Membership

Let us cultivate a culture of kindness. In that moment we are determining the outcome of the world.

– Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Shambhala is a global network of people who have confidence in the fundamental goodness and worthiness of humanity, and the power of that goodness to shift the social and environmental dynamics of our planet.

Everyone is welcome to attend community events and programs – there is no requirement to become a member in order to participate, though advanced classes and trainings do have prerequisites. Meditation instruction, public meditation, and some introductory offerings are available without charge, though donations are certainly appreciated.

As we become more involved, membership offers a way to practice generosity. It is a gesture of support to Shambhala principles and practices, and is expressed in the following four areas:

The Practice of Community/Society

Shambhala is a community that practices the teachings on basic goodness, and explores and develops a culture within our communities that embodies that profound principle. Membership offers active engagement in contemplating and building a different kind of society altogether.

Meditation Practice

A member of Shambhala makes a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice, and works to integrate that practice into daily life in order to create a foundation for healthy social relationships and an enlightened society. This connection may also be made through contemplative practices based on mindfulness-awareness.

Volunteer Service

A large majority of Shambhala activities are conducted by volunteers, and there are many ways to help. Members donate time to the local centre based on their interests and personal availability.

Financial Support

Shambhala is sustained through monthly dues and donations. When you become a member, your financial contributions support the maintenance and growth of our centre as well as the international Shambhala community. Our members have diverse means and so they can offer a wide range of monthly dues. No one is excluded from membership because of money.

Membership is open to anyone from any background, culture, faith or walk of life – all are welcome!

Becoming a Member

Becoming a member of the Shambhala Meditation Center is a statement about your personal inspiration, curiosity, and commitment to the path of awakening. It means participating in a community of practitioners who aspire to relate to each other with honesty, warmth, and openness. We inspire one another to deepen our practice of mindfulness, awareness, and compassion. We also provide each other an opportunity to practise compassion and patience.

We invite anyone interested in our Shambhala Centre to consider becoming a member. Becoming a member of our centre simultaneously brings membership in Shambhala, a global community committed to cultivating mindfulness, awareness and compassion―personally and in society.

Please choose one of the following options to become a member:

  1. Fill out and submit our online membership form and make monthly payments online through Pay Pal.
  2. To make monthly payments using a void cheque print and fill out this form.  Drop off or mail the form and void cheque to the Toronto Shambhala Centre, addressed to the Membership Coordinator.
  3. If none of these options work for you please contact the Membership Coordinator.

 

*All monthly contributions are considered a charitable donation and as a result are tax deductible; you will receive a year end receipt.

 If you have any additional questions please contact our Membership Coordinator: Donald Eckler at [email protected]