming soon.
Windhorse
In this weekend retreat, we study the text that gives the instruction for “raising windhorse,” which opens the heart and refreshes one's confidence. The practice is a way to bring about skillful and heartfelt social engagement, enabling the warrior to go forward in the midst of whatever challenges occur. Schedule coming soon.
Lojong
This weeknight class introduces Lojong or "mind training," which cultivates realization in emptiness and compassion, the essential qualities of the bodhisattva warrior. This practice-oriented course explores the mahayana slogans of Atisha, a 10th century Indian Buddhist master whose teachings left a deep imprint on all Tibetan Buddhist lineages. These pithy slogans are tools for realizing our awakened heart and developing skill in helping others.Buddhist master whose teachings left a deep imprint on all Tibetan lineages. Schedule coming soon.
Drala
Through this weekend retreat, we explore the depth of perception and engage the elemental and magical strength inherent in the world. The principle of drala refers to the sacred energy and power that exists when we step beyond aggression. Drala is the elemental presence of the world that is available to us through our sense perceptions. Schedule coming soon.
Lineage and Devotion
This course will introduce the principles of transmission and the student/teacher relationship as a central component to the study and practice of Shambhala Buddhism. Although historical figures are studied in this class, this is not a history class, but a look at the dharmic paths and human qualities of our lineage holders. We will also explore an overview of the path of devotion according to the three yana principles of trust, faith, and devotion. Schedule coming soon.
Meek and Perky
The four dignities are introduced as a path and a process, which describe a warrior's maturing and widening sphere of benevolent engagement in the world. The training in the dignities allows one to maintain awareness and delight at each stage. This weekend retreat combines the study of the meek and perky dignities. Meek is a study of the grounded, humble and gentle beginning stages of a warrior's journey. Here one trains to overcome arrogance, and to understand the effects of one's actions. Perky focuses on cultivating sharp, vibrant and uplifted energy through natural discipline. Overcoming the trap of doubt, the warrior of perky is able to accomplish his or her activities with a sense of nobility and ease. Schedule coming soon.
Journey Without Goal
This weeknight class provides an introduction to the path of vajrayana buddhism. These teachings provide a direct and experiential picture of the teacher-student relationship, devotion and empowerment, mandala principle, visualization and formless meditation, and the fruition qualities of the five wisdom energies. Schedule coming soon.
Outrageous and Inscrutable
These fruitional dignities refer to the extraordinary skill of a practiced warrior. No longer afraid of making mistakes, the unconventional and visionary perspective of the outrageous warrior combines with the skill of spontaneous inscrutability to create benefit for others on a large scale.
June 3-5, 2011 (Sonoma)
Golden Key
This program is based on a Shambhala text that works with our relationship to the “material world” and our sense perceptions. It teaches the practice of enriching presence—the ability to instantly sense the inner wealth within oneself, phenomena, and the natural world.
July 19-23, 2011 (Shambhala Mountain Center)
For more information
The Way of Shambhala II courses are traditionally shared between the Northern California Shambhala Centers. Please click here to view upcoming Northern California Shambhala programs.
Advanced Programs
Following year two of the Way of Shambhala, you are eligible and encouraged to attend the following programs:
Warrior Assembly
The Warrior Assembly, the jewel of Shambhala Training and the culmination of the Sacred Path program, is a living teaching in creating enlightened society. Participants receive the transmission of advanced Shambhala warriorship practices and study the root text and commentary, The Golden Sun of the Great East. This text describes the principles and practice of Ashe, a simple and powerful practice that enables one to transform confusion and hesitation into wisdom and authenticity. Click here for more information on Warrior Assembly.
Dathun
Dathun (Tibetan for "month session") is a one-month group meditation retreat led by a senior teacher. It is a powerful introduction and deepening of mindfulness-awareness meditation, open to anyone. The program includes sitting and walking meditation, talks, study, and a short work period. Silence and functional talking are observed and meals are served in the shrine room oryoki-style. Oryoki is a practice of mindful eating borrowed from the Zen tradition. After attending a dathun, students may choose to do a solitary retreat, and a number of Shambhala practice centres have facilities for individual retreats. Dathun is a prerequisite for attending Sutrayana Seminary.
Shambhala Sutrayana Seminary
Sutrayana Seminary deepens and expands a student's practice and study in a two week residential program alternating periods of intensive meditation practice with classes in Buddhist and Shambhala view. The program is led by a Shambhala acharya, assisted by other senior teachers. Read about prerequisites and how to apply.
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