Overview of Shambhala Training Path

The Shambhala Tradition

A basic truth of the Shambhala teachings is that we all want to lead sane, dignified lives, and that this is possible. If we look directly at our own experience, we can discover a continuity of wakeful dignity underlying all changing conditions. This wholesome, wakeful presence is referred to in Shambhala Training as basic goodness.

The Shambhala Training is inspired by the ancient legend of the Kingdom of Shambhala, said to be a society which drew its gentle and fearless sense of social responsibility from the practice of meditation. The legend of the Kingdom of Shambhala has been a guiding vision for many centuries in Asian culture and has parallels in Western traditions. Shambhala represents the ideal of secular enlightenment, a view that all aspects of civilization—family, commerce, education, science, the arts, religion—can be permeated with a natural sense of sacredness.

The Heart of Warriorship  

Levels I-V provide a strong foundation in mindfulness-awareness meditation practice, emphasizing the development of genuine confidence, humor, and personal dignity within the complexity of daily life. These weekend workshops are recommended for new and experienced meditators, as well as for those looking to enrich their existing spiritual tradition.

These five workshops include meditation training and practice, talks by senior instructors, personal interviews and group discussions.

Level I: The Art of Being Human
Discovering basic goodness in the world and ourselves.

Level II: Birth of the Warrior
Cultivating the willingness to observe our cocoon of habitual fear and defense mechanisms.

Level III: Warrior in the World
Developing the bravery to step outside our cocoons.

Level IV: Awakened Heart
Opening to increased awareness and inquisitiveness about the world, as it is.

Level V: Open Sky
Sharpening one’s awareness, one finds the open clear sky of mind—a delightful source of wisdom and uplifted energy. Trusting our nature enough to let go into the present moment.

The Sacred Path

The Sacred Path program introduces further warriorship practices that extend the basic meditation training. These practices are based on a societal vision and aspiration to help the world. This level of training cultivates one's dignity and natural gifts that are able to widen one's sphere of compassionate and practical influence. During a series of visionary experiences that took place between 1976 and 1980, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche wrote down the Shambhala texts. The Sacred Path is based on these texts and on the extensive commentaries Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave on these teachings and on how to practice them in modern times.

Great Eastern Sun
This weekend program teaches how to see the Great Eastern Sun, the primordial energy and brilliance that is the basis of all that exists; an introduction to membership in Shambhala—a living context for building a sane society.

Drala
Through exploring the depth of perception, one engages the elemental and magical strength inherent in the world. The principle of drala refers to the sacred energy and power that exists when we step beyond aggression.

Windhorse
One studies the text that gives the instruction for “raising windhorse,” which opens the heart and refreshes one's confidence. The practice is a way to bring about skillful and heartfelt social engagement, enabling the warrior to go forward in the midst of whatever challenges occur.

Meek
“The four dignities” are introduced as a path and a process, which describe a warrior's maturing and widening sphere of benevolent engagement in the world. The training in the dignities allows one to maintain awareness and delight at each stage. Meek is a study of the grounded, humble and gentle beginning stages of a warrior's journey. Here one trains to overcome arrogance—the primary obstacle to learning.

Perky
As the second of the four dignities, this level focuses on cultivating sharp, vibrant and uplifted energy through natural discipline. Overcoming the trap of doubt, the warrior of perky is able to accomplish his or her activities with a sense of nobility and ease.

Outrageous and Inscrutable
These fruitional dignities refer to the extraordinary skill of a practiced warrior. No longer afraid of making mistakes, the unconventional and visionary perspective of the outrageous warrior combines with the skill of spontaneous inscrutability to create benefit for others on a large scale.

Golden Key
This program is based on a Shambhala text that works with our relationship to the “material world” and our sense perceptions. It teaches the practice of enriching presence—the ability to instantly sense the inner wealth within oneself, phenomena, and the natural world.

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org

Read more about meditation and buddhism at shambhalatimes.org

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Toronto Shambhala Center
670 Bloor St W., Toronto,  ON M6G 1L2
Tel. 416 588 6465    Email: