Heart of Recovery: 12 Step Meeting

A weekly gathering bringing together Buddhist meditation practice and recovery. Open to all – meditation practitioners from all traditions and Twelve Step practitioners from all programs. We use the principles of Council (a talking stick) practice and The Twelve Step traditions (no cross talk &amp; anonymity) to: ~ Meditate with others who are in recovery or exploring recovery ~ Offer contemplations which inspire our recovery and support our practices ~ Share our personal experience, strength and courage ~ Integrate the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to recovery ‘Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal; generosity where there was self-centeredness; community where there was isolation; joy where there was bitterness; trust where there was cynicism.’ ~ Kevin Griffin, One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps

Shambhala Boston

BIPOC Affinity Meditation Group

Welcome to the BIPOC Meditation Affinity Group, a supportive and nurturing space dedicated to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Our group provides a unique opportunity for members to explore meditation practices and mindfulness in a context of belonging and shared experience. In our sessions, we focus on creating a safe and inclusive environment where members can connect with their inner selves while honoring and sharing their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our practices incorporate mindfulness meditation, mindful movement, breathwork, listening circles and open dialog. We aim to provide practices that address and celebrate the unique challenges and strengths of BIPOC individuals.  Whether you're new to meditation or have been practicing for years, this group offers a space to deepen your practice, find community, and engage in meaningful conversations about the intersection of meditation, identity, and personal growth. Join us to cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and a sense of belonging, while sharing and learning from the rich tapestry of experiences within our BIPOC community. Tentative Format:  12:30PM -1:00PM Meditation Practice  1:00-2:00 Facilitated Discussion  2:00-2:30 Informal Social Time

Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston 

Family Practice - Family & Children affinity meditation practice space

Family as a Practice, Practice as a Family Family is a place of practice. How do we work with our minds and hearts in the sometimes turbulent waters of family life? We can all use reminders and support to stay connected to our patience, generosity, discipline, and wisdom. Each week we will explore a different theme - something valuable for both parents and children.    These sessions provide:<ul><li>Age-appropriate, secular introduction to mindfulness (the innate qualities of one’s mind and heart);</li><li>Support in maintaining a sitting practice;</li><li>Support in developing mindfulness and compassion in the everyday moments of family life;</li><li>Support in aligning our parenting with our values;</li><li>An activity the whole family can participate in together!</li></ul>  During our 90 minute program, some activities will happen all together as a group and others will be focused for children or adults. We will have a space for children’s activities set up in an adjoining room, or separate part of the room. One professional instructor will be available for the children, and they may either choose to work on an activity or they may choose to stay with their parents for some -or all- the session. Parents will be responsible for feeding their children and any bathroom breaks or diaper changes.   We welcome the whole range of family life, and recognize that some children might be shy or rambunctious, some might cry, some will nurse. This is not a silent retreat. We will work to make the space safe for everyone, and we invite you to do what is comfortable with your own family.   Everyone is invited to stay afterward to share tea and BYO snacks in the community area with other families. Please refrain from bringing products which contain nuts.

LGBTQ Meditation Group

About the group The intention of the LGBTQ+ meditation group is to provide a welcoming environment for individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity who are interested in exploring the teachings and principles of meditation and Shambhala Buddhism. Our goal is to provide an open space for genuine exploration of how these teachings can be incorporated into everyday life. Mixing our sense of self with the dharma can provide a powerful path toward the development of maitri, or friendliness, towards one’s self and others; it allows the opportunity to touch into who we are, open and share our hearts, and learn from each other. About the evening The evening begins with a period of meditation practice, followed by group discussion on a suggested topic. Individuals of all spiritual-contemplative backgrounds are welcome, as well as those interested in learning more about meditation practice. The LGBTQ+ meditation group offers both a gateway for newcomers and a dynamic program for established practitioners. When we practice together, not only do we gain support in the process of self-discovery, but we can also deepen our understanding of how we are all interconnected. Stay informed To receive email updates about LGBTQ related programs and activities, <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=zvbhmrfab&amp;p=oi&amp;m=1105463576249">click this link and choose the LGBTQ newsletter option</a>. Registration is not required. If you’re coming for the first time, we welcome you as our guest. After that please consider making a donation <a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/donate">through the donate page </a>(on our website, or through venmo @shambhalaboston0015 – and mention “LGBTQ” in the memo. Any amount is appreciated

