Getting Started

Whether you are totally new to meditation, want to reestablish your meditation practice, or are an experienced practitioner, Seattle Shambhala has a lot to offer.

A good place for everyone to start is at one of our many ongoing, weekly public sitting. They occur in various locations and days of the week.  Everyone is welcome.  All are free to the public.  No prior meditation experience is required to attend.  Most programs offer meditation instruction upon request.  Many include a dharma talk, a discussion, and tea and cookies.

For those interested in taking some dedicated time to learn meditation essentials, ask questions, and leave with the tools to practice on your own, we are currently offer an in-person Learn to Meditate class every second Saturday morning of the month from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.    For the next workshop date, see the Programs and Classes page or visit our Monthly Calendar.

To deepen your understanding of meditation, we encourage you to take some of our introductory classes.  New meditators are especially encouraged to take our introductory Way of Shambhala  series of classes including our introductory weekend program (Level 1: The Art of Being Human).  The Way of Shambhala, a series of weekend programs with follow-up weekly classes is described here.

All current and upcoming programs and classes can be found via the Programs and Classes page.  To filter programs by category, use the menu on the right hand side of the page.  Way of Shambhala class offerings can be found under the Way of Shambhala I (first year series) and Way of Shambhala II (second year series) category headings.

The Seattle Shambhala Center hosts local and visiting speakers offering programs covering a wide range of topics of interest. Check out our Introductory Programs page for a list of upcoming programs of interest to the general public.

Please see the Resources page for links to a host of interesting and useful websites including Shambhala International, the Pema Chodron Foundation, Shambhala Retreat Land Centers, online teaching materials, publications, and meditation supplies.

Finally, keep up to date by signing up for our Seattle Newsletter in the box to the right to receive updates and announcements by email.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 206-860-4060.