Getting Started with Meditation

Important News

– In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Halifax Shambhala Centre location will be CLOSED until further notice.   All meditation sessions and activities at the centre are currently cancelled.

– Online meditation (NEW) – Starting in April, some meditations and gatherings are continuing and WILL be taking place online.  Please refer to programs listing and this online meditation page for more information.

Please refer to the our web site home page and Facebook for updated information.  And please do care for yourself and others, during this challenging time.

#1 Weekly Community Talk & Meditation

Join us (online) any Thursday evening for meditation instruction and a presentation on applying meditation to daily life.

Where: Online
When: Each Thursday evening. 
Details: Free; no pre-registration required
Refer to Weekly Talk & Meditation link for times & more information.

# 2 Sunday Morning Meditation

All morning we practice mindfulness-awareness meditation alternating with walking meditation.  If you’ve never meditated before (or need a refresher), individual meditation instruction is available on site.  If it’s your first time, it’s recommended to come at 9am, but generally you can come or go at any time throughout the morning.

Where: Online
When: Every Sunday, 10 am
Details: Free; no pre-registration required

#3 Introductory Programs & Community Events

Throughout the year, we hold all kinds of introductory programs on meditation and contemplative arts, as well as support groups, community events, and special festivities that are open to everyone. Click here for more information.

Where: Online
When: Various times
Details: Most classes and programs have a tuition fee and require registration; most support groups and community events are by donation, and some require registration. Please see individual listings for details.

Other  Ways to Get Involved

Online Resources

Shambhala Online

We really encourage people to come to the Shambhala Center in person when they can; having said that, Shambhala Online offers programs and talks that you can hear from home, including a great playlist of Open House talks.


Shambhala Global Site

Our centre is connected to a global community. Check out the many helpful resources on our global site including:

Meditation FAQ
YouTube Teachings Library
What is Shambhala?

Suggested Books

Simply reading a book written by our teachers and lineage holders including Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, or Pema Chödrön, are a great inspiration to many people. Some recommended classics, which can be found in our library, are:

Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The Shambhala Principle by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön