About us
# San Diego Shambhala Meditation Center
Join us for meditation, Buddhist teachings, international cinema, and contemplative conversation in a welcoming community setting.
Our programs offer opportunities to explore Buddhist wisdom through meditation, classic stories, films, thoughtful discussion, and reflection. Whether you are new to Buddhism or an experienced practitioner, all are welcome.
### 🎬 Coming January 2027: International Films Through a Buddhist Lens
Select Wednesdays | 7:00–8:00 PM (PT) | Online via Zoom
Beginning in January 2027, we will introduce a new film and discussion series exploring international cinema through the lens of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
Through compelling films from around the world, we will explore universal human experiences such as suffering, attachment, desire, identity, impermanence, compassion, and the possibility of transformation.
Rather than treating these films as explicitly Buddhist, we will use Buddhist teachings as a framework for reflecting on the characters, their choices, relationships, and the human condition.
Our conversations will invite curiosity, personal reflection, and diverse perspectives, connecting the art of cinema with the wisdom of contemplative practice.
No prior knowledge of Buddhism or film studies is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and an openness to explore.
### 🌿 What to Expect
- International films and thoughtful group discussions
- Buddhist philosophy and psychology applied to everyday life
- Reflection on human behavior, relationships, and ethical choices
- A welcoming space for curiosity, contemplation, and meaningful conversation
Specific films, dates, and registration details will be announced closer to January 2027.
We look forward to exploring the intersection of cinema, Buddhist wisdom, and the human experience together.
📧 Questions: [sandiego@shambhala.org](mailto:sandiego@shambhala.org)
💛 Our Sunday in-person gatherings continue at 10:00 AM at Full Circle Yoga.
San Diego Shambhala
🌐 More Info: sandiego.shambhala.org
Upcoming events
5
International Short Films Through a Buddhist Lens
Location not specified yetWhere: Wednesday Meditation & Conversation Zoom Link
All are welcome — no prior experience needed!
📧 Any Questions email: sandiego@shambhala.orgJoin the San Diego Shambhala Meditation Center for a new film and discussion series beginning in January 2027.
Each gathering will feature an award-winning short film from around the world, followed by a guided discussion exploring the film through Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice.
Together, we’ll reflect on themes such as karma, compassion, interdependence, attachment, suffering, perception, impermanence, and awakening.## Opening Film: Right Here, Right Now
India • 2003 • Directed by Anand Gandhi • Approximately 28 minutes
This award-winning short film follows a chain of encounters as actions and reactions ripple from one person to another.
Moving through the lives of strangers, Right Here, Right Now offers a vivid exploration of karma in motion—how anger, kindness, intention, and reaction can extend far beyond the moment in which they begin.
After the film, we’ll discuss questions such as:- How does the film illustrate karma and cause and effect?
- How do our actions affect people we may never see again?
- What role does intention play?
- How can awareness interrupt cycles of suffering?
- Can compassion and kindness spread in the same way?
No previous knowledge of Buddhism is necessary. Come simply to watch, reflect, and join the conversation.
Film • Reflection • Dharma • Community
More films in the international series will be announced throughout 2027.1 attendee
International Short Films Through a Buddhist Lens
Location not specified yetWhere: Wednesday Meditation & Conversation Zoom Link
All are welcome — no prior experience needed!
📧 Any Questions email: sandiego@shambhala.org# International Short Film Series Through a Buddhist Lens
### Exploring Attachment, Generosity & Letting Go
Film • Reflection • Dharma • Community
📅 Wednesday, January 27, 2027
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:00 PM Pacific Time
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
🌿 Hosted by: San Diego Shambhala### About This Event
Can a six-minute film offer a meaningful lesson about life, compassion, or the nature of suffering?
Join San Diego Shambhala for an engaging evening of international short films explored through the lens of Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice.
Each gathering in this new series will feature carefully selected short films followed by guided discussion exploring themes such as karma, compassion, interdependence, attachment, impermanence, and awakening.