Shambhala Boston 

Wednesday Dharma Gathering 

These gatherings draw on the sangha – the third jewel of Buddhism – as a refuge and support for waking up. Depending on the week a presenter might share a key point from the classical Buddhist teachings, a memorable passage from a dharma text, a challenge or inspiration they are working with in their own path, or an exploration of putting the teachings into daily life. The view of Shambhala is about whole-hearted engagement in life, i.e meditation in action, not separating one’s life into spiritual and secular. So how do we dig in fully and apply the teachings to our everyday lives? What can we learn from one another on the path? Conversations will be grounded in the experience of meditation in action Each evening includes: Brief meditation instruction and 10-20 minutes of practice, a short presentation on a dharma topic, and 30-45 minutes of open discussion These Open House Dharma Gatherings are each Wednesday from 7-8:30pm in person at the Boston Shambhala Center. Registration is not required – just come by. All are welcome!

Learn to Meditate 

Learn to Meditate is an introduction to Shamatha, or “calm-abiding", mindfulness practice that stabilizes the mind and synchronizes mind and body.  An experienced meditation teacher will lead a one hour session including an overview, guided meditation in the practice techniques, discussion, and recommendations for continuing one's practice.  Open to all, this introduction is beneficial for both new meditators and those who are familiar with other meditation practices. No registration required.

Sangha Sunday 

We are part of a lineage and a community of meditators going back to the time of the Buddha. On these Second Sundays we come together to inspire and support one another's dedication to the meditator’s path of warriorship* and wisdom. All are welcome to join this monthly gathering, bringing together the whole Shambhala community in group meditation, dharma talk and discussion - and the opportunity to share a potluck lunch and socialize together. Come and sit for all or part of the morning (9AM-12:00) and enjoy a dharma talk or reading led by community teachers from all generations of practitioners starting at 11:00. The general format is as follows: Nyinthun (our weekly Sunday morning group meditation practice) 9 AM Sitting 9:40-9:50 Walking 9:50-10:20 Sitting with Tonglen@ 10:05-10:15 10:20-10:30 Walking Community Gathering 10:30-11:00 Sitting 11:00- 11:10 Walking 11:10-12:00 Sitting Dharma Talk Discussion 12:00-1:30 Potluck Lunch

Applying the Dharma Moment-by-Moment with Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo 

Registered Here: https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=849390 You already know how to suffer. What if you could learn to stop? There are patterns in your life you keep returning to — ways of thinking, reacting, holding on — that you can see clearly enough to recognize, but somehow can't shake. You know the pattern. You just don't know what to do with it in the moment it's happening — in the middle of an argument, a moment of grief, a flash of anxiety or self-doubt. That gap — between understanding and actually changing — is exactly what this day is for. We are all capable of applying the dharma and freeing ourselves from the patterns that weigh us down and cause our suffering. Join Tibetan Buddhist Master Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo as they introduce the practical and profound techniques of Vajrayana Buddhist meditation from their new book, The Flowing River of Dharma. Rather than delivering a fixed lecture, Rinpoche and Allison teach in direct response to what is alive for the people present in the room — which means the day will go exactly where it needs to go. Those who have studied with Rinpoche describe his combination of clarity, humor, and intensity - which make the dharma feel immediate rather than abstract. His commitment to these teachings is palpable — and contagious. Rinpoche and Allison will offer instructions on how to apply dharma on the spot, right when we need it most. You may leave with more questions than answers. But you'll leave with something real to work with — and a genuine sense that practice is possible, not just on the cushion, but within the actual texture of your life. That sense is the beginning of something. Come find out for yourself. Schedule & Location Saturday, May 2: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: 646 Brookline Avenue, Brookline, MA. Please note: Our meditation hall is on the second floor and is accessible only by a flight of stairs. We regret that our historic building is not currently wheelchair accessible.

