Name: Wednesday Night Dharma Gathering
Start: 2025-08-06T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston

Register Here: [Shambhala Boston ](https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=804484)
***“All the joy the world contains has come through wishing happiness for others.***
***All the misery the world contains has come from wanting pleasure for oneself.”***
— Santideva
Compassion is a central teaching on the Buddhist path, yet it is often misunderstood.
Buddhist compassion is not simply about being nice or self-sacrificing, nor is it about feeling pity for others from a place of superiority. Instead, compassion is practiced as a way to **wake up**, to free oneself from the narrow, self-centered mindset of "I, me, mine."
In Buddhism, compassion is practiced at eye level—rooted in warmth and free from self-reference. It opens the heart without placing oneself above or apart from others.
In this workshop, we will explore the classic Buddhist meditations known as the *Four Limitless Ones*. These contemplative practices cultivate an unconditioned wish for all beings—including friends, strangers, and even those we find difficult—to be happy, free from suffering, filled with joy, and released from destructive emotions like passion and aggression.
By uncovering a mind of openness and generosity, we begin to see a much wider world—one in which we are not the central figure. This shift in perspective becomes the foundation for genuine, compassionate action in our everyday lives.

***“Compassion and love are not mere luxuries. As the source of both inner and external peace, they are fundamental to the continued survival of our species."***
— Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama
**Our Approach:**
2500 years ago, the Buddha recognized fundamental truths about the human experience. The Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston proudly continues the living tradition of these teachings, with a particular connection to the rich Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. As part of our [Walking the Buddhist Path](https://boston.shambhala.org/buddhist-path/) series, we will explore this topic with both intellect and intuition. You will learn how to engage dharma teachings, contemplate and investigate them for yourself, and ultimately grasp their underlying wisdom.
Through talks, readings, guided contemplation, self-reflection and discussions, we will explore the transformative power of acknowledging suffering in our experience, develop insight into how it is caused through confusion, and why we consistently grab the problem the wrong way around. We will look at the possibility of ending suffering and leave with tools to begin to discover freedom.
**Who should join?**
This program is for those who are ready to investigate difficult truths, and willing to see their own participation in the chain of suffering. No prior study is required. Everyone is welcome, no matter what level of practice.

Shambhala Meditation Center Boston

Austin Seeley

Opening the Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Compassion with Austin Seeley & Ann 

Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston

### About the group

The intention of the LGBTQ+ meditation group is to provide a welcoming environment for individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity who are interested in exploring the teachings and principles of meditation and Shambhala Buddhism.
Our goal is to provide an open space for genuine exploration of how these teachings can be incorporated into everyday life. Mixing our sense of self with the dharma can provide a powerful path toward the development of maitri, or friendliness, towards one’s self and others; it allows the opportunity to touch into who we are, open and share our hearts, and learn from each other.

### About the evening

The evening begins with a period of meditation practice, followed by group discussion on a suggested topic. Individuals of all spiritual-contemplative backgrounds are welcome, as well as those interested in learning more about meditation practice. The LGBTQ+ meditation group offers both a gateway for newcomers and a dynamic program for established practitioners. When we practice together, not only do we gain support in the process of self-discovery, but we can also deepen our understanding of how we are all interconnected.

### Stay informed

To receive email updates about LGBTQ related programs and activities, [click this link and choose the LGBTQ newsletter option](http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=zvbhmrfab&p=oi&m=1105463576249).

***

### ***Registration is not required.***

*If you’re coming for the first time, we welcome you as our guest. After that please consider making a donation [through the donate page](https://boston.shambhala.org/donate) (on our website, or through venmo @shambhalaboston0015 – and mention “LGBTQ” in the memo. Any amount is appreciated*

LGBTQ Meditation Group

Wednesday Dharma Gatherings are open to community and newcomers alike.

These gatherings draw on the sangha – the third jewel of Buddhism – as a refuge and support for waking up. Depending on the week a presenter might share a key point from the classical Buddhist teachings, a memorable passage from a dharma text, a challenge or inspiration they are working with in their own path, or an exploration of putting the teachings into daily life.

The view of Shambhala is about whole-hearted engagement in life, i.e meditation in action, not separating one’s life into spiritual and secular. So how do we dig in fully and apply the teachings to our everyday lives? What can we learn from one another on the path?

Conversations will be grounded in the experience of meditation in action

Each evening includes: Brief meditation instruction and 10-20 minutes of practice, a short presentation on a dharma topic, and 30-45 minutes of open discussion

These Open House Dharma Gatherings are each Wednesday from 7-8:30pm in person at the Boston Shambhala Center.

Registration is not required – just come by. All are welcome! There is no Fee for this event. Donations are always welcome.

Learn More:
[Shambhala Boston ](https://boston.shambhala.org/wednesdaydharma/)

Wednesday Night Dharma Gathering 

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