Shambhala Training Level One: The Art of Being Human (in person)
with John McQuade
When we truly create the time and space to dive fully into meditation practice, we begin to glimpse that goodness – rather than confusion – is the unconditional foundation of our existence. Opening to ourselves with gentleness and appreciation, we begin to see our potential as genuinely kind and compassionate human beings.
Shambhala Training Level One: The Art of Being Human
The Art of Being Human is the first course in the Shambhala Training Series. This path is open to anyone to develop gentleness and strength through meditation. These contemplative workshops are valuable for beginning and experienced meditators alike. The simple and profound techniques of mindfulness-awareness meditation can benefit people of any spiritual tradition and way of life.
Meditation and teachings included in this program:
- Guided meditation instruction
- Talks on meditation
- Group discussion
- Silent periods
- Periods of group sitting meditation
- “Zen-style” walking meditation
No prior experience is necessary
No prerequisite studies are required to participate in this program; however, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s book Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior is an excellent introduction to the principles covered in this and subsequent courses. You can purchase a copy here or at the Shambhala Meditation Centre Toronto.
Location
The course is held in person at the Shambhala Meditation Centre Toronto.
The Shambhala Training Series
This series includes weekend programs and retreats exploring the idea that an enlightened society is not merely mythical but realizable through the work of individuals and communities practicing mindfulness-awareness and non-aggression, along with the view that life and what happens in it is sacred (“sacred outlook”). It is a secular approach to meditation developed by the Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and has been practiced in the West for decades by Buddhists, members of other faiths and spiritual traditions, and those who identify as non-religious. It offers new and experienced meditators an opportunity to not only deepen their practice but explore how they can help create and inspire an enlightened society.
You can read more about the series here.
Program price: $175
Patron price: $195
Our generosity policy applies at all times to ensure anyone may join us. If your financial situation is tight, please pay what you can.
About Your Teacher
John McQuade is a senior teacher at the Toronto and other Shambhala meditation centres. In addition to the Shambhala Training Series, he teaches the contemplative arts and has co-authored two books on contemplative photography: ‘Looking and Seeing’ and ‘Heart of Photography.’ You can read more about John here.
A Note About Future Courses in the Shambhala Training Series
As the Toronto Shambhala Meditation Centre expands its programming, we hope to regularly offer all five levels in the series. These opportunities depend on the availability of experienced teachers. As such, you are encouraged to sign up for a course when it’s available, as future ones are uncertain at this time. For those wishing to continue at their own pace, you can explore the offerings from Shambhala Online (offering courses through Zoom) and the programming of other centres in Canada and around the world, e.g., the Ottawa Shambhala Centre and Karme Choling in Vermont, U.S.