 Birth of the Warrior: Shambhala Training Weekend Retreat

A Weekend Retreat of Meditation and Discovery We are delighted to offer this retreat at no cost. In these difficult times, we believe the world needs as many people as possible cultivating their basic sanity—responding to life’s challenges with genuineness, confidence, and dignity. Deepening the practice of meditation, noticing and learning to work with habitual patterns, helps us discover fearlessness - the birth of warriorship - a warriorship of vulnerability and bravery, not aggression. This weekend retreat is grounded in the view that when we open up to our own genuineness, we can begin to work directly with our fears. Through tenderness, we can meet life's challenging moments, not with distractions and self-aggression, but with courage and confidence. Meditation practice allows us to observe how we create a personal cocoon of habits to mask vulnerability and fear, habits that trap us and prevent us from experiencing the full potential of our lives. Through meditation, we begin to appreciate that there is no fundamental obstacle to experiencing Basic Goodness. We discover that all things are workable. The Weekend Experience Guided Meditation Instruction: Expert instruction in sitting and walking meditation, for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Lively Talks: Engaging teachings and small group discussions. Personal Connection: Access to one-on-one meetings with meditation instructors. Nourishment: Simple vegetarian food is provided, including Saturday lunch, light breakfasts, and tea. Celebration: We conclude Sunday afternoon with a community reception. The Heart of Warriorship Path No previous program or experience is required to sign up. The Art of Being Human is part of a 5-part series known as the "Heart of Warriorship." In Boston, we have designed the path to be as accessible as possible - you can start with any of our first three retreats: The Art of Being Human, Birth of the Warrior, or Warrior in the World. See more details here. Schedule & Location Saturday, March 21: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Sunday, March 22: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Location: 646 Brookline Avenue, Brookline, MA. Please note: Our meditation hall is on the second floor and is accessible only by a flight of stairs. We regret that our historic building is not currently wheelchair accessible. Our Generosity Based Pricing Market Value: $225 | Your Contribution: Up to you We refuse to let a bank balance determine who has access to these teachings. While the cost to host this weekend is $225 per person, no fee is required to attend. How it works: The Gift: We offer the trianing freely. We only ask that you commit to the full weekend. The Practice (Dana): During registration, you are invited to choose a contribution level that reflects your generosity and your financial ability. Whether you pay the full value, a portion, or $0, you are fully welcome. Many participants also choose to make a heart-offering (Dana) at the conclusion of the program. Paying it Forward: Any contribution you make helps ensure that the next person who walks through our doors has the same opportunity you did. Read more about our Generosity Policy & Tiered Pricing Helpful Logistics Registration: Required so we can prepare your meals and materials. Email: You will receive a confirmation within 24 hours, and a "More Details" email with final details one week before we begin. (If you don't see it, check your spam/promotions folder and/or ensure you haven't previously unsubscribed from Shambhala emails!) Payment: We use PayPal. You can use your account or a credit/debit card as a guest. If PayPal gives you any trouble, just email us at info@shambhalaboston.org and we’ll handle it manually. Environment: We are a scent-free space; please refrain from using perfumes or scented products.

