Welcome

Established in 1976, the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center offers meditation instruction and classes in the tradition of Shambhala Buddhism, a form of Western Buddhism. This lineage teaches the Shambhala view of living an uplifted life, fully engaged with the world.

We are part of Shambhala International, a worldwide community of meditation and retreat centers founded in 1973 by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, artist, author, and poet. Today, the Shambhala tradition is led by Trungpa Rinpoche's son, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Our local center, centrally located just south of downtown Austin, offers free meditation instruction, public meditation hours, and a core curriculum of Shambhala Buddhist teachings, as well as training in contemplative arts. We invite you to explore our diverse programs, designed to help people of all traditions discover their inherent sanity, gentleness and humor.

Read more about our history here.

Learn to Meditate

The human mind is by nature joyous, calm, and very clear. In meditation we're letting our mind be as it is to begin with. - Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Free meditation instruction is available Sundays at 11 AM and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. No pre-arrangements are necessary. Just come on by and get to know your own mind. We hope you'll join us during our public meditation hours.

Public Meditation Hours

• Tuesdays: 7-8:15 pm
• Wednesdays: 7-7:30 pm
• Thursdays: 7-8:15 pm
• Sundays: 9:00 am - Noon
  

 

Center Office Hours

   Summer Hours:

• Tuesday through Thursday 12-4 p.m.
• Director's Hours: Mondays 4-7 p.m. - Feel free stop by to meet and chat with the Center Director

     You may also call the Center at (512) 443-3263 to arrange an appointment to visit.

 

Introductory Events

Sunday Tea / Reception

Sundays 12:00 PM

After the public sit please stay and meet your fellow meditators over tea and snacks.

Introduction to Meditation

Third Tuesday of each month 7:00-9:00 PM

Introduction to Meditation is a two-hour program that is appropriate for anyone wishing to learn about meditation and how to meditate, as well as for experienced meditators interested in refreshing their understanding and experience of meditation practice. The evening consists of a talk on the purpose, effects and value of meditation, guided meditation instruction, sitting and walking meditation practice and group discussion. Check our Calendar page for specific dates.

Conversations About Buddhism

Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 PM

A popular weekly ongoing discussion about all things Buddhist. Free and open to everyone, this class is a discussion group led by a teacher/facilitator. All are welcome to join in at any time during the course of the program. For more information contact Louise Hasty, lhasty@io.com.

Shambhala Open House

One Sunday per month 12:30-1:30 PM

Please join us for this one-hour open house and reception introducing the various offerings to be found at the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center. This general orientation offers a snapshot overview of our events, classes, and practices, including a talk by a senior student. Check our Calendar page for specific dates.

 

Children's Program and Parent Sit

First and Third Sundays of Each Month from 10 a.m. to Noon

Our Children's Program usually occurs on the third Sunday of each month from 10 a.m to noon in the Smith House, which is located to the west of our main building. Please keep an eye on the calendar for last minute changes. There is no fee, but donations are gratefully accepted. All children and their parents are welcome. Please contact Roy Buchanan at buck512us@yahoo.com for more information.

In addition to the Children's Program, we are now offering a Parent Sit on the first Sunday of each month. Rhonda Sparre and her daughter, Maya Bernal, will be hosting children from 10:00-12:00 in the Family Room in the Smith House. Our intention is to create more opportunity for family involvement at the Center and to provide parents with an opportunity to participate in the Public Sit while their children are safely engaged in play, reading, and art activities. Please contact Rhonda Sparre at rhondasparre@yahoo.com for more information.