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
NOTE: Our weekly open house gatherings are on summer hiatus. They will resume in September, in person.
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
Sadhana of Mahamudra - ONLINE
with Lora Wiggins
January 30th—June 26th
Please join us for this online practice of the Sadhana of Mahamudra. The text will be displayed on screen during practice. Continue »
The Cultivation of Insight: The Union of Shamatha and Vipashyana Meditation
with Shastri Mark Blumenfeld
May 25th—June 22nd
This course looks at the play of mindfulness and awareness in our meditation practice, and offers a variety of approaches to deepen our capacity to rest in the moment and open to our direct experience.
This is a class for both new and experienced me Continue »
Upcoming Great Lakes Regional Programs
Shambhala Center of Lexington
Community Gathering: Opening the Circle
August 28th—July 30th
Lexington Shambhala Community Gathering: Opening the Circle Continue »
Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee
Compassion practices for Caregivers - first Sundays
with Rebecca McAllister
January 3rd—August 1st
Gather online for engaging in compassion practices for those in caregiver roles Continue »
Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee
Shambhala Sadhana practice
with Leslie Shippee
February 3rd—December 1st
Join us for the chanting and contemplation of The Shambhala Sadhana, one of the central practices of the Shambhala community. It is focused upon the teachings of basic goodness, or indestructible sanity, of oneself, other, and human society Continue »
Matteson Shambhala Meditation Group
What the Buddha Taught- Online Study Group
May 16th—September 19th
Shambhala Center of Madison
The Cultivation of Insight: The Union of Shamatha and Vipashyana Meditation
with Shastri Mark Blumenfeld
May 25th—June 22nd
This course looks at the play of mindfulness and awareness in our meditation practice, and offers a variety of approaches to deepen our capacity to rest in the moment and open to our direct experience.
This is a class for both new and experienced me Continue »
Matteson Shambhala Meditation Group
Shambhala Sadhana - Community Full Moon Practice (Online)
May 26th—July 21st
Shambhala Chicago
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
June 1st—July 6th
Looking for a virtual meditation group where you can drop in when you like or attend regularly and get to know other meditators? Instruction in meditation and mindfulness skills. Continue »
Shambhala Chicago
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
June 6th—July 18th
Weekly group meditation session with guided instruction and discussions and breaks for movement Continue »
Shambhala Center of Lexington
THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEACE: An Introduction to the Basic Teachings of the Buddha
with Acharya Arawana Hayashi
June 7th—June 28th - Date postponed or cancelled
Offered in person at our center AND on Zoom, this four-week course includes recorded talks by Acharya Arawana Hayashi, readings, contemplations, and a open discussion forum. Continue »
Shambhala Chicago
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program ONLINE
with Ann Shillinglaw
June 16th—August 4th
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program is an 8-week course designed to help participants improve the quality of their lives as they work with various types of stress. Continue »
Shambhala Chicago
Heart of Recovery
June 20th—July 25th
The Heart of Recovery is a group meeting at the Shambhala Center focused on sharing support while bringing together contemplative practice and a commitment to sobriety. Continue »
Shambhala Chicago
Queer Dharma
June 20th—July 18th
Queer Dharma is a weekly meditation group where LGBTQIA+ people can form a non-judgmental community while deepening our meditation practices based on openness, curiosity, and gentleness. Continue »
Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee
Open House Tuesdays: Dharma Art
with Kirk Ferguson
June 22nd—August 24th
Shambhala Chicago
Midsummer Day Gathering at the West Loop
June 26th
Join us for an informal community gathering and cookout on the West Loop Center's rooftop patio! Continue »
Hoosier Heartland Shambhala Meditation Group
Nyinthun - A Day to Practice Meditation
June 27th
Nyinthuns are free and hosted monthly by Claire. Donations are appreciated but not necessary.
This practice day includes initial meditation instruction, periods of sitting, shamatha yoga, walking meditation, Noble Silence, Shambhala chants.
The exper Continue »
Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee
Open House Tuesdays: What is Meditation?
with Dr. Tobias Kaemmerer
June 29th
Join an experienced meditator for instruction and discussion of the profound and simple practice of meditation. Continue »
Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis
Introduction to Meditation
with Paul Libersher
July 10th
Introductory course, open to all. Continue »
Shambhala Chicago
Reconnect with Your Mind, Emotions, and Body --with Melissa Fray
July 10th—July 24th
Learn somatically intelligent movements which act to gently interrupt unconscious repetitive patterns/habits allowing the individual to change from within. Continue »
Cleveland Shambhala Meditation Center
Half-Nyinthun, Full Kindness (Online)
with Shastri Christopher St. John
July 25th
An online mid-summer meditation refresh a half nynthun (a half day of practice) Continue »
Cleveland Shambhala Meditation Center
Half-Nyinthun, Full Kindness (In-Person)
with Shastri Christopher St. John
July 25th
An in-person mid-summer meditation refresh a half nynthun (a half day of practice) Continue »
Shambhala Chicago
Day of Mindfulness
August 7th
Please join us for Day of Mindfulness at the Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center. Yes, we will be open at the Center! Continue »
Shambhala Meditation Center of Minneapolis
Nyinthun
with Wanda Davies
August 22nd
Join us for a day of sitting and walking meditation. Continue »