Shambhala Meditation Center 

The Art of Being Human: Shambhala Training Weekend Retreat

Register Here: <a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=826310">https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=826310</a> A Weekend Retreat of Meditation and Discovery We are delighted to offer this retreat&nbsp;at no cost.&nbsp;In these difficult times, we believe the world needs as many people as possible cultivating their&nbsp;basic sanity—responding to life’s challenges with genuineness, confidence, and dignity. We spend a great deal of time and energy trying to escape the world or "fix" ourselves. This retreat is about the opposite:&nbsp;opening our hearts to our whole experience.Shambhala Training is grounded in the view that human beings are, at the core, fundamentally awake. And&nbsp;we discover this ground through simple yet profound practices of 'just being'. We don't need to go somewhere else, or discover something outside ourselves. The first step is giving ourselves the time and opportunity to&nbsp;reconnect with the ground of our human existence —&nbsp;through direct experience of our five senses, the feeling of emotions in our body, even the awareness of thoughts across our minds. Over time, our practice provides a way to gain strength, develop resilience and to cultivate skillfulness --&nbsp;the Art of Being Human. Through gentle precision in meditation practice and curiosity about what arises, we bring a light touch of mindfulness and awareness to every aspect of our lives: work, play, relationships, community.&nbsp; The retreat provides a path to discover our own authentic being in this complex, difficult, yet joyful and alive, world that we live in.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Weekend Experience<ul><li>Guided Meditation Instruction:&nbsp;Expert instruction in sitting and walking meditation, for both beginners and experienced practitioners.</li><li>Lively Talks:&nbsp;Engaging teachings and small group discussions.</li><li></li><li>Personal Connection:&nbsp;Access to one-on-one meetings with meditation instructors.</li><li></li><li>Nourishment:&nbsp;Simple vegetarian food is provided, including Saturday lunch, light breakfasts, and tea.</li><li></li><li>Celebration:&nbsp;We conclude Sunday afternoon with a community reception.</li></ul>&nbsp; The Heart of Warriorship Path No previous program or experience is required to sign up. The Art of Being Human&nbsp;is part of a 5-part series known as the "Heart of Warriorship." In Boston, we have designed the path to be as accessible as possible - you can start with any of our first three retreats:&nbsp;The Art of Being Human,&nbsp;Birth of the Warrior, or&nbsp;Warrior in the World.&nbsp;See more&nbsp;<a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/shambhala-training/#Path">details here</a>. Schedule &amp; Location Saturday, Jan 10:&nbsp;9:00 am – 5:30 pm&nbsp;Sunday, Jan 11:&nbsp;9:00 am – 5:30 pm Location:&nbsp;646 Brookline Avenue, Brookline, MA.&nbsp;Please note: Our meditation hall is on the second floor and is accessible only by a flight of stairs. We regret that our historic building is not currently wheelchair accessible. Our Generosity Based Pricing Market Value: $225 | Your Contribution: Up to you We refuse to let a bank balance determine who has access to these teachings. While the cost to host this weekend is $225 per person, no fee is required to attend. How it works:<ul><li>The Gift:&nbsp;We offer the trianing freely. We only ask that you commit to the full weekend.</li><li></li><li>The Practice&nbsp;(Dana):&nbsp;During registration, you are invited to choose a contribution level that reflects your generosity and your financial ability. Whether you pay the full value, a portion, or $0,&nbsp;you are fully welcome. Many participants also choose to make a heart-offering (Dana) at the conclusion of the program.</li><li></li><li>Paying it Forward:&nbsp;Any contribution you make helps ensure that the next person who walks through our doors has the same opportunity you did.</li></ul>

