Shambhala Boston

08/25/2025

"I am the earth, even when I wake up crying..." *

Dr. Larry Ward passed away on August 19th, at his home in Rhode Island.

We are honored to have encountered this remarkable teacher, grateful for his reminders to step away from "flat-screen-consciousness" and to heal by "waking down" to the body, to the earth, and to deep connection. He offered two powerful programs in our "Friday Night Talks" series - "One Nation Under Trauma" in 2021 and "Take Me to the Water" in 2022.

He was a Senior teacher in Buddhist Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village () tradition. He is the co-founder of the Lotus Institute () with his wife Peggy Rowe Ward, and the author of "America's Racial Karma: An Invitation to Heal", also with his wife Peggy Rowe Ward.

* The quote at the beginning is the opening line of a poem he read during a session of EcoSattva Training

Thank you, Dr. Ward.

07/14/2025

Opening the Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Compassion
Saturday, July 19, 10am - 4pm

Register through link in bio

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 by freeing oneself from the narrow, self-centered mindset of "I, me, mine."

Walking the Buddhist Path in the 21st Century
The fundamental teachings of Buddhism are not dogmatic. Nor are they dusty theories for academics. They are raw, precious insights about the human experience and the nature of suffering, tested and proven by countless people for over two millennia, and passed down through generations of practitioners who took them to heart and found liberation in the midst of suffering.

Image credit: Tibet House

07/07/2025

Let's generate some compassion to honor the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. Join Ann and Austin on the 19th for "Opening the Heart"

90th Birthday Message

On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.

I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.

While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.

As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion.

I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold.

As long as space endures,
As long as sentient being remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.

Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion.

Tashi Deleg and with prayers,

Dalai Lama

5 July 2025

07/03/2025

Saturday, July 19, 10am - 4pm

Opening the Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Compassion

Register through link in bio

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 by freeing oneself from the narrow, self-centered mindset of "I, me, mine."

Walking the Buddhist Path in the 21st Century
The fundamental teachings of Buddhism are not dogmatic. Nor are they dusty theories for academics. They are raw, precious insights about the human experience and the nature of suffering, tested and proven by countless people for over two millennia, and passed down through generations of practitioners who took them to heart and found liberation in the midst of suffering.

Image credit: Tibet House

06/10/2025

This weekend - June 14-15
In-person: Brookline, MA

How does one develop confidence in all aspects of our daily lives?

Bringing the mindfulness and awareness of meditation practice into everyday life, alive to our sense perceptions, we can venture into the world with a vulnerability that is fearless, gentle, and awake.

We need as many people as possible cultivating basic sanity this year - able to respond to challenges with genuineness, confidence, humor and dignity.

Offered at no cost, but registration is still required so we can prepare for the program. We hope you will join us! Link in bio

05/23/2025

In Person
Saturday, May 31, 10am - 4pm

No Self, No Suffering
register through link in bio

Walking the Buddhist Path in the 21st Century
The fundamental teachings of Buddhism are not dogmatic. Nor are they dusty theories for academics. They are raw, precious insights about the human experience and the nature of suffering, tested and proven by countless people for over two millennia, and passed down through generations of practitioners who took them to heart and found liberation in the midst of suffering.

Image credit: Tibet House

05/07/2025

Charnel ground - a place where death and birth coexist in a raw and gritty way - is a traditional space to fully and experientially connect to the foundational teachings of impermanence, karma, and the truth of suffering. We will explore how this imagery can help us gather strength and conviction in basic goodness the idea of warriorship presented in the Shambhala teachings.

This Sunday: “The Charnel Ground" with Till Cremer

SPECIAL SCHEDULE:
9-11:00: Nyinthun, Sunday morning sitting meditation
10:30-noon: Talk & discussion
Noon-1:30pm: potluck lunch

All are welcome to our monthly Sangha Sunday - full of practice, teaching and discussion, and potluck lunch! No registration required.

05/07/2025

"The Art of Being Human" - Shambhala Training Weekend Retreat
May 17-18
In Person - Brookline, MA
Details and register through link in bio

Through the practice of meditation, we glimpse unconditional goodness as the ground of our existence. Opening to ourselves with gentleness and appreciation, we begin to see our potential as genuine and compassionate human beings.

04/29/2025

NEW SERIES - starts Saturday, May 3
Link in bio

Walking the Buddhist Path in the 21st Century

The fundamental teachings of Buddhism are not dogmatic. Nor are they dusty theories for academics. They are raw, precious insights about the human experience and the nature of suffering, tested and proven by countless people for over two millennia, and passed down through generations of practitioners who took them to heart and found liberation in the midst of suffering.

May 3: 21st Century Suffering: Are the Four Noble Truths Still True?
With Jim & Erika Wilton
Saturday, May 3 10am - 4pm

Image credit: Tibet House

04/17/2025

This Sunday - 10:30-12pm

Family can be both cradle and crucible. Recognizing family as a place of practice, we can wake up together in the midst of our busy lives.

04/10/2025

Read Director Max Roberts-Zirker's blog post on the I Ching reading for the Year of the Wood Snake. Each year during the Shambhala Day celebration, we consult the I Ching for guidance on the year ahead.

Find it through the linktree in our bio.

04/08/2025

The Sadhana of Mahamudra is an introduction to Vajrayana practices of wisdom and compassion. Using symbolic imagery, the practice works with moving mind rather than still mind to present an unconventional view of compassionate action. Clear seeing and the confidence that arises from that gives rise to the possibility of spontaneous expression of our basic goodness.

This Sunday: “Visualizing Compassion" with Jim Wilton

SPECIAL SCHEDULE:
9-11:00: Nyinthun, Sunday morning sitting meditation
10:30-noon: Talk & discussion
Noon-1:30pm: potluck lunch

All are welcome to our monthly Sangha Sunday - full of practice, teaching and discussion, and potluck lunch! No registration required.