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

Shambhala Boston

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.

Shambhala Boston 

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.

Practicing Peace in Times of War 

Is peace a state of fortunate circumstances, or a way of engaging with the circumstances of the world? Attachment to sense of solid self leads to comparison to, and judgement of, 'other'. War, whether between individuals, groups or nations, arises from this distorted view. These conflicts then further bring out the divisions within groups. Yet some people seem to hold the pain of life's greatest challenges, including the many horrific things happening around the globe, and continue to work for peace. Pema Chödrön - author and spiritual teacher in the Shambhala tradition - has shared real and practical wisdom for cultivating these qualities in her book "Practicing Peace in Times of War." In this program we will use this book, along with insights from other teachers such as Chögyam Trungpa, Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Goldstein, and Ayo Yetunde. Through meditation practice, teachings and facilitated discussion, this retreat will explore how their words can be of benefit as we seek to navigate the troubled waters of 2023. We will also use the traditional Buddhist practice of Loving-kindness as a powerful tool to get in touch with the feelings and the uncertainty that we usually resist. Participants will take away perspective from Pema in day-to-day life, support for managing pain and anxiety, and ways to use practice that are not avoiding or bypassing. “What I'm advocating here is something that requires courage — the courage to have a change of heart. The reason this requires courage is because when we don't do the habitual thing, hardening our heart and holding tightly to certain views, then we're left with the underlying uneasiness that we were trying to get away from. Whenever there's a sense of threat, we harden. And so if we don't harden, what happens? We're left with that uneasiness, that feeling of threat. That's when the real journey of courage begins. This is the real work of the peacemaker, to find the soft spot and the tenderness in that very uneasy place and stay with it. If we can stay with the soft spot and stay with the tender heart, then we are cultivating the seeds of peace” ― Pema Chödrön, Practicing Peace in Times of War In looking more deeply into coflict - both inner and outer - we recognize how this can trigger inner conflict and intense feelings. Participants are encouraged to take care of themselves and engage at whatever level is workable in the moment. 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.

Holiday Book Sale and Pop Up Store

Gently used dharma books, books on meditation, Buddhism, yoga, spirituality Incense, malas, rupas, ritual objects, brocades, and prayer flags galore Unique treasures from personal collections All for sale at attractive prices. 20% of proceeds benefit the Boston Medical Center <a href="https://www.bmc.org/immigrant-refugee-health-center">Immigrant and Refugee Health Center </a> Hours: Saturday Dec 2, 2 - 6 pm Sunday Dec 3 - 9 am - 7pm Monday Dec 4 - 5 - 7 pm Wednesday Dec 6 - 5 - 7pm Friday Dec 8 - 5 - 8 pm Saturday Dec 9 - 11 am - 4 pm

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.

Wednesday Dharma Gathering 

Wednesday Dharma Gatherings are open to community and newcomers alike. 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!

Earth Based Practice: Teachings of Elemental Magic [In Person] with Adam Lobel

Join a profound one-day retreat, a journey to the heart through practices rooted in the wisdom of place, land, and ecosystems. Guided by an experienced teacher with deep training in Dzogchen and Great Perfection Buddhist meditation techniques, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to get in touch with one’s mind and heart, open the senses, and re-establish our connection with the more-than-human-world. Amidst ecological and spiritual challenges, nurturing a reciprocal relationship between humans and the living world is vital. Beneath the surface of our conscious awareness, there's an ongoing exchange of energy and information with the living world. This retreat will equip you with tools to nurture this vital connection. We will work with slowing down, sensing, and sadness as part of our rich inner landscape as we attune to the elements. In the teachings of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, and other contemplative methods, the living world offers ongoing communication. The elements and all things are always teaching, this is considered a sacred outlook. We will explore how such teachings of elemental magic can offer support and guidance amidst ecological crises. Led by longtime scholar, compassionate Buddhist minister, dedicated environmental justice activist and acclaimed Ecopsychologist, Adam Lobel, has a remarkable gift for working with individuals who are deeply engaged in life-changing and life-affirming endeavors. No specific meditative experience or familiarity with nature is required. Each participant will be able to access this profound communication at their own level in a personal and meaningful way. Whether you're new to meditation or deeply experienced, this retreat is designed to resonate with all.

Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston 

Waking Up in a World on Fire: Beyond Burnout and Bypass [In Person] with Adam Lobel

Amidst the smoke, fires, floods, and heat waves, we will gather to explore our inner response to global warming and ecological mutation. We will explore the 'middle way' between a guilt-driven and panicked approach that leads to burnout, and an ignorant, escapist approach that leads to bypassing. This one-day retreat will provide unique opportunity for personal and communal inquiry into how we are holding our ecological reality. Through the power of self-reflection, open dialogue, and gentle embodiment exercises, we will support each other through the transformation from unsustainable paralysis, guilt, and overwhelm towards resilience and regenerative action. Led by longtime scholar, compassionate Buddhist minister, dedicated environmental justice activist and accliamed Ecopsychologist, Adam Lobel, has a remarkable gift for working with individuals deeply engaged in life-changing and life-affirming endeavors. Adam's approach is grounded in providing context from scholarly, historical, and psychological perspectives - making it accessible to all participants, regardless of their background. He creates an environment where every person's experience enriches the conversation, fostering a sense of community and shared insight.

Harvest of Peace 

Like cultures all over the world, we gather to celebrate the changing of seasons. In Shambhala these are called “nyida” days from the Tibetan words nyima (sun) and dawa (moon), and they occur on, or near, the days of the equinoxes and solstices. This year our Harvest of Peace celebration falls on the actual equinox! In the fall we gather to celebrate the abundance that will carry us into the new year. Shambhala Centers host a Harvest of Peace as an autumn community celebration and fundraiser. It's a time of encouragement, raising each other's energy and rousing excitement for the year to come. In the midst of our very busy lives, we take a minute to pause, appreciate and support those things that truly enrich our lives and our whole society! Balancing home, work, social and spiritual lives can be very demanding. These seasonal rituals give us time to examine and re-seed our relationship with generosity and abundance which strengthens and sustains us throughout the year. The fundraiser is an important part of this event. This is our annual fundraiser for the Boston Shambhala center. Most of the fundraising these days is done online. Please consider making a donation throught the Harvest of Peace Fundraiser 2023 webpage. Our goal this year is $17,500. Draft Schedule 11:30 am Coffee and writing aspirations on colored paper to make ‘prayer flags’ 12:00 pm Practice period: Lhasang, (traditional Tibetan smoke offering), readings/offerings/music &amp; contemplation, sensory or somatic sitting practice to connect with earth and bring wakeful drala energy into our space 1:00 pm Vegetarian Potluck lunch 2:30 pm New member welcome 2:45 pm State of the center address, appreciation and discussion 3:15 pm Fundraiser Update &amp; Pledge moment 3:45 pm Celebratory toast with cake 4:15 pm Clean and refresh

Summer Session - Social Meditation with Travis DeTour

Register Here: <a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=646906">https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=646906</a> The practice of Social Meditation invites us to apply the qualities of meditation -- embodiment, gentleness, precision, openness, bravery and vulnerability -- to social interaction in real time. In this way, we support each other in our practice while creating a culture of wakeful genuineness that can radiate out into our community and the broader world. A lot of times in social situations we think we have to present in certain ways or have certain expectations of ourselves, and this practice is really about letting that go and just letting ourselves be as we are. In social meditation, we’re learning how to be genuine by synchronizing our body and mind and sharing from the space of the heart The half day retreat will be a mix of sitting &amp; walking meditation, social meditation with experiential exercises, and an outdoor activity. Summer Sessions are in person on Saturdays, 9:30am - 12:30 pm, at the Boston Shambhala Center. These half-day sessions explore various topics related to buddhist study, compassionate action, and/or contemplative life and practice. No experience is required.