From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors with Lama Rod Owens

The Boston Shambhala Center is delighted to offer an afternoon talk and practice with Lama Rod Owens. TICKETS available through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-broken-hearts-to-spiritual-warriors-in-person-with-lama-rod-owens-tickets-1735396009179?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios What is bravery in spiritual practice? Lama Rod’s teachings are a clarion call for becoming a spiritual warrior—a human refreshed, serving a vision of a world shaped by love. Allowing one's hearts to break open is the exact fuel needed to disrupt systems of violence, in order for authentic care to guide our actions instead of fear and hate. Based on his most recent book, The New Saints - From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors, Lama Rod offers a model of liberated spiritual practice, embodied warriorship in a language that speaks directly to our times. There’s no liberation without actually leaning forward and looking at the things that we habitually run away from. We must first see things as they really are - not as we have imagined them. His teachings offer fresh inspiration about ways we can bring healing to our broken hearts and to our beautiful, broken world. Lama Rod Owens is a Black Buddhist Southern Queen, an international influencer with a Master of Divinity degree in Buddhist Studies from Harvard Divinity School with a focus on the intersection of social change, identity, and spiritual practice. He is the author of The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors and Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger and co-author of Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation. Connection is Lama Rod’s second language; authenticity is his first. Meeting people where they are and speaking to them rather than at them with words they can relate to makes his delivery digestible and highly sought after. Where will the program happen? This will be a hybrid event, with (limited) in-person tickets as well a online participation via Zoom. The program will be held IN-PERSON at 646 Brookilne Avenue. Do I need to register? Yes - please register with an email you check regularly. We will send important information about the program to you via email and don’t want you to miss it. How do I pay? We use Paypal to process payments. You can choose to pay through a paypal account (if you have one) or with a credit or debit card. Unfortunately Paypal sometimes disables guest checkout "based on several risk factors" and will prompt you to create an account. If you run into this issue, please email info@shambhalaboston.org to let us know. We hope to find a better solution soon. If you are having trouble with payment, check the Program Payment page. What if I don't get the confirmation email? You should receive receive at least one confirmation email within 24 hours of registration. Please contact info@shambhalaboston.org if you do not receive the email. We send another email with program details approximately 3-5 days before the program begins. Sometimes emails may end up in your promotions, spam or junk folder. It’s also possible that you’ve unsubscribed from emails from Shambhala, which prevents you from receiving the necessary emails. If you don't receive the confirmation email, please contact info@shambhalaboston.org. Is the space accessible, or able to accomodate my needs? Please let us know when you register if you have any concerns about visual, sound, mobility or sensitivity to incense or chemicals. Please note the meditation hall is on the second floor and is only accessible by walking up a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, we have no way of accommodating wheelchairs at this time. What if I'm not feeling well? Please note that masking is now optional. If you are not feeling well for any reason, please stay home and contact us about a refund. Additionally, we ask you to limit the use of scented products, as many people have chemical sensitivities. Note that our building is not wheelchair accessible. Other questions? Common questions might be answered on our FAQ page.

Cutting Through the Fog of Materialism: Encountering the Vajrayana through the Sadhana of Mahamudra with Till Cremer, Frank Ryan, James Wilton, Erika Wilton

