The Kootenay Shambhala Meditation Centre is part of an international community of Shambhala Centres founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master. The community is now led by his son and lineage holder, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Our Centre is run by volunteers and has been located at 444 Baker Street in Nelson since 1979. We offer free meditation instruction by specially trained and authorized senior practitioners, a clearly defined path of practice and study, and a range of community activities. The common theme in all our offerings is the promotion of wakefulness and compassion, and use of meditation to uncover of our innate wisdom.

At the heart of the Shambhala community is the Shambhala Buddhist path. Unique in the world of Western Buddhism, this path combines the teachings of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibet with Shambhala teachings on how to live an uplifted life, fully engaged with the world.

Our offerings include:

• Meditation: Mindfulness-awareness meditation is the basis of all Shambhala Centre activities. Originating from Shakyamuni Buddha over 2,500 years ago, this practice is the art of resting the mind, opening the heart and appreciating what it is to be fully human. We offer free public meditation sessions on Sundays from 9 am to noon, Mondays from 7 to 8 pm, and Thursdays from 5:15 to 6:15 pm.
• Open House: We offer a weekly open house on Mondays. There is initial meditation instruction at 7 pm, and sitting from 7 to 8 pm. Follow-up meditation interviews are available at 7:30 pm. Talks on introductory subjects may be offered at 8 pm; otherwise, there will be refreshments and a chance to meet members.
• Buddhist Study: Meditation and study go hand in hand at the Shambhala Centre. Study enables one to recognize common sources of obstacles and discouragement in meditation and brings to awareness the unconscious views that distort our everyday experience. When meditation has quieted the mind, the wisdom of the lineage suggests how one can use the trained mind to explore one’s world. We offer a structured series of courses based on the accumulated wisdom of 2,500 years of Buddhist experience. Some courses are offered online for people who live out of town.
• Shambhala Training: Shambhala Training is a series of contemplative weekend workshops. These workshops provide training in meditation that enables one to experience a world free of projection, a world pure and basically good in the present moment. Having this kind of experience in meditation opens up the possibility of experiencing human society as a path. Shambhala Training uses the imagery of “warriorship” to describe the process of stepping fearlessly into the world to create social conditions that promote sanity and the uplifted energy of wakefulness. The workshops include thorough instruction in meditation, the practice of sitting and walking meditation, one-on-one interviews to clarify questions, group discussions and talks by senior teachers.
• Contemplative Arts: Contemplative arts such as Japanese flower arranging, calligraphy and dance have historically accompanied the Asian meditative traditions. These arts are based on the fact that the senses can be sources of wakefulness, and the expression of this in art can bring culture to a new level. Classes and workshops on these arts are offered from time to time.
• Generosity Policy: Public meditation, meditation instruction and many other activities are provided free of charge by member volunteers. We offer our classes, courses and workshops on a suggested-donation basis, accommodating everyone’s ability to pay. Persons who connect with the view and practice of Shambhala Buddhism may wish to become members and support the community by paying monthly dues.
• Rural Retreat Facility: Situated an hour’s drive from Nelson, Senge Ling offers an opportunity for week-long group meditation retreats, and solitary retreats for experienced meditators.
• Dorje Kasung: Human societies traditionally have some sort of protector principle - usually police or armies, or just strong men skilled in the arts of aggression. In contrast, the Dorje Kasung, whose motto is “Victory over War,” provides protection based on awareness.

For further information, please visit:

• Kootenay Shambhala Meditation Centre website: www.nelsonbuddha.com
• Shambhala International website: www.shambhala.org