Seattle Shambhala Updated COVID policy

While COVID-19 and other serious respiratory illnesses are still widely circulating, Public Health of Seattle-King County has listed the local community impact for COVID at the “Low” level for many months now. Following the recommendations of the Washington Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control, the Seattle Shambhala Board of Directors has … Continue 

The Garden Fountain: A New Beginning

by Janine Bloomfield As spring moves into summer, we are finally beginning the process of coming together again as a community, after a more than two year ‘winter’ due to the pandemic. In preparation for the re-opening of the Seattle center, members came in during the spring to clean and refresh the shrine rooms, meeting … Continue 

Sampling the Self

by Janine Bloomfield In these times of Zoom meditation gatherings, I am reminded of in-person teaching and want to share one such moment from past times when we were together. I’m looking forward to being together again and feeling the warmth and support of in-person learning, practicing, and connection. The small meditation room at the Seattle Shambhala … Continue 

A World of Difference

by Yuichi Handa In the post to follow, Yuichi Handa, a long-time meditation practitioner, teacher, and author shares two related and parallel stories: the first, of his relationship to meditation practice and the Dharma, and the second, of his relationship to writing and Shambhala Art.  Yuichi will be leading a Contemplative Creativity Lab on “Journaling … Continue 

Seattle Shambhala Implements New Code of Conduct

by Janine Bloomfield Stay tuned for details on Code of Conduct orientation sessions to be held on May 16th and May 27th; we will update the Seattle Shambhala Center calendar as we finalize times and Zoom information. A Sunday Open House discussion about resiliency in the face of the pandemic.  An online class exploring Basic … Continue 

At Home: Children’s Day & Winter Solstice Celebration

by Larry Steele and Robin Willett Celebration marks every season and it’s Children’s Day & Winter Solstice that blaze in December. “Precisely because this year is different, we felt a deep call to loft the light of Children’s Day” said Robin Willett. “The seasonal rituals we share in Shambhala are such an important part of … Continue 

A Harvest Of Peace Celebration!

by Sala Sweet On Sunday, September 20, thirty members of the Seattle Shambhala sangha came together to celebrate the harvest of the efforts and caring of our members during the last cycle of seasons.  Ladan Yalzadeh opened our celebration, guiding us through our gathering with grace and Shelley Pierce closed our day with an offering … Continue 

Seattle Shambhala Teachers On Connecting During Pandemic Times

Matthew Lyon As the pandemic continues to frame our daily lives and our decisions, our meditation practice can be especially powerful. When we sit down to practice, we are asserting the prominence of the inner path in our lives. The inner path of mindfulness and awareness is not an escape from external stresses and fears. … Continue 

Contemplative Creativity Lab is Here!

By  Ladan Yalzadeh (Seattle Shambhala Center)  and  Anne Saitzyk (Los Angeles Shambhala Center) If we open our eyes, our minds and our hearts, we will find that this world is a magical place.  – Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche  Inspired by the Dharma Art teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and led by the global community of Shambhala … Continue 

Generosity Column: Inspiration

by Matthew Lyon To be alive at this very moment is a divine gift. We could express our gratitude in this way at any time, but it is especially meaningful in a time when impermanence and uncertainty surround us. In describing the benefits of meditation, Chogyam Trungpa once said that it trains us to relate … Continue