Classes, online via Zoom Thursdays 10/23 - 11/13, 7:00pm-8:30pm Retreat, in person only Saturday 11/16, 9:00am-5:00pm Although I live in the slime and muck of the dark age I still aspire to see your face Although I stumble in the thick, black fog of materialism, I still aspire to see it. — supplication to Padmasambhava from the Sadhana of Mahamudra Explore the Vajrayana through understanding and practice of the Sadhana of Mahamudra - a Vajrayana group practice available to our entire community. In the sitting practice of shamatha-vipashyana meditation, we cultivate wisdom and wakefulness through resting our mind on an object such as our breath (shamatha) and through investigation and reflection of that somewhat-settled-mind (vipashyana). However, in daily life our minds are active, making it difficult to remain mindful, calm and self-reflective at all times. We get caught up in conflicting emotions and neurotic patterns as soon as we get up from our meditation cushion. Tibetan Vajrayana practices are designed to bridge this gap by engaging directly with the active mind through visualization and mantra, thereby allowing us to transmute our speed and confusion through cultivating wisdom and wakefulness in all life circumstances. Through four online classes, and one in-person practice day, participants will be introduced to the world of Tibetan Vajrayana through study and practice of the Sadhana of Mahamudra. The classes will provide a rich ground for discussion of key principles of Vajrayana through the colorful and poetic imagery of the sadhana, the background of the lineage holders depicted in the sadhana, and the history of the sadhana itself. The classes will culminate in a one-day retreat with guided practice, talks, self-reflection and discussion, culminating in a community Sadhana of Mahamudra Feast practice. Those who register for the class, but are unable to attend the in-person retreat, will receive access to the recordings of that day’s talks after the event. Whether you are simply curious about Vajrayana practice, or are an experienced yogi, you will find fresh relevance in the words and practice of the sadhana - and fresh access to the space and wisdom in your daily life! About the Sahdana of Mahamudra The Sadhana of Mahamudra is a liturgy that includes chanting, visualization and silent sitting practice. It is done as a means of overcoming the obstacles of spiritual materialism in our practice, in our live and the world. The sadhana is based on two main principles - space and energy. It joins two of the great Vajrayana lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, the Nyingma lineage (“old translation school”, associated with space) and the Kagyü (associated with energy). The Nyingma lineage descends from Padmasambhava, who came to Tibet in 760 C.E. while Marpa Lotsawa established the Kagyü lineage in Tibet some 1000 years ago in 1045. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the founder of the Boston Shambhala Center, was a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master and teacher who was deeply trained and immersed in both of these lineages. This sadhana is an expression of both his knowledge and realization and particularly relevant to western students. The vivid language and potent imagery are trademarks of Chögyam Trungpa’s transmission of the dharma. While Vajrayana Buddhism is usually only taught to experienced and deeply committed practitioners after many years of practice, the Sadhana of Mahamudra was given to our community as a group practice available to all levels of practitioners. We practice this during Sunday morning nyinthun on Sundays that coincide (or closely align) with New Moon and Full Moon days. Don't expect to understand it fully the first time. You can simply chant the words and relax into the atmosphere that doing so creates. Teachers: Till Cremer came to meditation in 2015 and found his way to the Boston Shambhala Community in 2018. Since then, Till has been increasingly involved in volunteering activities, supporting Nyinthun and Sangha Sundays. He has been serving on the center’s board of directors since 2022. Till holds a PhD in chemistry and works in industrial R&D, and he also has a private bodywork therapy practice focusing on acute & chronic health issues and trauma integration. In his spare time, Till tries to spend as much time as possible in the outdoors. Frank Ryan is an established teacher and meditation instructor who originally studied under the guidance of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. In the past Frank served as the Director of both the Vancouver and Boston Shambhala Centers and has taught throughout North America, Canada and Ireland. Jim Wilton is a student of Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. He is also a student of Dzongsar, Khyentse Rinpoche and Kilung Rinpoche. He completed ngondrö as an associate at Ropes & Gray LLP and retired two years ago as a partner in Ropes & Gray’s business restructuring group. He has practiced meditation and taught Dharma classes for more than 35 years. Erika Wilton has been a Buddhist practitioner since 1971, when her travels brought her to a Buddhist monastery in Scotland. Returning to the States she sought and met Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, becoming his student. She attended the three-month Vajradhatu Buddhist Seminary in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado in 1985, and many Buddhist seminars, training programs and retreats. In recent years she has been studying with Dzongsar Khyentse, Rinpoche, Kilung Rinpoche, and others. Erika met her husband Jim while both were living and working at Karmê Chöling Buddhist Meditation Center in Vermont, and are the parents of an adult son. She is also a writer and an artist in various media.

