Shambhala Sunday Gathering Podcast: Recent Episodes
Shambhala Online
Each week we invite guest presenter from the Shambhala community to share what is meaningful to them or to share a brief Dharma talk. These explorations range from the reality of Impermanence, Death, and the unknown to how we express and work with Joy, Contentment and Fearless in our Everyday Life.
A discussion and contemplation based on Ellens most recent book; Buried Rivers
A Spiritual Journey into the Holocaust
This talk includes some presentation of art including Audio and Video. To see the visual pieces please visit shambhala online in sunday gatherings online and look for this talk.
Intergenerational Trauma is gaining validation in clinical settings where culturally appropriate care for indigenous and oppressed peoples is being critically explored and is changing. Eduardo Duran, Healing the Soul Wound's author, defines a post-colonial approach to healing for Indigenous people
Reality is characterised by impermanence. It is a mark of the Buddhist view that everything changes. We habitually grasp or push or ignore. These attitudes can be seen as strategies to hold on - to something, anything - and to protect the comforting fiction of our solid and unchanging selves.
This mark of impermanence can guide us in our path and our practice. Is our meditation supposed to put us into a desirable, unchanging state of mind? Or is it an opportunity to let go into the unruly flow of life from moment to moment? To join in the impermanence of everything, especially ourselves.
This short talk with guided meditation is offered to help us to see the opportunity to relax with impermanence in our practice. And for those who do not yet see that everything changes, I suggest that there is no better way to "road test" this teaching than in one's own meditative experience.
In this talk, Jonathan will explore how we learn to trust ourselves, how we can extend that trust out to others, and how the path of meditation helps us listen to the experience of those whose voices are silenced by institutional oppression.
In this Sunday gathering, we will explore the challenges and opportunities when working with the social justice issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within Shambhala. Do we take the dharma of creating enlightened society seriously? If so, what might that look like and what might we want and need to generate to move our community closer to this aspiration? What gets in our way? How do we guard against it becoming aggressive, dismissive, or shaming? With curiosity and openness my hope is that we investigate how this work is dharma, and how we can bring our spiritual practice into our life beyond the cushion.
During our hour together we’ll sing three songs, contemplate their meaning, consider alternate translations, and practice meditation.
With the motivation to serve others, we can use rest to generate the creativity and exertion to address the monumental social and ecological challenges of our time. Through settling our minds and bodies, we rouse energy for meditation in action.
This talk will cover the causes and conditions necessary for a rebirth in Sukavati (Dewachen). I will talk about creating reminders and the importance of habit patterns in case we forget after we die.
A discussion about ways and means to come together around death & dying within our communities
Alice (along with being tech & admin support for Shambhala) is a community death doula. She will lead a conversation about community deathcare teams, support of one another through the dying process, and creating "home" funerals, at home or at our Shambhala Centers. There will be room to share our own wisdom about caring for death & dying in our communities.
These are the best of times—science offers us incredible power and comfort. These are the worst of times—materialism obscures the wisdom that’s the source of genuine happiness and freedom. The Mahayana can free us from this contradiction.
Coordinator and Leader of multiple interest-based groups, SGS board member George Gomez leads a discussion on how form, promote, and sustain Affinity Groups to grow a sense of community and warmth both locally and at a larger scale.
How do our contemplative practices support us as we are challenged and welcomed in different social contexts (which include our vast internet “space” online)? How might our different social identities change as navigate through situations of family, work, community? In this presentation, Elaine will explore how contemplative practice helps us perceive and inhabit personal and interpersonal dynamics.
Be present and connected in your home with feng shui and mindfulness techniques. Meditation is seeing and sensing your interconnection between your inner and outer environments. Join us to learn more about the mindfulness of spaces, an invitation to connect and become friendly with your home, and in turn your innermost self.
From 1970, and for the next few years, Trungpa Rinpoche visited the San Francisco Zen Center quite a number of times.
Here are stories from two of those visits.
From 1970, and for the next few years, Trungpa Rinpoche visited the San Francisco Zen Center quite a number of times.
Here are stories from two of those visits.
"It is not enough to always abide by the rules." -- Chögyam Trungpa
Every choice we make, from the seemingly insignificant to life-changing decisions, affects the course of our life and path. We usually make choices according to habits and norms, and as practitioners we also rely on our teachers and institutions. But what truly matters for each of us is our state of mind.
The process of hearing, contemplating and meditating is indispensable for gradually taking us from always depending on the advice and instructions of others to having confidence in our innate nonconceptual wisdom.
For many of us the greatest challenges and opportunities in our spiritual development come from working with others. The Shambhala teachings are rich in helpful advice, but how do we apply them?
Personal interactions can be challenging as well as inspiring. Drawing on my own experiences I will discuss ways I have found to apply the Shambhala teachings in the everyday interactions of working with those we share our life with. I will discuss how the qualities of the Shambhala warrior can guide us in our interactions with others, and also help us to develop resilience and strength.
