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Buddhist Path of Practice and Study
At the Shelburne Falls Shambhala Center we practice and study in the tradition of Shambhala Buddhism as described below. At the present time this Center does not offer a full palette of Buddhist studies, but we are an open door to the complete Shambhala Buddhist network. Our senior sangha members can provide meditation instruction, classes, one-on-one advice about the path and practice support as ongoing meditation instructors and mentors. We offer introductory classes as the need arises for a critical number of new sangha members. Beyond that many of the classes laid out for this path here are being offered at neighboring larger Centers whose program schedules are available here or via the Internet. The Shambhala Buddhist path is based primarily on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, but also includes elements from the Zen and Theravadin traditions. The path Shambhala Buddhism presents is characterized by a strong emphasis on mindfulness-awareness practice. The teachings and programs are designed to deepen students' understanding and experience of buddhadharma in a gradual and systematic way. A careful sequence of group practice programs ensures that students can develop according to their own interests and commitments. The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies presents the three yana path of Tibetan Buddhism in a four-cycle program of practice and study. The program is both an in-depth study of the three turnings of the Wheel of Dharma and the basis for further study at the Sutrayana Seminary. All courses are open to both beginners and mature practitioners. "The Buddhist tradition teaches the truth of impermanence, or the transitory nature of things. The past is gone and the future has not yet happened, so we work with what is here -- the present situation. This actually helps us not to categorize or theorize. A fresh, living situation is taking place all the time, on the spot. This noncategorical approach comes from being fully here, rather than trying to reconnect with past events. We don't have to look back to the past in order to see what people are made out of. Human beings speak for themselves, on the spot." Extending love and compassion toward others in contemplative practice is a rehearsal for stepping beyond stinginess and self-centeredness in daily life. Eventually our training will give us the power to flip the mind instantly by letting go of the "me plan" and considering the happiness of somebody else, whatever we’re experiencing, wherever we are. In that moment, we are cultivating peace. When we live like this, we feel happier. The reason is simple: because love and compassion are the basis of our consciousness, we thrive when we let them come to the forefront. |
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Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org |
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