Samsara: The Whirlpool of Existence with Katherine King & Max Roberts-zirker

Welcome to the Whirlpool of Existence - The Painful Realms of Samsara Saturday, October 18 10am-4pm Although samsara seems to be all-powerful and all-pervading, it is created by our own state of mind, like the world of a dream, and it can be dissolved into nothingness just like awakening from a dream. When someone awakens to reality, even for a moment, the world does not disappear but is experienced in its true nature: pure, brilliant, sacred and indestructible. Francesca Fremantle Life can feel like an endless loop—sometimes marked by overt suffering, sometimes by the subtle sense that something is always missing. No matter how much we fix, patch, or distract ourselves, unease lingers beneath the surface. As Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche observed: “The little things we do, the little areas in which we try to entertain ourselves…is both the product of suffering and the producer of suffering. It is the origin that perpetually re-creates suffering, as well as what we are constantly going through as a result of suffering.” This is the nature of samsara: the cycles of birth and death that we endure until released through enlightenment. In Tibetan Buddhism, the human experience is just one of six realms we might inhabit as we circle through lifetimes. As humans, samsara encompasses our body, possessions, relationships, planet, and how we engage with it all. It is constantly changing. But is the world really so bad? Must attachment always lead to suffering? Do we need to renounce everything to find peace—and if so, why do we resist? Even in the whirlpool, there are openings to peace. In this workshop, we invite you to investigate samsara not as a personal failure, but as the shared human situation that also includes the path of awakening. What you’ll discover - How samsara functions as a cycle of conditioned existence - The six realms as mirrors for our inner and outer struggles - How the sense of separateness fuels the whirlpool of suffering - Practical ways to work with samsara as a path rather than a trap Besides teachings and meditation practice, the retreat will include contemplation, journaling and personal reflection, and a guided experience of direct perception - all activities which can help to cut the chain of karmic reactivity. As Trungpa Rinpoche reminds us: “By familiarizing ourselves with our own insanity and making friends with mind in all its variety and extremes, we can learn to accommodate others and work with them without fear.” Because when we stop treating suffering as proof of who we are, it transforms into the path of freedom. Samsara itself becomes the teacher, showing that even in the whirlpool, there are openings to peace. Teachers: Kate King Max Roberts-Zirker Tentative Schedule 10:00 - Orientation and contemplative practice 10:45 - Presentation: Samsara, Nirvana and the 6 Realms 11:15 - Guided reflection 11:40 - Group discussions 12:30 - Lunch 1:30 - Presentation: Attachment, Detachment, and Selflessness 2:30 - Individual reflection on our own patterns 3:00 - Group Discussion 3:20 - Experience of Samsara & Nirvana 4:00 - End Our Approach to the Buddhist Path: 2500 years ago, the Buddha recognized fundamental truths about the human experience. The Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston proudly continues the living tradition of these teachings, with a particular connection to the rich Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. As part of our Walking the Buddhist Path series, we will explore this topic with both intellect and intuition. You will learn how to engage dharma teachings, contemplate and investigate them for yourself, and ultimately grasp their underlying wisdom. Through talks, readings, guided contemplation, self-reflection and discussions, we will explore the transformative power of acknowledging suffering in our experience, develop insight into how it is caused through confusion, and why we consistently grab the problem the wrong way around. We will look at the possibility of ending suffering and leave with tools to begin to discover freedom. Who should join? This program is for those who are ready to investigate difficult truths, and willing to see their own participation in the chain of suffering. No prior study is required. Everyone is welcome, no matter what level of practice.

Opening the Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Compassion with Austin Seeley & Ann Bruck