How can we met ecological loss and uncertainty with an open heart, staying present to the emotions that arise? For over a decade I have been walking with trees dying from bark beetles, drought, fire and more. Drawing from my experiences, sharing art and story, we will explore how meditation practices can help meet ecological changes and devastation with fresh eyes.
Protecting the earth requires we reduce, reuse, recycle. Please join a conversation exploring some of the slogans of Atisha, that will guide our work as climate activists and lovers of this earth.
Lha, Nyen and Lu are Shambhala principles of natural order and hierarchy. Lha refers to our most deeply held vision and values. Rediscovering Lha, can offer fresh direction and empowerment during this time global crises and community transitions.
Nearly a year ago, I began the process of intentionally foraging for food mostly from within a mile of my house in Boulder, Colorado. I feel like what I have discovered in this journey is absolutely connected to the Shambhala teachings.
Join Will Ryken for a Sunday Gathering about "Everyday Practice and Humor". He will talk about things, just things, whatever comes up will be talked about, it will be fun, or maybe not.
Will Ryken has been a member of the Shambhala community since 1972, and a member of the Dorje Kasung since 1975. Will co-founded Shambhala Sun Summer Camp, a leadership training program for young people, in 1984. He teaches around the world and is well known for his sense of wisdom, humor, and his inspirational qualities. Will lives and plays in St. Petersburg, FL, with his wife Paula Bickford and their two Dogs Brindle and Tashi.
The teachings tell us that the world needs us tremendously, but that we have to start with ourselves. In service-oriented careers like medicine, striking that balance can be a particular challenge.
Kynan Brown is a second-generation Buddhist who grew up in Halifax, NS. He has been a practitioner for over 20 years and is very involved in the leadership of Shambhala Sun Summer Camp. He recently graduated from medical school, and began residency training this summer in Family Medicine in upstate New York.
Nearly a year ago, I began the process of intentionally foraging for food mostly from within a mile of my house in Boulder, Colorado. I feel like what I have discovered in this journey is absolutely connected to the Shambhala teachings.
In this dark period where big and forgotten wars plague this world, we practice Shamatha meditation, which means dwelling in peace. This is often not the first experience in sitting on the cushion. Actually the opposite might happen: we experience unsettledness, distress and anxiety and we tend to wage war with our mind itself. So, what is the relationship between peace and personal little inner wars and collective outer big wars? How does meditation work with both pace and war? The answer is somewhat counterintuitive and has to do with making peace with war instead of against war.
When dealing with a serious illness or a chronic condition, how does one stay connected with body, heart & mind? In this session, we'll explore the idea of intrinsic health or chronic wellness & engage in dialogue about living well with health challenges.
As Shambhala meditators, Day of the Dead can bring up a resonance with the deep Buddhist teachings on death and impermanence and our societal approach to working directly with the challenges of our human life.
As Shambhala meditators, Day of the Dead can bring up a resonance with the deep Buddhist teachings on death and impermanence and our societal approach to working directly with the challenges of our human life.
Project team & authors: Charlene Leung, Gabe Daley, Joy Gutierrez, & Janet Ryvlin are pleased to share & offer a discussion of their new document: From Individual Liberation to Societal Liberation: A Resource Guide of Shared Collective Wisdom in Shambhala.
This talk will introduce and explore important advances in psychedelic-assisted therapy, but will largely focus on the ways that psychedelics may occasion spiritual growth on the Buddhist path.
In this gathering we will explore what we can learn from the Mirror about our 4 core principles of wellbeing: kindness, responsibility, vitality and trustworthiness, and what this implies for actions going forward.
What is the relationship between peace & personal little inner wars & collective outer big wars? How does meditation work with both pace and war? The answer is somewhat counterintuitive and has to do with making peace with war instead of against war.
During this Sunday Gathering, we will discuss key ingredients in holding a hard conversation with skill.
Craig has Tourette Syndrome, and meditation and the Shambhala teachings have been a central part of his journey of healing and creating a stable and good life. In this presentation Craig will share some of what he's discovered over the past 42 years as a student in the Shambhala tradition.
Shambhala Touching the Earth Collective has begun to facilitate Climate Café’s on a quarterly basis. These online gatherings offer a big space to bring all our disparate emotions, hopes and fears about our home planet's climate dissonance.
What does it mean to practice peace in a time of polarization, war, and genocide? Taking an embodied approach, we’ll explore our longing to belong, our human tendency toward tribalism and the challenge & possibility of awakening our primordial heart.
Join Erika Berland as we explore somatic contemplations and practices that illuminate the inseparability of the natural world and our own physicality.
Celebrate Midsummer’s Day with Touching the Earth Collective! June 19th is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest day of the year. Join us as we celebrate this life that is worth living!
