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.
Featured event
Awakened Heart - Meditation & Compassion Winter Retreat
As the year comes to a close, take time to rest your mind and open your heart in a supportive community of practice.
This retreat is based on the traditional Tibetan Lojong teachings—timeless instructions for awakening our hearts and meeting life with compassion. These simple yet profound practices can help us work skillfully with difficult moments and transform how we relate to ourselves and others. They gently shift our perspective, showing us how to engage with the world's challenges and suffering with openness, clarity, and care—right on the spot.
Join for a single day or for the entire 4-day retreat. Plan to attend the whole day(s) for which you register.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR RETREAT
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EACH DAY WILL INCLUDE:
- Meditation Instruction
- Mindfulness/Awareness Sitting Practice
- Walking Meditation
- Guided Contemplations
- Tonglen (Sending and Taking) Practice
- Dharma Talks
- Group Discussions
- Gentle Movement Exercises
The final day will conclude with a joyful celebration as we dedicate our practice and welcome the new year.
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS RETREAT:
Everyone is welcome! There are no prerequisites to attend. No prior experience with meditation required.
Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers a welcoming space to deepen your practice and connect with others on the path.
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Cost of Retreat
Cost: $45 per day | $150 for all 4 days
No one turned away due to lack of funds.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR RETREAT
Upcoming events
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The Heart of Recovery (Buddhism & The 12 Steps)
Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, 4200 Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA, USThe Heart of Recovery is a meditation and sharing support group that combines mindfulness meditation, the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings, and the Twelve Steps of Recovery to integrate the basic sanity of the Dharma and the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to abstinence. We warmly welcome all who wish to share in these common interests.
THE GROUP FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS:
– Welcome each other
– Guided mindfulness meditation
– Dharma reading/teachings
– Group sharing & discussion
– Close with a Loving-Kindness meditation practice.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
You do not need to have experience with meditation, Buddhism, or be affiliated with a 12-step program. We welcome Buddhist practitioners from all traditions and/or Twelve Step practitioners from all programs.
VISIT OUR GROUP'S WEBPAGE FOR MORE INFO
"Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal; generosity where there was self-centeredness; community where there was isolation; joy where there was bitterness; trust where there was cynicism."
— Kevin Griffin
One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps4 attendees
Families & Children Meditation Gathering
Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, 4200 Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA, USParenthood is a journey filled with both challenges and joys. What if you could navigate it with greater ease, find a deeper connection with your children, and introduce them to valuable life skills in a fun, engaging way? Our Families and Children program offers a unique opportunity for parents and young children to gather and engage in mindfulness while exploring the richness of Buddhism and the Shambhala teachings.
Adults will find a safe space to share their parenting experiences, utilizing meditation and exercises to navigate the complexities of their role while exploring mindful strategies for addressing them. Children will participate in play and age-appropriate activities that foster self-understanding and encourage them to see their value to others.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER
Suitable for Parents/Guardians and Children
This introductory gathering will focus on simple activities for both parents/guardians and children ages 5 to 8. You don't need any prior experience in meditation or Buddhism. Adults may attend with or without their children; however, children must be accompanied by an enrolled parent or guardian to participate. Infants may be with their parent(s)/guardian(s).
Program Schedule
Separate sessions at the same time for parents/guardians and children. The children's group teachers will lead age-appropriate activities, and healthy snacks will be served. A veteran school psychologist will facilitate the parents' group, which will focus on a wide range of parenting issues from early childhood through the teen years. Parents are encouraged to touch in with their true nature and wisdom and embrace the complexity and uncertainties that are an ongoing part of the parenting role.
Join Our Community of Meditators!
This introductory gathering officially marks the restart of Shambhala Los Angeles's long-standing Families and Children program. Participants will receive more information on future monthly and quarterly gatherings.
Who Should Register
Individual parents/guardians need to have a paid registration to attend. The program coordinator will contact all registered participants to gather information about the children.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER1 attendee
Past events
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