What we’re about
Welcome to Shambhala! We are a community of meditators all across the greater Los Angeles area. We gather throughout the week to practice meditation, offer instruction to beginners, discuss and contemplate the practice, and celebrate the natural, awake sanity within us.
Go to la.shambhala.org to see all of our current groups, classes and offerings... All are welcome!
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Meditation is a practice that anyone can do. It is based on the radical idea that the natural state of the mind is not scattered, nervous, and confused, but rather calm, creative, and clear. Practicing regularly provides a way to settle into this natural state more often. At the Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, we begin by training in shamatha or mindfulness meditation. This foundational technique allows you to tune into the present moment, at home, at work, or wherever you go in your day to day life.
"We have to know what we mean by meditation at all. Sometimes we use the word to mean emptying out or letting go. Sometimes we mean relaxation. However, the point of meditation practice is actually to rediscover our hidden neurosis and our hidden sanity at the same time." ― Chögyam Trungpa
ABOUT OUR CENTERS
Shambhala Meditation Center is a non-profit global organization with an open door policy. All are welcome to come and go as you wish. Meditation instruction is provided free of charge by our trained meditation instructors. Please visit us at our new locations during Open Meditation times, or online during our online programs.
See our website for more info! http://la.shambhala.org
We are currently meeting in-person at two locations for Meditation, open to the public:
(Every Sunday, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm)
Shambhala Meditation Center
4200 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
There is ample street parking.
and,
(1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays, 2:30 - 5:30pm)
Quaker Meeting House
1440 Harvard St · Santa Monica, CA
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Established in 1971, the Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles is part of a global community of meditation and retreat centers founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Contemplative Creativity Lab: Open Studio (Online)Link visible for attendees
To ensure you receive the zoom link in time, please register a minimum of two days in advance. Go here: Monthly Calendar - Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles and find the event. Click on it, then in the new page, click "register". Thank you!
Open Studio is an opportunity to arrive for yourself to explore your own creative process and rejuvenate your mind. We'll start with a short, guided meditation with an experienced meditation instructor, some kind of creative prompt will be offered (which you can ignore) followed by a silent period to work on any project you like i.e. painting, drawing, singing, writing, knitting, dancing, meditating...And finally, we'll end with community discussion where you can share your process or progress if you wish to. This is not a critique group or a class but is simply an Open Studio. We look forward to meeting you and sharing this transformative experience together.
Contemplative Creativity Lab is an online meditation and community arts group led by Shambhala Art teachers and special guests. Join us from anywhere in the world, live via Zoom – Second Saturday of each month 10 AM – 12 PM PT. Starting March 2024, we will have an Open Studio format each month, punctuated by teacher led labs about once a quarter. Suggested donation is $10. - 15.
Every month is different and has included ink and brush, contemplative movement, photography, flower arranging and writing. What links these is the ground of meditation which allows for fresh perception to be in the forefront, rather than trying to make "art". So, we give meditation instruction and sit for a short time before we move into a meditation-in-activity. Creating from that place of open mind/heart we call "Square One". Please check it out!
Everyone is warmly welcome, no exceptions. There is no need for any experience with art or meditation to take part.
See photos of past events: All Photo Albums - Shambhala Arts (Los Angeles, CA) | MeetupPlease register at la.shambhala.org to receive the zoom link.