“All the joy the world contains has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains has come from wanting pleasure for oneself.”  — Santideva Compassion is a central teaching on the Buddhist path, yet it is often misunderstood. Buddhist compassion is not simply about being nice or self-sacrificing, nor is it about feeling pity for others from a place of superiority. Instead, compassion is practiced as a way to wake up, to free oneself from the narrow, self-centered mindset of "I, me, mine." In Buddhism, compassion is practiced at eye level—rooted in warmth and free from self-reference. It opens the heart without placing oneself above or apart from others. In this workshop, we will explore the classic Buddhist meditations known as the Four Limitless Ones. These contemplative practices cultivate an unconditioned wish for all beings—including friends, strangers, and even those we find difficult—to be happy, free from suffering, filled with joy, and released from destructive emotions like passion and aggression. By uncovering a mind of openness and generosity, we begin to see a much wider world—one in which we are not the central figure. This shift in perspective becomes the foundation for genuine, compassionate action in our everyday lives. “Compassion and love are not mere luxuries. As the source of both inner and external peace, they are fundamental to the continued survival of our species."   — Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama   Our Approach: 2500 years ago, the Buddha recognized fundamental truths about the human experience. The Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston proudly continues the living tradition of these teachings, with a particular connection to the rich Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. As part of our <a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/buddhist-path/">Walking the Buddhist Path</a> series, we will explore this topic with both intellect and intuition. You will learn how to engage dharma teachings, contemplate and investigate them for yourself, and ultimately grasp their underlying wisdom. Through talks, readings, guided contemplation, self-reflection and discussions, we will explore the transformative power of acknowledging suffering in our experience, develop insight into how it is caused through confusion, and why we consistently grab the problem the wrong way around. We will look at the possibility of ending suffering and leave with tools to begin to discover freedom.  Who should join? This program is for those who are ready to investigate difficult truths, and willing to see their own participation in the chain of suffering. No prior study is required. Everyone is welcome, no matter what level of practice.

No Self, No Suffering - Buddhist teachings on Egolessness with Dan Danielsen & Charlie Trageser

Egolessness is a central teaching of the Buddhist path and yet it can feel utterly counterintuitive.&nbsp;We are asked to see that our feeling of ‘Me’ – the ever-present sense of self that feels so real and enduring — doesn’t truly exist.&nbsp;But when we sit simply and gently examine it, this solid self begins to unravel.&nbsp;From the Buddhist perspective, ‘Me’ is simply a fleeting collection of thoughts, feelings, and words that continually arises and dissolves. Realizing this isn’t bad news—it’s liberating. In fact, clinging to the illusion of a fixed self is the root of much unnecessary suffering. In this one day workshop, we will explore the nature of&nbsp;‘Me’ through the gentle practice of sitting and contemplating.&nbsp;We'll look at our impermanence, how the self is assembled in each moment, and how this insight can transform our experience of the world. This workshop is a companion to the upcoming session on the Heart Sutra and the deeper teachings of emptiness. &nbsp; Our Approach: 2500 years ago, the Buddha recognized fundamental truths about the human experience. The Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston proudly continues the living tradition of these teachings, with a particular connection to the rich Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. As part of our&nbsp;<a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/buddhist-path/">Walking the Buddhist Path</a>&nbsp;series, we will explore this topic with both intellect and intuition. You will learn how to engage dharma teachings, contemplate and investigate them for yourself, and ultimately grasp their underlying wisdom. Through talks,&nbsp;readings,&nbsp;guided contemplation,&nbsp;self-reflection&nbsp;and discussions, we will explore the transformative power of acknowledging suffering in our experience, develop insight into how it is caused through confusion,&nbsp;and why we consistently grab the problem the wrong way around. We will&nbsp;look at the possibility of ending suffering and leave with tools to begin to&nbsp;discover freedom.&nbsp; Who should join? This program is for&nbsp;those who are ready to investigate difficult truths, and willing to see their own participation in the chain of suffering. No prior study is required.&nbsp;Everyone&nbsp;is welcome, no matter what level of practice. Resources &amp; Preparation<ul><li>Seemingly simple teachings often benefit from the insights of experienced teachers.&nbsp;Here are a few quality resources, some of which we will draw on during our session:</li></ul>&nbsp; Schedule Approximate schedule for the day will be: 10:00 - Orientation and practice 10:45 - Presentation and discussion 11:45 - Reflection and contemplation exercises 12:30 - Lunch &amp; reading time 1:30 -&nbsp;Student led discussion 2:30 -&nbsp;Silent reflection and application 3:00 -&nbsp;Discussion on continued investigation 3:30 -&nbsp;Wrap up 4:00 -&nbsp;End Register Here: <a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=793455">https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=793455</a>

Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

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Experiences