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| Contemplative Arts Contemplative Arts comprise a number of secular disciplines and activities, including flower arranging and photography, that integrate art and culture with everyday life. Each of these disciplines represents a genuine contemplative path; together they bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and culture. This page gives you an overview of the very unusual and exciting ways in which Shambhala Buddhism includes the Arts as ways to learn to work with your mind. The Shelburne Falls Shambhala Center is planning to offer Shambhala Arts programs in the future. Currently they are available in the larger Centers. You may want to visit the central website by clicking on the link at the bottom left: shambhala.org. Shambhala Art Shambhala Art is art that springs from clear perception and pure expression. To artist or non-artist, the creative process often seems mysterious and magical. How do we give a physical reality to some ephemeral inspiration or abstract truth? How do we create forms that communicate some essential nature beyond the limits of their container? The Shambhala Art Program's purpose is to explore the creative process and the product we call art from the point of view of clear perception and pure expression. It is about the source of inspiration, how the creative process manifests and finally how what we create communicates that inspiration. See also www.shambhalaart.org. Kalapa Ikebana In 1982, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche formed a new school of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) inspired by his own training and vision. Kalapa Ikebana, as this school is called, promotes the study and practice of flower arranging, often working closely with masters of other schools of ikebana. We have offered an Ikebana program in Shelburne Falls in the past and are happy to do so again for a large enough group of interested practitoners. Kyudo Kyudo means the way of the bow and can be described as a form of standing meditation. Under the direction of Shibata Kanjuro, Sensei and senior instructors, students learn an ancient form of archery using traditional Japanese bows. Kyudo is a form of meditation practice, not sport, and hitting the target is not considered important. The purpose of kyudo is to purify one's heart and mind to awaken the natural dignity of being human, beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion. Though we do not offer a Kyudo program in Shelburne Falls there is an active group of Kyudo practitoners in the Pioneer Valley Miksang "You develop strength in your sight, so that when you look at the Great Eastern Sun you don't become blinded by it. Having developed a dharmic eye, you will be able to see the Great Eastern Sun. See also www.miksang.net and www.miksang.net/miksangfilm.html Maitri Five Wisdoms Practice This practice is based on the principles of the five buddha families, each of which expresses a particular style and attitude of openness. Maintaining a posture associated with each family in five specifically designed rooms heightens the characteristic patterns of energy of each family, so that both the neurotic and sane aspects of the student's personal style becomes apparent. See also www.maitripractice-international.org. Mudra Space Awareness This awareness practice is based on postures and movement from traditional Tibetan monastic dance. Simple yet demanding, these techniques train students in synchronizing body and mind, in relating with space, in maintaining awareness during intense activity, and in communication. |
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