Northern California Shambhala

Glimpses of Abhidharma: A Book Study Class with Bruce Dal Santo & Valentin Ghiur September 1stOctober 13th Seven Tuesday Evenings from 7 to 9 PM... The Abhidharma is a collection of Buddhist scriptures that investigate the workings of the mind and the states of human consciousness. In this book, Chogyam Trungpa shows how an examination of the formation of the ego provides us with an opportunity to develop real intelligence. Trungpa also presents the practice of meditation as the means that enables us to see our psychological situation clearly and directly. Join us for a quick and precise glimpse into the inner workings of how prajna (direct insight) and those forces that shape our mental and physical existence influence our personal experiences. Learn more here https://sf.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=458007

If you've visited Karmê Chöling for a program, and appreciated the container where teachings unfold, consider a longer stay, where you can lean into practice and live in a kind, supportive community.

In times of sickness and suffering, the Medicine Buddha is an ancient and renowned spiritual antidote. It is the perfect meditation practice during the coronavirus pandemic. This practice for healing and wellbeing is based on the teachings of the historical Buddha himself, as recorded in the Sutras.

This month's newsletter is full of online programsboth classes and meditation sessions. And, there are more details about our week-long summer meditation retreat. Come meditate with us! https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Northern-California-Sha

NorCal Shambhala Response to COVID-19 Dear Sangha, We send this message in care and concern for the wellbeing of all of you as we navigate this health challenge together. The Northern California Shambhala Board of Directors has asked the centers and groups in the region to close all public programs for the remainder of the month of March due to the COVID-19 outbreak in our region. Please check with your local center with any questions about specific programs and activities a...t your center. At the end of March we will assess the situation and evaluate how to proceed. Our decision came from lengthy discussion and is based in our desire to do what we can to protect the health of our sangha, as well as the community beyond. We took into consideration the vulnerability of much of our population and the knowledge of the long incubation period of the virus. Any of us could have been infected and not yet know it. The idea is to flatten the curve of the spread of the virusan epidemiology term that you may hear in the news. While we may not be able to control the ultimate number of cases, it is in our power to slow down the spread of the virus which may ease the strain that hospitals and medical facilities could experience if a rapid spread occurs. While our centers are closed, it is important that we don’t isolate ourselves, and use this opportunity to practice mindfulness in how we engage with others and our environment to protect ourselves and others from becoming ill. At this time our dharma teachings and practice are of great importance so we are working towards setting up online options for both practice and study. We will announce these to the community as they become available. We also encourage local centers to consider steps they can take to support the wellbeing of individuals in our community, such as setting up systems to communicate with and support our sangha members during this epidemic. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we welcome your input and ideas for how to stay connected with our practice and each other during this time. Four Dharmas of Gampopa (can be recited while washing hands for 20 seconds) Grant your blessings so that my mind may be one with the dharma. Grant your blessings so that dharma may progress along the path. Grant your blessings so that the path may clarify confusion. Grant your blessings so that confusion may dawn as wisdom.

Check out this month's newsletter for all the events happening around Northern California! https://conta.cc/2I7o0xI

Cheerful Shambhala Day from Northern California Shambhala! Shambhala Day 2020 is the Year of the Iron Mouse. Shambhala Day is Monday, February 24th. It marks the beginning of the New Year and represents one of the most important traditions of Shambhala Buddhism. We will be celebrating Shambhala Day throughout the week at centers around the region. Please check your local center's website for details. ... The mouse is the first symbol in the Asian astrological cycle, and is therefore associated with newness and beginnings. On this New Year’s Day, we can aspire to enter 2020 and Shambhala New Year with the spirit of a fresh start and a renewed trust in the basic goodness that connects us. Based on the traditional Tibetan New Year’s celebration of Losar, the day is calculated astrologically according to the Tibetan lunar calendar and changes every year to coincide with the annual lunar cycles. Our annual holidays mark the rhythm of our shared experience and culture and provide the opportunity for us to join together. Shambhala Day is particularly associated with reflecting upon the year that has passed and setting our intentions for the future.

"Our aim is to fully awaken our heart and mind, not just for our own greater well-being but also to bring benefit, solace, and wisdom to other living beings." Pema Chodron Copies of Welcoming the Unwelcome have arrived at the Berkeley center's bookstore and we are excited to begin studying from Pema's first book in seven years!... Join is in this deep meditation retreat at the Berkeley Shambhala Center. Partial attendance is possible. Learn more https://berkeley.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=413800

Week-long meditation retreat in Berkeley starts December 7th!

Acharya Richard John 2019 NorCal Visit! We are excited to announce that Acharya Richard John will be teaching in the Bay Area from November 8th through the 24th at four of our centers. We invite you to join us for any of these public programs!