Lunchtime meditation is available online every weekday and in person/hybrid on Tuesdays. 

Welcome to the Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center!

For over 50 years, the Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center has offered Chicagoans the opportunity to work with their minds and hearts through mindfulness meditation. Our mission is to inspire and awaken compassionate society through personal and collective transformation.

We offer public meditation classes, mindfulness workshops, and a wide range of teachings from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. There is something for everyone, whether you are completely new to meditation or an experienced practitioner.

 


Job Opening at Shambhala for a Part-time Communications and Marketing Coordinator. For more information, visit this page.

COVID-19 UPDATE AS OF JUNE 14, 2022:
When attending in-person programs and events at Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center, face coverings are highly encouraged. Vaccination is not required, but strongly recommended. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, our policies are subject to change to best protect our community.

What people are saying about Shambhala Chicago:

“Friendly, caring, welcoming people in a beautiful space sharing wisdom, contemplative art, and useful everyday teachings for living our everyday lives… Chicago Shambhala is a safe harbor in these perilous times.”
~Winnie E., Facebook

“[Shambhala Chicago] radiates peace and calmness. The practitioners are gentle of spirit and everyone I encountered was gracious.”
~Virginia C., Google

“Combines the best of a drop-in meditation and learning space with a community of people committed to pursuing deeper teachings.”
~Ira A., Google


 

Featured Programs

Journey Without Goal: Featuring Talks by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

March 31st—May 12th

This seven-session online course features teaching videos of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche that introduce the key principles of tantra and provide a direct and experiential picture of the tantric world. Open to all. Continue »

Being Buddhist: Exploring the Refuge Vow

April 6th—April 20th

This 3-session course explores the moment in a person’s life when they decide to “be Buddhist”— formally, through the practice of taking a vow. It's open to all who are interested in the Refuge Vow, or anyone who would like to reconnect with their vow. Continue »

As Things Fall Apart - Reconnecting Through Active Hope

with Kathleen Rude

April 20th—April 21st

Turn fear & despair into inspiration, resilience, and empowerment so that we can be enlivened to play our part in creating a sustainable, just & regenerative world for all beings. Continue »

Community Night!

May 10th

All are welcome! Free event! Bring a dish to share! Continue »

The Hidden Treasure Teachings of Shambhala: On Bringing Gentleness, Magic and Bravery to Your Life

with Alan Anderson

May 11th

What is Shambhala? Is it Buddhism or not? Is it new? Is it old? The Shambhala teachings are some of the world’s highest spiritual teachings disguised in common, everyday language that says there is no difference between the spiritual path and how I live. Continue »

Shambhala Training Level II: Birth of The Warrior

with Barbara Wolkowitz

May 18th—May 19th

This is the 2nd course in the Shambhala Training series. Having experienced a taste of basic goodness, we want to go forward. Meditation practice allows us to observe how we create a cocoon of habits to mask our fear. Continue »

Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human

with Barbara Wolkowitz

August 24th—August 25th

This program captures the heart of Shambhala—the view that human beings are fundamentally good and awake and that this capacity can be cultivated and strengthened through meditation, reflection and personal conduct. Continue »