Friday Night Talk: A Journey Into the Mirror with Andy Karr

Register Here: <a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=646907">https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=646907</a> Friday Night Talks begin at 7 pm Eastern, (8 Atlantic, 5 Mountain, 4 Pacific time). Author and Buddhist teacher Andy Karr will present ideas from his new book Into the Mirror. This book offers a guide to a profound, transformative spiritual journey for an age of materialism. This is a journey into the way our minds work that takes you through a variety of philosophical views (don't worry, you don't need to be a philosopher) and how so much of our experience is the result of our own projections. This talk is appropriate for practitioners at any level, as well as for interested non-practitioners. Andy Karr is a teacher, author, and photographer who offers profound insights into dharma and mind. His latest book, Into the Mirror: A Buddhist Journey through Mind, Matter, and the Nature of Reality, released by Shambhala Publications in May, shows how we can make a deep Mahayana journey in an age of materialism. His first book, Contemplating Reality, published by Shambhala in 2007, is a series of investigations into the nature of mind and the phenomenal world. He also coauthored The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes with Michael Wood, which was released by Shambhala in 2011. Andy mainly studies and teaches the Mahayana view and meditation, as well as Mahamudra. For more information visit andykarrauthor.com.

Engaging the Climate Crisis - Community Pizza and Video Night [IN PERSON]

How does our dharma practice hold the potential to train us for engaging the crisis our planet is facing?  Join others in the community for vegetarian pizza, video and discussion. Grappling with the magnitude of ecological crises might feel overwhelming. Lama Willa Blythe Baker explores skillful ways we can grow intimate with the inner storm without being toppled by it. How can we begin to view turmoil with compassionate interest, rather than fear or aggression? What will give us the strength to metabolize suffering, embrace impermanence, and find shelter in uncertainty itself? Willa Blythe Baker, Ph.D. is the Founder of Natural Dharma Fellowship in Boston, MA and its retreat center Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH. She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after twelve years of monastic training and two consecutive three-year retreats. She also has trained in the Nyingma and Shangpa lineages. In 2013, Willa completed a doctorate at Harvard University, and was Visiting Lecturer in Buddhist Ministry from 2013 to 2017. She is a member of Clark University’s Council of the Uncertain Human Future, and sits on the advisory board for One Earth Sangha. She has written four books; her articles and translations have appeared in Tricycle, Lion’s Roar, Buddhadharma, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, Tibet Journal, and other periodicals and anthologies. At present, Willa writes, teaches, guides meditation retreats, and develops curriculum for people interested in cultivating a deep meditation practice in daily life. Her teaching interests include the wisdom of the body, eco-dharma, non-dual awareness and compassion. (This video teaching is part of <a href="https://oneearthsangha.org/">One Earth Sangha</a>’s Ecosattva Training) Facilitated by Dylan Khanal and Mary Lang. Kindly register so we know you are coming 5:00 pm Doors open, pizza and conversation 5:45 - 6:30 Video: Lama Willa - Making a Home in Uncertainty 6:30 - 7:30 Discussion Photo courtesy of Robert Spellman and Mountain Water Retreat Center Registration Please register with an email you check regularly. If our registrations system does not have a current email for you, you will miss important information about the program.

Summer Session - Renunciation & Awareness with Janet Romaine

A traditional Buddhist chant says that renunciation is the foot of meditation, and awareness is the body of meditation. It could also be said that by renouncing distraction, we are able to experience our innate awareness more fully and deeply. But as everyone who has tried to meditate knows, renouncing distraction, and our habitual ways that we keep ourselves busy, is not easy! In this half day retreat, we will discuss how to work with renunciation in a helpful way, and spend time doing both sitting and walking meditation. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. Summer Sessions are in person on Saturdays, 9:30am - 12:30 pm, at the Boston Shambhala Center. These half-day sessions explore various topics related to buddhist study, compassionate action, and/or contemplative life and practice. No experience is required. Please register at: <a href="https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=646904">https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=646904</a>

Midsummer's Day

Time and location TBD   On (or near) the longest day of the year, we connect with the cycles of the earth and celebrate our community and families. This is a good time of year to watch the sunrise, to feel the wind on your skin and feel the sand or grass between your toes, fly a kite and eat with friends. It’s a way to connect with the natural world, delight in our sense perceptions, enjoy community, and synchronize with the timing of the universe instead of the clock. Activities are still being planned, but may include a scavenger hunt, bubbles, frisbee, nature walks, and more. We will have coffee and some light fare.  We will need 2-3 volunteers to help bring supplies and help set-up and clean-up. Please contact <a href="mailto:max@shambhalaboston.org">max@shambhalaboston.org</a> if you are interested.

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

Best of 💫

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

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 to Joyraft

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

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 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.