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Buddhist Path of Practice and Study
"The Buddhist tradition teaches the truth of impermanence, or the transitory nature of things. The past is gone and the future has not yet happened, so we work with what is here -- the present situation. This actually helps us not to categorize or theorize. A fresh, living situation is taking place all the time, on the spot. This noncategorical approach comes from being fully here, rather than trying to reconnect with past events. We don't have to look back to the past in order to see what people are made out of. Human beings speak for themselves, on the spot." Extending love and compassion toward others in contemplative practice is a rehearsal for stepping beyond stinginess and self-centeredness in daily life. Eventually our training will give us the power to flip the mind instantly by letting go of the "me plan" and considering the happiness of somebody else, whatever we’re experiencing, wherever we are. In that moment, we are cultivating peace. When we live like this, we feel happier. The reason is simple: because love and compassion are the basis of our consciousness, we thrive when we let them come to the forefront.
The Shambhala Buddhist path is based primarily on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, but also includes elements from the Zen and Theravadin traditions. The path Shambhala Buddhism presents is characterized by a strong emphasis on mindfulness-awareness practice. The teachings of Buddhism are presented in English, and programs are designed to deepen students' understanding and experience of buddhadharma in a gradual and systematic way. A careful sequence of group practice programs ensures that students can develop according to their own interests and commitments. The Shambhala Centre offers extensive opportunities to study and practice the Buddhist spiritual path in the tradition of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism and the wisdom tradition of Shambhala. In an integrated program of study and practice developed by Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, students are able to explore the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings at their own pace through a series of classes, weekend programs, retreats and month-long meditation intensives.
Overview of the curriculumThe Halifax Shambhala Centre has implemented a newly revised curriculum of Shambhala and Buddhist study. "Way of Shambhala" is a complete introduction to the foundations of Shambhala Buddhism. The program is an experiential overview of meditation practices, wisdom teachings, and contemplative arts rooted in the ancient traditions of Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhism. Students are thoroughly introduced to meditation practice, Shambhala Training, and an overview of the authentic teachings of Buddhist wisdom. This is a path of self-discovery that is rooted in the simple, but revolutionary premise that every human being has the ability to cultivate the mind's inherent stability, clarity and strength in order to be more awake and compassionate in everyday life. By mixing the practical technique of meditation with the personal experience of insight, we can take the challenges of daily life in our modern society as opportunities for both contemplative practice and social action. The program unfolds through four stages and is presented as a series of contemplative workshops and classes taught by experienced Shambhala teachers. These stages represent the natural progression of awakening in our life. Many of the weekends are open to the public. This program can benefit people of any spiritual tradition and way of life. Read "The Four Foundations of Mindfulness" by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
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Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org
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