All entries filed under this archive
What is Suffering? – HIGHLIGHT
Some thoughts on suffering, in the Buddhist tradition and in the Shambhala teachings by Larry Steele It is said that the Buddha gave his first teachings at Deer Park, near what is now known as Varanasi, India. There, after years of searching and contemplation, he presented the four ... continuePosted November 5, 2017 by CGH
Meditation in Your World – HIGHLIGHT
Experiencing the power of meditation to change our everyday lives by Susan Firer I thought I’d start with some words from The Shambhala Principle, a book written by my teacher, Sakyong Mipham. The chapter titled “Shifting Global Values” starts off with the Sakyong talking about the day his ... continuePosted May 25, 2017 by CGH
The Dharma of Horsemanship – HIGHLIGHT
Working skillfully with fear, with horses as our mentors by Mary Ann Campbell When we sit to practice meditation, we don’t just walk in the room and sit down. We develop a sense of occasion, we pay attention to our pysical balances and tensions, the quality of our ... continuePosted May 3, 2017 by CGH
A Quality of Healing – HIGHLIGHT
Basic goodness and the path of relationships by Shastri Nick Kranz There are many ways to think about basic goodness. Sometimes it’s referred to as basic healthiness. When we touch into this inherent okay-ness we gain access, I believe, to a quality of healing that is much needed ... continuePosted April 29, 2017 by CGH
More Motorcyle Meditations – HIGHLIGHT
Pam Linnell, who retires this year from Karmê Chöling, shares a few thoughts about the connection between motorcycle riding and meditation, and her service as Chagdzo at KCL. interview by Cara Thornley Q. Did you have something you would describe as “The Most Memorable Bike Ride” you have ... continuePosted March 11, 2017 by CGH
Motorcycle Meditations – HIGHLIGHT
After 10 years of service Pam Linnell retires this year from Karmê Chöling Meditation Center. She also “retired” in 2015 from 42 years of riding a motorcycle: 20 years as a passenger on her husband’s bike and 22 years of riding her own bike. interview by Cara ... continuePosted March 9, 2017 by CGH
Proclaiming Humanity’s Goodness – HIGHLIGHT
by Michelle Munro On February 3-5th we had the pleasure of hosting the Sakyong at the Halifax Shambhala Centre, where he led a program titled “Proclaiming Humanity’s Goodness: Shambhala Meditation.” As a Centre we are always delighted to have Rinpoche be with us and teach us. Leading up ... continuePosted February 13, 2017 by CGH
How Many Spiritual Teachers – HIGHLIGHT
How many teachers do you need to reach enlightenment? Don’t forget to count yourself! by Marcos Taquechel I often read spiritual and self-help books, and become inspired. I feel like I have a deep understanding while the book is in front of my eyes; I get momentarily enlightened. ... continuePosted September 11, 2016 by CGH
Synchronizing Body and Mind – HIGHLIGHT
by Shastri Kim Kelso When we meditate we are practicing synchronizing mind and body. We are giving ourselves a chance to collect ourselves. Often our body is ahead of our mind or our mind is ahead of the body, or our body is sitting in the room ... continuePosted September 5, 2016 by CGH
Shambhala Goes Mobile – HIGHLIGHT
Thanks to the Shambhala Trust and a great team, we are very excited to announce that the new Shambhala meditation app is now available for iOS and (finally) Android. The app is available for free, with the option of subscribing for additional teaching content. Project manager ... continuePosted June 15, 2016 by CGH
Yoga to Help You Sit, Part 4 – HIGHLIGHT
Opening the hips to help open the heart by Martha Whitney and Trina Magi Tightness in the hips can make sitting meditation uncomfortable. “For a long time, I experienced pain in my upper back when I sat on the meditation cushion. When I started focusing on hip openers ... continuePosted January 4, 2016 by CGH
Brick by Brick – HIGHLIGHT
Reflections on meditation practice and living with mental illness by David Engelbrecht There is a mindfulness revolution happening in the world today. Nowadays, mindfulness is part of many therapies. The first time I saw the word was on the title of a psychotherapy workbook for clients. I felt ... continuePosted January 2, 2016 by CGH
The Gradual Power of Meditation – HIGHLIGHT
Pixoto:Bradley van der Westhuizen A Reflection on the Practice of Meditation by Linda Lewis originally published on the Elephant Journal From a Buddhist point of view, ignorance is giving in to seduction, hoping that something or someone “other” will fundamentally enrich us and make us live happily ever after. Ignorance is ... continuePosted December 12, 2015 by
The Field of Stillness – HIGHLIGHT
Photo courtesy of Jennifer HolderCOLUMN: Dharma Teachings by Roger Guest There are many ways to ground ourselves in presence. We might walk slowly and mindfully, meditate on the breath, focus on sensations within the body or place our attention on an object in the environment. Some might be ... continuePosted June 15, 2015 by Dan
Horsemanship Dharma – HIGHLIGHT
by Katharine Locke Katharine and Lochinvar Training the horse is training the mind: training it to be present, to be kind, to recognize the everyday wisdom in the actions of the horse, to find the simple way, to formulate clear questions for the horse, and to listen closely ... continuePosted March 5, 2015 by Dan