The Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston is part of an international community of urban meditation and rural retreat centers founded by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and further developed by his son and lineage holder Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.
Our center, located in Brookline Village, offers a variety of learn to meditate programs including an open house on Wednesdays, an Under Thirty Meditation night on Tuesdays, Nyinthun (sitting intensive) on Sundays, a core curriculum of Buddhist and Shambhala teachings, as well as training in advanced contemplative practices. Public sitting and evening chants are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 pm - 7 pm.
Shambhala vision is rooted in the contemplative teachings of Buddhism, yet is a fresh expression of the spiritual journey for our time. We invite you to explore our diverse programs designed to help Bostonians of all traditions discover their inherent sanity, gentleness and humor.
Find out more information by visiting our website at: www.shambhalaboston.org.
Keywords: Shambhala, Buddhism, meditation
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Shambhala is a global community with more than 170 centers and groups around the world, as well as thousands of individual members. We have had a community center here in Boston for over 30 years.
What is your primary product or service?
The Boston Shambhala Center offer a comprehensive path of meditation practice and study and other contemplative arts and disciplines, communal gatherings, celebrations, and family events.
"In essence, the emphasis of the Buddhist path is to help us attain enlightenment, and the emphasis of the Shambhala path is help us create and maintain a good society. When we put these two together, we have the Shambhalian Buddhist view of enlightened society." — Sakyong Mipham
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
The vision of Shambhala celebrates human dignity and compassion. It arises from the innate wakefulness of the human heart. It finds its natural expression in personal openness, kindness and insight. It teaches fearlessness, compassion and confidence.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Shambhala, as an organization, has taught Buddhism in the West for more than three decades. It is an authentic spiritual organization, well-respected by leaders in the East and West. It is offers genuine teachings rooted in the Shambhala, Kagyu and Nyigma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Its founder, the Vidyhadara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, is regarded as instrumental in bringing Buddhism to the West. His son, the current spiritual leader of Shambhala, is an extremely important teacher and dignitary within Buddhism, a best-selling author, and considered a visionary for these times.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We currently have just one location in Boston, but are looking into the possibility of opening satellite centers in the area at some point down the road.
Provide detailed directions to your location
By Public Transportation
Subway - Green Line D or E Branch:
Take the Green Line D/Riverside train to the Brookline Village stop.
Take the the Green Line E/Heath Street trolley to the Riverway stop, just as the trolley turns sharply to the left onto South Huntington Street.
Bus - Routes 66, 39, 60 and 65
Driving:
Brookline Avenue runs north and south between Route 9 and Kenmore Square. It can be reached via the Riverway, Storrow Drive (Fenway exit), or from Route 9 itself.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept credit card payments through our online registration process, or cash or check at the door.
Which areas do you service?
We offer meditation instruction to anyone who walks through our doors, and we are open to anyone in or around the Boston area, as well as visitors to the area.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Interim Director - Tom Ericsson:
Executive Director (starting July 2008) - Jill Blagsvedt;
Center Coordinator - Sarah Lipton;
Practice and Education Coordinator - Brian Sutton;
Board of Trustees
What are your hours of operation?
We have daily evening meditation programs, and often programs on the weekends. Please see our website for the full listing of events: www.shambhalaboston.org
Anonymous on 6/16/2008
Contact Shambhala Meditation Center:
