Lunchtime meditation is available online every weekday and in person/hybrid on Tuesdays. 

Welcome to the Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center!

For over 50 years, the Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center has offered Chicagoans the opportunity to work with their minds and hearts through mindfulness meditation. Our mission is to inspire and awaken compassionate society through personal and collective transformation.

We offer public meditation classes, mindfulness workshops, and a wide range of teachings from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. There is something for everyone, whether you are completely new to meditation or an experienced practitioner.

 


Job Opening at Shambhala for a Part-time Communications and Marketing Coordinator. For more information, visit this page.

COVID-19 UPDATE AS OF JUNE 14, 2022:
When attending in-person programs and events at Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center, face coverings are highly encouraged. Vaccination is not required, but strongly recommended. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, our policies are subject to change to best protect our community.

What people are saying about Shambhala Chicago:

“Friendly, caring, welcoming people in a beautiful space sharing wisdom, contemplative art, and useful everyday teachings for living our everyday lives… Chicago Shambhala is a safe harbor in these perilous times.”
~Winnie E., Facebook

“[Shambhala Chicago] radiates peace and calmness. The practitioners are gentle of spirit and everyone I encountered was gracious.”
~Virginia C., Google

“Combines the best of a drop-in meditation and learning space with a community of people committed to pursuing deeper teachings.”
~Ira A., Google


 

Featured Programs

The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma: Finding Peace and Clarity

with Alice Dan & Barbara Wolkowitz & David Stone

October 8th—March 17th

This monthly Buddhist Studies program presents the Buddhist teachings from what has been called the Buddha's first turning of the wheel of dharma. These teachings focus on realizing personal liberation through understanding the causes of suffering. Continue »

Qigong 1 and 2 - Peaceful Body, Peaceful Mind

with David Stone

March 23rd—March 24th

When body is relaxed and peaceful, energy will flow. When mind is still, it will embrace qi and strengthen the body. In the Chinese arts of health and longevity, qigong simultaneously cultivates a peaceful body and a peaceful mind. Continue »

Being Buddhist: Exploring the Refuge Vow

April 6th—April 20th

This 3-session course explores the moment in a person’s life when they decide to “be Buddhist”— formally, through the practice of taking a vow. It's open to all who are interested in the Refuge Vow, or anyone who would like to reconnect with their vow. Continue »

As Things Fall Apart - Reconnecting Through Active Hope

with Kathleen Rude

April 20th—April 21st

Turn fear & despair into inspiration, resilience, and empowerment so that we can be enlivened to play our part in creating a sustainable, just & regenerative world for all beings. Continue »

The Hidden Treasure Teachings of Shambhala: On Bringing Gentleness, Magic and Bravery to Your Life

with Alan Anderson

May 11th

What is Shambhala? Is it Buddhism or not? Is it new? Is it old? The Shambhala teachings are some of the world’s highest spiritual teachings disguised in common, everyday language that says there is no difference between the spiritual path and how I live. Continue »

Shambhala Training Level II: Birth of The Warrior

with Barbara Wolkowitz

May 18th—May 19th

This is the 2nd course in the Shambhala Training series. Having experienced a taste of basic goodness, we want to go forward. Meditation practice allows us to observe how we create a cocoon of habits to mask our fear. Continue »