Our opening gathering features three short films that offer contrasting perspectives on desire, generosity, and letting go.### 🎬 Featured Films
1. The Monk and the Fish
France • 1994 • Directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit • Approximately 6 minutes
A monk becomes determined to catch a fish swimming in a monastery pond. His increasingly elaborate efforts lead to an unexpected realization.
Through humor and beautiful animation, this film invites us to reflect on desire, attachment, striving, and the freedom that comes with letting go.
2. The Other Pair
Egypt • 2014 • Directed by Sarah Rozik • Approximately 6 minutes
A young boy admires another child's beautiful shoes. When an unexpected encounter brings their lives together, a simple act of kindness reveals the transformative power of generosity.
This heartwarming film explores compassion, empathy, selflessness, and the joy of giving.
3. The Black Hole
United Kingdom • 2008 • Directed by Phil and Olly • Approximately 3 minutes
An office worker discovers a mysterious black hole printed on a sheet of paper, giving him access to things previously beyond his reach.
What begins as an amusing discovery becomes a cautionary tale about craving, greed, and the consequences of grasping.### 🌿 What to Expect
We'll watch all three films together, followed by an informal, guided conversation connecting their themes with Buddhist teachings and everyday experiences.
Some questions we'll explore include:- How does attachment shape our experience of happiness and suffering?
- What can generosity teach us about our relationships with others?
- How do craving and grasping influence our choices?
- Can mindfulness help us recognize habitual patterns and respond differently?
- What might these stories teach us about living with greater compassion and awareness?
The total screening time is approximately 15 minutes, leaving plenty of time for reflection and discussion.
### 🌸 Who Can Attend?
Everyone is welcome!
No previous knowledge of Buddhism, meditation, or film studies is necessary.
Whether you're a longtime practitioner, someone curious about Buddhist philosophy, or simply a film enthusiast who enjoys thoughtful conversations, we'd love to have you join us.
Come as you are, enjoy three engaging short films, and explore how their messages connect with everyday life.### 📍 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2027
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM Pacific Time
Format: Online via Zoom
Admission: Free
Host: San Diego Shambhala
Zoom Access: Meeting information will be provided through the event organizer.
We look forward to sharing an evening of film, reflection, and meaningful conversation with you!
San Diego Shambhala
https://sandiego.shambhala.org/
Film • Reflection • Dharma • Community1 attendee
International Short Films Through a Buddhist Lens
Location not specified yetWhere: Wednesday Meditation & Conversation Zoom Link
All are welcome — no prior experience needed!
📧 Any Questions email: sandiego@shambhala.org# International Short Film Series Through a Buddhist Lens
Memory, Love, Loss & Impermanence
Film • Reflection • Dharma • Community
📅 Wednesday, February 10, 2027
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:00 PM Pacific Time
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
🌿 Hosted by: San Diego Shambhala
About This Event
How do we love deeply while recognizing that everything changes?
Join San Diego Shambhala for the third gathering of our International Short Film Series Through a Buddhist Lens.
This evening, we'll watch two beautifully crafted animated short films exploring memory, family relationships, love, grief, and the changing nature of life.
Through film and guided conversation, we'll reflect on the Buddhist teaching of impermanence and consider how mindfulness and compassion can help us navigate change, cherish meaningful connections, and meet loss with an open heart.
🎬 Featured Films
1. Napo
Brazil • 2020 • Directed by Gustavo Ribeiro • Approximately 16 minutes
When a young boy struggles to understand his grandfather's fading memory, he discovers an old photo album that opens a window into his grandfather's past.
Through imagination, drawings, and shared moments, the two develop a tender connection that reaches beyond the limitations of memory.
This moving animated film invites us to reflect on compassion, impermanence, interdependence, and the enduring significance of human connection.
2. Negative Space
France • 2017 • Directed by Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata • Approximately 6 minutes
A father who frequently travels for work teaches his young son the art of packing a suitcase. What begins as a simple household routine becomes their special way of connecting.
Years later, the son reflects on this seemingly ordinary ritual and the profound meaning it holds in his relationship with his father.
Through beautiful stop-motion animation and subtle storytelling, the film explores memory, grief, attachment, and the ways love is expressed through everyday actions.
Sometimes the smallest gestures leave the deepest impressions.
