Welcome!

The Shambhala Meditation Center of Madison is part of an international community of urban meditation and rural retreat centers led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Our center, located in Madison’s Willy Street neigborhood, offers public meditation several times a week, a core curriculum of Buddhist and Shambhala teachings, as well as training in advanced contemplative practices.

New to Shambhala?

Shambhala is an international community of urban meditation and rural retreat centers led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Shambhala Vision is rooted in the principle that every human being has a fundamental nature of basic goodness. This nature can be developed in daily life so that it radiates out to family, friends, community and society. Learn more.

Weekly Open House

This weekly dharma gathering is a perfect introduction to the Shambhala Buddhist teachings and an opportunity to connect with other practitioners. It begins with a group meditation practice, a talk by one of our senior teachers, discussion, and a reception. Meditation instruction is also offered to beginners. Learn more.

Upcoming Madison Programs

Introduction to Buddhist Thought and Practice

with Shastri Mark Blumenfeld

November 6th—December 18th

Introduction to Buddhist Thought and Practice Continue »

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga - Class Series

with Clare Norelle

November 12th—December 10th

Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a gentle, respectful approach to healing from trauma. Continue »

Upcoming Great Lakes Regional Programs

Shambhala Chicago

Introduction to Mindfulness for Children & Families: 6 week Course

with Rob Ley

November 4th—December 9th

This class will provide a child-friendly introduction to mindfulness and include short meditation sessions, movement, and creative projects. Continue »

Shambhala Center of Madison

Introduction to Buddhist Thought and Practice

with Shastri Mark Blumenfeld

November 6th—December 18th

Introduction to Buddhist Thought and Practice Continue »

Shambhala Chicago

Contentment in Everyday Life

with Barbara Wolkowitz & Keith Spielfogel

November 7th—December 12th

Open to all. This 5-week course provides a further exploration of mindfulness meditation, along with foundational Buddhist teachings. Continue »

Shambhala Center of Madison

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga - Class Series

with Clare Norelle

November 12th—December 10th

Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a gentle, respectful approach to healing from trauma. Continue »

Shambhala Chicago

Werma Group Practice Day (Online Option)

November 24th

One of many community-driven retreats focusing solely on Werma practice. All who have received authorization to practice Werma Sadhana are welcome! Continue »

Shambhala Chicago

Shambhala Sadhana Community Practice

November 25th

The Shambhala Sadhana practice is the centerpiece of monthly community gatherings on, or near, each full moon. Continue »

Cleveland Shambhala Meditation Center

Open Sky: Shambhala Training Level V

with Fred Schwieg

November 30th—December 2nd

Learn to trust our nature enough to let go into the present moment. Continue »

Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis

Introduction to Meditation

December 1st

Free introductory course, open to all. Offered the first Saturday of every month. Continue »

Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee

Learn to Eat Mindfully

with Shastri Deborah Zarate

December 1st

Most everyone has had the experience of roaming the kitchen, opening the refrigerator and cupboards, looking for something to eat, something to satisfy... and then just standing in front of the counter wolfing it down. This rarely brings a sense of satisf Continue »

Shambhala Chicago

Review Session for Taoist Qigong Levels 1 & 2

with Shastri David Stone

December 1st

Shastri David Stone will lead a review/practice session of Taoist Qigong Levels 1 & 2 at the Chicago Shambhala Center. Continue »

Shambhala Chicago

Learn to Meditate

with Larry Wolf

December 1st

Ideal for beginners as well as students who want to work on stabilizing their meditation, this half day program gives you the essential techniques and reasons for meditation practice in everyday life. Continue »

Shambhala Chicago

Ping Pong Social

December 2nd

Come out and play! Continue »

Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee

Exploring the Sadhana of Mahamudra

with Shastri Deborah Zarate

December 7th—December 9th

In this Buddhist program we will delve into teachings of The Sadhana of Mahamudra. We will get a feeling for the structure of the sadhana and work with themes within it. This program is recommended for those who have completed Level 3 Shambhala training Continue »

Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis

Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human

with Ann Tyndall

December 8th—December 9th

Opening to ourselves with gentleness and appreciation, we begin to see our potential as genuine and compassionate human beings. Beginners are welcome to this introduction to the Shambhala path. Continue »

Shambhala Chicago

Children's Day & Winter Solstice Celebration

with Rob Ley

December 15th

Join families and friends from across Chicago for a night of whimsy and wonder at our annual winter solstice celebration! Continue »

Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis

Children's Day

December 16th

Children’s Day in Shambhala is a winter solstice celebration for all. Continue »

Windhorse Shambhala Retreat Center

Annual Winter Retreat: 12-26 to 1-1-2019

December 26th—January 1st (2019)

This retreat is open to anyone who would like to take some time away from their everyday habits and surroundings. We will provide a daily schedule of meditation practice and meals but you decide how much of the schedule you wish to participate in. So Continue »