Shambhala: A Global Community

Shambhala is a global community of people inspired by the principle that every human being has a fundamental nature of basic goodness. This nature, our innate wisdom, can be developed so that it benefits our own lives and helps meet the many challenges facing the world.

Shambhala welcomes people from all walks of life, faiths, and backgrounds. They come together to practice meditation, gather, and celebrate in order to develop a global culture that cultivates dignity and sanity in an increasingly chaotic and stressful world.

Countless Points of Light

Each individual, each group, and each Shambhala Centre around the world is linked together by the Shambhala teachings and lineage, making a worldwide community of shared inspiration. You can see this spirit of global collaboration in the short multilingual film, Countless Points of Light, narrated in English, Chinese, French and Spanish.

Where is Shambhala worldwide?

There are thousands of members and friends of Shambhala on all continents. We have online communities and more than 200 Shambhala centres and groups, as well as individual members, located in major cities, towns, and in rural settings in over 50 different countries.

In addition to meditation, study and contemplative practices, Shambhala centres and groups offer teachings in the arts and offer a range of cultural and social activities that cultivate wakefulness and creativity.

Many people enjoy visiting local Shambhala Centres and groups when they travel. Two qualities stand out: that the heart of Shambhala is universal, and is expressed in diverse ways through local cultures.

How is Shambhala organized?

The global Shambhala community is organized on the principle of a classical mandala, an energetic pattern of relationships radiating out from a central organizing principle. In Shambhala, the central organizing principle is the Shambhala lineage and teachings.

Local teachers, meditation instructors, and leaders are appointed by the Shambhala lineage holder – the Sakyong — to lead people on the core path of training and provide personal support to those who want to study and practice these teachings.

Thus, each local community offers the same distinctive body of teachings and practices and shares the common, global aspiration for good human society.

How can you connect with Shambhala?

You can experience the friendship and support of the Shambhala community through our many local centres, groups, and online gatherings. You can share Shambhala vision with others through the kindness, generosity and courage you bring into your family life, relationships, and all that you do.

Many people who are active in local Shambhala communities work together in teams of volunteers. They devote themselves to creating inspiring environments for practice and community life. This volunteer spirit enables us to run all our programs, provide classes, and give individual meditation instruction, as well as offer hospitality, maintain our facilities, and manage our funds.

Many people express their appreciation and sustained support by becoming members and patrons of Shambhala.

How is Shambhala funded?

Shambhala is a not-for-profit organization funded by donations from its members and supporters, and by program fees. This community-based funding keeps Shambhala financially independent and healthy. It provides the resources we need to grow locally and funds the international leadership and training that supports this work.

How do you find Shambhala near you?

For details about the Shambhala community nearest you, please search on our Find a Shambhala Centre page. You can also access talks and classes on Shambhala Online.