🌿 What to Expect
We'll watch both films together, followed by an informal, guided conversation connecting their themes with Buddhist teachings and everyday experiences.
Some questions we'll explore include:- What do these films reveal about impermanence and the changing nature of relationships?
- How do memory and identity shape our understanding of ourselves and others?
- Can we love deeply without clinging to the way things used to be?
- How might mindfulness and compassion help us navigate change and loss?
- How do ordinary moments become meaningful expressions of love?
The total screening time is approximately 22 minutes, leaving plenty of time for reflection and discussion.
🌸 Who Can Attend?
Everyone is welcome!
No previous knowledge of Buddhism, meditation, or film studies is necessary.
Whether you're a longtime practitioner, curious about Buddhist philosophy, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful films and thoughtful conversations, we'd love to have you join us.
Come as you are, enjoy two moving short films, and explore how their messages connect with everyday life.
📍 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM Pacific Time
Format: Online via Zoom
Admission: Free
Hosted by: San Diego Shambhala
We look forward to sharing an evening of film, reflection, and meaningful conversation with you!
San Diego Shambhala
https://sandiego.shambhala.org/
Film • Reflection • Dharma • Community1 attendee
International Short Films Through a Buddhist Lens
Location not specified yetWhere: Wednesday Meditation & Conversation Zoom Link
All are welcome — no prior experience needed!
📧 Any Questions email: sandiego@shambhala.org# International Short Film Series Through a Buddhist Lens
Compassion, Interdependence & the Power of One Person
Film • Reflection • Dharma • Community
📅 Wednesday, February 24, 2027
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:00 PM Pacific Time
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
🌿 Hosted by: San Diego Shambhala
About This Event
Can one person's quiet, compassionate actions transform the world?
Join San Diego Shambhala for the fourth gathering of our International Short Film Series Through a Buddhist Lens.
This evening, we'll watch the Academy Award-winning animated short film The Man Who Planted Trees, followed by a guided conversation exploring how Buddhist teachings on compassion, interdependence, and selfless action can inspire meaningful change in our lives and communities.
🎬 Featured Film: The Man Who Planted Trees
Canada • 1987 • Directed by Frédéric Back • Approximately 30 minutes
Based on the beloved story by French author Jean Giono.
In a barren region of France, a solitary shepherd named Elzéard Bouffier quietly dedicates his life to planting trees.
Without seeking recognition or reward, he patiently plants one seed after another, year after year.
As the decades pass, his actions transform the landscape. Forests flourish, wildlife returns, and communities experience new possibilities for life.
Through beautiful hand-drawn animation, the film offers a moving reflection on the extraordinary power of ordinary acts of care.
🌿 What to Expect
We'll watch the film together, followed by an informal, guided conversation connecting its themes with Buddhist teachings and everyday experiences.
Some questions we'll explore include:- How does the shepherd's dedication reflect the Buddhist practice of generosity?
- What can we learn about patience and acting without attachment to results?
- How does the transformation of the landscape illustrate interdependence and cause and effect?
- Can small, consistent acts of kindness create meaningful change?
- How might we bring these teachings into our daily lives and our relationship with the Earth?
The film runs approximately 30 minutes, leaving plenty of time for reflection and discussion.
🌱 A Moment for Reflection
The story reminds us that meaningful transformation does not always begin with extraordinary achievements.
Sometimes it begins with a single seed, planted with care.
Perhaps we do not need to change the entire world at once. Perhaps we can begin by planting one seed of kindness, compassion, or wisdom—and tending to it with care.
🌸 Who Can Attend?
Everyone is welcome!
No previous knowledge of Buddhism, meditation, or film studies is necessary.
Whether you're curious about Buddhist philosophy, interested in environmental awareness, or simply enjoy inspiring films and thoughtful conversations, we'd love to have you join us.
Come as you are and enjoy an evening of film, reflection, and community.
📍 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2027
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM Pacific Time
Format: Online via Zoom
Admission: Free
We look forward to sharing this special evening with you!
San Diego Shambhala
https://sandiego.shambhala.org/
Film • Reflection • Dharma • Community1 attendee
Past events
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