Michael will discuss how Sun Camp was developed, and what camp is like now, both from a practical and spiritual perspective.
Join Jonathan Kirkendall for part one of “Grieving in Shambhala”. As Shambhala practitioners have experienced profound loss in the community, we have to take the grieving process seriously, recognizing that grief itself is a part of the path.
Fear is such a common experience around money. Whether we are just starting out or in the prime of our working years or facing retirement money is an important resource. Yet so many individual and societal factors can trigger a sense of fear and insecurity.
From our centers and households, step outside, smell the fresh air, and discover what is NEW. Join the global sangha to celebrate spring together, with a short,family-friendly sharing from Touching the Earth on the Spring Equinox Nyida Day. Traditionally on this day, Shambhalians celebrate the arts.
Many people say that what they want is “community.” But when asked to break down that word, people have vastly different definitions and ideas. How can we build “community” when we can’t agree on what we want to create or when we don’t know how to hold space for difference? When we are part of “community,” to what extent do each of us feel empowered to voice our feelings, to surface and explore tensions, and to be fully ourselves in relationship? This dialogue with Aarti Tejuja and Holly Gayley explores the meaning of “community,” our longing to be in connection, and the challenges that entails.
Join Amanda Hester as she explores the notion of protection as an act and practice of interdependent strength and vulnerability.
Explore how Shambhala vision is expressed in quotes by Albert Einstein: “We experience ourselves…as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive.”
The new year is a great time to reflect on the fortunate conditions that allow us to practice & study the dharma. In Buddhism, we can contemplate this principle of "precious human birth" and develop a deeper appreciation for our personal situation.
What are our cultural and political differences, and how does one “belong” to diverse social groups? Using a personal lens as a starting point, Elaine invites you to join her in exploring how Shambhala teachings might support this contemplation.
I’ve been in the Shambhala community since the early 1970s, but recently, in the midst of current conversations around race, ethnicity, and belonging, took some time to consider my Asian American identity, and how it “shows up” in different contexts. What are the cultural and political differences, and how do I “belong” to diverse social/community groups? Using a personal lens as a starting point, I would like to invite you to join me in considering how our experiences of culture – learned from birth as well as from current contexts – intersects with behaviors and stances that variously evolve into group belonging or political activity. Of particular interest is how Shambhala practices and teachings of meditation and warriorship might support this contemplation.
We may think that important decisions are subject to the "realities" of life, while dharma practice is only for our "spiritual" life. Come explore how dharma practice is not just for occasional insights, but can actually change our reality altogether.
Shambhala has adopted aCode of Conduct. Part I looked at the dharmic teachings that support this to be a societal view. Part II focussed on bringing these principles into our daily interactions. Part III will explore how we can turn our attention to being friendly to ourselves and kinder to others and actually be of help. In this way we have the potential to reverse the way we see things and to connect with the great mahayana teachings of: “rejoice in the virtues of others” and “be grateful to everyone”. Specific lines of the Shambhala Code of Conduct will be unpacked, including: “Learn from each other. Support each other with curiosity and friendliness. Work together to mutually maintain a healthy and open community and cultivate good human society.”; “Give kind and honest feedback. Be open to receiving feedback from others.”; “Be true to your inspiration. Bring your unique perspective and talents to the community and appreciate others’. Enjoy yourself. Don't be afraid to take a risk.”; “Honour your vows and your commitments to practice and study with fellow practitioners. Continue an active ongoing relationship with a meditation instructor or someone who helps you reflect on your path.”; and “Honour the process of learning about life, respecting teachers of all wisdom traditions and all who seek wisdom.” Join Kristine for a Sunday Gathering that includes guided meditation practice, some contemplation, and discussion.
Join us for a SUPER family friendly and fun-filled celebration of Children's Day and the Winter Solstice as a way to connect with the cycles of the seasons and the importance of family and children. Hosted by the Touching the Earth Collective.
English only Version
Humanity is living in a democracy, economic, and environmental crisis. Yet we postpone solutions and pretend the problems are not there. This talk explores the Buddhist notion of avidya (basic ignorance), and why we resist a clear perception of reality.
Live English to Italian Translation
Humanity is living in a democracy, economic, and environmental crisis. Yet we postpone solutions and pretend the problems are not there. This talk explores the Buddhist notion of avidya (basic ignorance), and why we resist a clear perception of reality.
Natural power dynamics exist in nature and in our experience of our world. This presentation explores how habitual patterns can distort our relationship with power and how we can reestablish a connection with natural hierarchy and use power wisely.
Janet Bronstein and Peter Nowak share about a new Shambhala initiative that seeks ways to measure the societal health and well-being of our community in an ongoing way. Why is this important? How can we even do this? Come learn more!
Can something be truly new? How is unique different from new? This Sunday session will offer an investigation of the chimera of ‘new’, the wild and unrealistic notion that we will feel better if we acquire something new.