Community
"Sangha" is the Sanskrit term for "community of practitioners" - one of the three jewels of Buddhism. This Shambhala Meditation Center is home to a wonderfully diverse community who share a genuine connection to contemplative practice and the aspiration to realize a more wakeful, sane society. Friends and members of the Shambhala Center are welcome to attend celebrations, practice events, meetings and gatherings of special interest groups.
The Shambhala Meditation Center is part of an international community of 165 meditation centers founded by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. The Shambhala Buddhist path, unique in the world of Western Buddhism, combines the teachings of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism with the Shambhala view of living an uplifted life, fully engaged with the world.
Programs in Buddhist teachings, meditation and other contemplative disciplines are offered as well as free individual meditation instruction.
Get Involved!
In addition to our regular practice sessions, classes, and events, we also gather as a community for a number of formal and informal celebrations, such as Shambhala Day, Harvest of Peace, periodic Community Meetings and Work Days, Movie Nights, and Talent Nights.
In addition, there are a number of service opportunities available, both within the Center and in the wider Austin community, and we encourage our community members to put their practice into practice!
Service Opportunities at the Center:
- Umdze Geko Shifts: Train to become an Umdze (Timekeeper) or Geko (Hallkeeper) for our public meditation offerings
- Staff and Coordinate Shambhala Training weekend programs
- Hospitality: Join our hospitality team to help with Sunday tea and other events
- Ikebana: help create flower arrangements for special events
- Housekeeping
- Landscaping and Grounds
- Center Maintenance
Service Opportunities Outside the Center:
- Prison Outreach Program: Travel to a women's state prison facility once a month to share and discuss meditation and/or act as a prison penpal.
- Shambhala Care Team: Several of our members have trained with The Care Communities to provide practical and commpassionate support to persons living with cancer and AIDS.
If you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities, please contact Melinda Rothouse at melinda.rothouse@gmail.com for more information.
- Many of our members actively volunteer within the wider Austin community, so ask around if you'd like to find out what they're up to!
- KUT Radio has a wonderful list of volunteer opportunities around Austin: http://kut.org/get_involved
