Spark your heart and mind through the practice of meditation.

The Shambhala Meditation Centre of Toronto is part of Shambhala, an international community dedicated to recognizing the innate goodness of all and manifesting that goodness in society. People of all traditions come to explore our diverse programs designed to help us discover our inherent sanity, gentleness, and humour. Our programs, groups, and community gatherings offer a way to train in spiritual warriorship and study and practice these teachings from the Shambhala tradition in everyday life.

We aspire to create a welcoming, supportive, transparent and inclusive environment for everyone who comes through our doors. We invite all participants to read our Care and Conduct Statement before your visit.

Check out our winter programs:

What did the Buddha teach? – Core teaching of Liberation  begins November 7th with John Crone and jessica haberman-contreras – hybrid (in-person and on Zoom) – still time to join! Classes are recorded and available to registered participants.

Practice Fridays are ongoing with jessica – the center is open on Fridays for group and individual practice. Please register to stay informed.

Nyinthun & Maitri Bhavana (meditation on loving-kindness/tonglen for those suffering from illness and horrific world events): December 15th, 9 am -5 pm. Join us in person or online for a full or half-day of practice. Please email  [email protected] if you are available to help support this day (training provided).

The Heart of Buddhist Practicea monthly practice with Jil Amadio and Victoria Hagens, next session – December 15th

Comfortable With Uncertainty  – A Two to Five-Day Winter Retreat at the Shambhala Centre (In Person) with Donald Eckler – December 27th – 31st

NOTE:   Vinyasa Yoga with Shalini is CANCELLED until the New Year.

For more programs, check out our Ongoing Offerings and Programs Page.

What is Shambhala?

“Shambhala” is the name of a mythical kingdom in Central Asia where the people enjoyed harmony, good health, and well-being.  The basis for such an enlightened society is the people’s confidence and respect for inherent goodness, wisdom, and dignity–in themselves, in each other, and in society. More →

Learn to Meditate

Our centre offers a rich array of ongoing offerings free to the public including weekly public sitting meditation hours and dharma talks. No prior meditation experience required to attend.  All are welcome. More →

Featured Programs

Shambhala Online: Making Friends with Death and Dying: Monthly Support Group

October 7th—February 3rd (2025)

Please join us on the first Monday of every month from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. online. During these support group sessions, there will be a short opening talk, a 15-minute meditation practice session (no previous mediation experience is necessary), and an o Continue »

Shambhala Online Live - Writing Deep Haiku through the Lens of Deep Ecology

November 3rd—December 8th

Join John McQuade starting November 3rd for a deep study haiku course that includes a basic introduction to “the way of Haiku,” but also delves deeply into Daoism, Chinese Contemplative Poetry and Deep Ecology teachings with no writing experience necessar Continue »

What did the Buddha teach? - Core teaching of the path to liberation (In-person and online)

with jessica haberman-contreras & John Crone

November 7th—December 19th

Join us for this six-week course designed to introduce the essential teachings of Buddhism, providing an accessible and experiential entry point for both new and seasoned practitioners. Continue »

Shambhala Online - Being a Bodhisattva: Exploring the Bodhisattva Vow

November 30th—December 14th

This three-session course with Judith Simmer-Brown explores the moment in a person’s life when they decide to go one step further than “being Buddhist”—and make a profound commitment to put all others before themselves. It is open to all who are intereste Continue »

Learn to Meditate - First Saturday of Every Month (In Person)

with Donald Eckler

December 7th

If you are new to meditation, you are invited to join us in a gentle introduction to this profound practice. If you already practice meditation, this is an opportunity to join with others and spend some time strengthening your practice. Continue »