FREE - The Art of Being Human: Weekend Meditation Retreat

We are delighted to offer this Shambhala Training retreat at no cost! We need as many people as possible cultivating basic sanity in the year ahead - able to respond to challenges with genuineness, confidence, humor and dignity. Donations are welcome, but we simply ask that you commit to attend the full weekend, and to let us know if you won't be able to attend. Registration is still required so we can prepare for the program. We hope you will join us! In preparation, please let us know if you have any accessibility concerns - 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. Shambhala Training weekend retreats are grounded in the view that human beings are, at the core, fundamentally awake. We discover this ground through simple yet profound practices of 'just being'. Awakening is not about escaping from the world, but rather opening our hearts to our whole experience, instead of pushing it away. 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. The retreat provides a path to discover our own authentic being in this complex, difficult, yet joyful and alive, world that we live in. We don't need to go somewhere else, or discover something outside ourselves. The first step is giving ourselves the time and opportunity to reconnect with the ground of our human existence — 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 -- the Art of Being Human. Shambhala Training Weekends are designed for both new meditators and those looking to reconnect with their meditation practice. The teachers for the weekend will present teachings on how to trust our own experience, and offer instruction in meditation practice and how it impacts our daily lives. In addition, meditation instructors will be on hand to assist participants with one-on-one meetings, small group discussions and guided group meditation. Saturday, February 15, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday, February 16, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm This Weekend Includes: - Guided meditation practice - Lively and helpful talks and small group discussions - The option for one-on-one meditation instruction - The support of practicing in a community of like-minded people - A simple vegetarian lunch and snacks - Concluding Sunday reception Here is what some past participants have said about Shambhala Training weekends: "It was a profound experience for me, and I felt very moved by the offerings of the teachers. I left with a deep appreciation of Shambhala and a firm desire to continue the practice." "It was not until I left Shambhala and was continuing my walking meditation at the beach that I realized how rooted I felt... In addition, I found the practice of sitting with my eyes open offered me a new lens and a different perspective on the process." "The fact that everyone was so deeply connected to the practice, it nourished my sense of well being." This program is IN-PERSON at 646 Brookilne Avenue. Registration Required: 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.

Shambhala Boston 

Tibetan Lunar New Year 2025: Year of the Wood Snake 

About the Wood Snake Year In Tibetan astrology, the Year of the Snake is associated with qualities of wisdom, mystery, and transformation, and is often associated with the idea of shedding one’s skin, rebirth, and renewal. This symbolism illustrates the Snake’s ability to adapt, change, and embrace new beginnings. The element of Wood in the upcoming Wood Snake brings us a year that could feel more ordered and calm–and with a greater ability to appreciate the world around us. About the Shambhala Day Shambhala Day marks the beginning of the new lunar year where we come together to celebrate the precious opportunity we have in our lives, to practice together, and to express appreciation for our path and our community. The other events leading into Shambhala Day are our End of Year Rituals February 15th - February 26th and Neutral Day on Thursday, February 27th. These are important practices to help usher in the New Year by clearing obstacles, making offerings, and inviting the wakeful qualities of our minds and the world to be present. More Details to Come

Menu  FREE - Birth of the Warrior: Weekend Meditation Retreat

We are delighted to offer this Shambhala Training retreat at no cost! We need as many people as possible cultivating basic sanity in the year ahead - able to respond to challenges with genuineness, confidence, humor and dignity. Donations are welcome, but we simply ask that you commit to attend the full weekend, and to let us know if you won't be able to attend. Registration is still required so we can prepare for the program. We hope you will join us! In preparation, please let us know if you have any accessibility concerns - 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. 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 personally create a 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. Saturday, March 29, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday, March 30, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm This Weekend Includes: - Instruction in silent sitting and walking meditation - Lively and helpful talks and small group discussions - One-on-one meetings with a teacher - The support of practicing in a community of like-minded people - A simple vegetarian lunch and snacks - Concluding Sunday reception Shambhala Training is based on developing gentleness and genuineness so that we can help ourselves and develop tenderness in our hearts. We no longer wrap ourselves in the sleeping bag of cocoon. We feel responsible for ourselves, and we feel good taking responsibility. We also feel grateful that, as human beings, we can actually work for others. It is about time that we did something to help the world. - Chögyam Trungpa No previous program or experience is required to sign up. You may take the first three Shambhala Training Weekends in any order. If you have questions about this weekend, please contact Max Roberts-Zirker at max@shambhalaboston.org Here is what some past participants have said about Shambhala Training weekends: "It was a profound experience for me, and I felt very moved by the offerings of the teachers. I left with a deep appreciation of Shambhala and a firm desire to continue the practice." "It was not until I left Shambhala and was continuing my walking meditation at the beach that I realized how rooted I felt... In addition, I found the practice of sitting with my eyes open offered me a new lens and a different perspective on the process." "The fact that everyone was so deeply connected to the practice, it nourished my sense of well being." Registration 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.

(One Day Meditation Retreat) Sowing the Seeds of Peace: The Transformation of Anger with Judith Simmer-Brown

During these divisive times, anger in the public square affects every aspect of our life together, usually as obstacle but also as opportunity.&nbsp;&nbsp;What do the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings have to offer us in how to work with anger, our own and others?&nbsp; Drawing from the timeless teachings of warriorship from the Indian master Shantideva and from the ever-current terma of Shambhala, this one-day program investigates anger, its felt qualities and its inherent wisdom, and identifies ways of transforming anger into seeds of peace.&nbsp; Through guided meditations, talks, and breakouts, we will explore the ways anger hurts us and everyone and identify what tender wisdom lies at its core.&nbsp; This program is for everyone, no matter what level of Buddhist practice. Schedule 9:00-9:45&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Intro and sitting practice 9:45-10:30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Talk with guided contemplation &amp; discussion 10:30-10:40&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bio-Break 10:40-11:20&nbsp;&nbsp;Guided contemplations, triads or small group discussion 11:30-12:00&nbsp;&nbsp;Talk &amp; discussion &nbsp; 12:00-1:30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lunch break &nbsp; 1:30-2:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sitting 2:00-3:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Talk with guided contemplation 3:00-3:30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Breakouts 3:30-4:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tea 4:00-5:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Talk with guided practice and discussion &nbsp; Judith Simmer-Brown&nbsp;PhD is Distinguished Professor Emeritx of Contemplative and Religious Studies at Naropa University where she was a founding faculty member. She began her practice as a Zen student of Suzuki Roshi in 1970 and became a student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1974.&nbsp;She is author of&nbsp;Dakini’s Warm Breath&nbsp;(Shambhala 2001) and&nbsp;Meditation and the Classroom&nbsp;(SUNY 2010).

Shambhala Boston

Friday Night Movie:The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha

This documentary tells the story of the Buddha’s life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world’s greatest artists and sculptors, who, across two millennia, have depicted the Buddha’s life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet W.S. Merwin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The film was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Programming Bring your own supper or snacks if you want. We'll supply popcorn and beverages. Doors open at 6:30 Movie starts by 7&nbsp; For a sneak preview of the film, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc7_VyVXDLs">here</a>

Children's Day Solstice Gathering: Celebration of Light

All are welcome to celebrate this time of beginnings and light. You don't need a child "escort" to attend this family celebration! Children's Day honors the spirit and innate wisdom of children and families. This is an opportunity for all of us to rediscover this energy in ourselves. Light is a special characteristic of this holiday because the solstice marks the time of year when daylight has waned and the night is longest. The solstice also marks the beginning of the light returning. To help us bring joy to the dark nights and to call back the light, we turn to family and friends for celebration, creativity, and generosity. Anyone with a youthful spirit is invited to attend this day celebrating the beginning of a new season with the children &amp; families of our community. Activities TBD, but may include: walk along the riverway, treasure hunt, storytime, ringing the bell, and more!

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.

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

Shambhala Meditation Center of 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

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.

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

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

Friday Night Movie: Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=22OOkMOZQ7g" target="_blank">Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom</a> Find What You Seek in a Place You Never Expected &nbsp; Ugyen, a young teacher in modern Bhutan, shirks his duties while planning to go to Australia to become a rock star. As a reprimand, his superiors send him to the most remote school in the world, a glacial Himalayan village called Lunana, to complete his service. Exiled from his Westernized comforts, he finds no electricity, no textbooks, not even a blackboard. Though poor, the villagers and the children extend a warm welcome to their new teacher. He wants to quit and go home, but the magic and beauty of his surroundings and the amazing spiritual strength of the villagers transforms him as he makes teaches the children and they teach him. &nbsp; The village, the people and the surrounding mountains embody the magic of the Bon Silk Road culture, the roots of our Shambhala teachings on windhorse and drala. You, too, will be transformed by Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.&nbsp; &nbsp; This film was Oscar-nominated for the Best International Feature Film in 2022. &nbsp; Bring your own supper or snacks if you want. We'll supply popcorn and beverages. Doors open at 6:30 Movie starts by 7 or 7:30

The Sanity of Earth - a bi-monthly climate gathering [IN PERSON]

Grounded in meditation practice and the skillful means of council, this gathering aims to be a holding space for contemplative witnessing, a space for discovery of something deeper within ourselves. It offers a coming together for people concerned with the climate crisis to find the space between burnout and bypass, a place to hold our “inner” climate, our storm of emotions and urgency. The inner space of connection with others who feel the same thing. A sanctuary. Each session will include meditation practice and a lhasang, a simple, earth based ritual. There will be extended time for council practice, or social meditation, where conversations can go deeper. Council practice is a way to extend our meditation practice in an intentional way of being together in dialogue, supporting each other in engaging genuinely with the climate crisis and everything it brings up. We will close with a contemplation, an intention, an aspiration, or a way forward, and a dedication of merit. Facilitators: Dylan Khanal has been a student of the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings for 15 years. He has completed several solitary retreats in natural settings and has undertaken contemplative journeys in several remote areas including the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Canadian Yukon, Eastern Tibet, and the Himalayas of India and Nepal. Mary Lang is an artist/photographer whose work expresses the sadness of her love for this earth, and a senior teacher at the Shambhala center.

Grounded in meditation practice and the skillful means of council, this gathering aims to be a holding space for contemplative witnessing, a space for discovery of something deeper within ourselves. It offers a coming together for people concerned with the climate crisis to find the space between burnout and bypass, a place to hold our “inner” climate, our storm of emotions and urgency. The inner space of connection with others who feel the same thing. A sanctuary. Each session will include meditation practice and a lhasang, a simple, earth based ritual. There will be extended time for council practice, or social meditation, where conversations can go deeper. Council practice is a way to extend our meditation practice in an intentional way of being together in dialogue, supporting each other in engaging genuinely with the climate crisis and everything it brings up. We will close with a contemplation, an intention, an aspiration, or a way forward, and a dedication of merit. First meeting Sunday March 17, 4-6 pm Facilitators: Dylan Khanal has been a student of the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings for 15 years. He has completed several solitary retreats in natural settings and has undertaken contemplative journeys in several remote areas including the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Canadian Yukon, Eastern Tibet, and the Himalayas of India and Nepal. Mary Lang is an artist/photographer whose work expresses the sadness of her love for this earth, and a senior teacher at the Shambhala center.

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

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

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.