Getting Started

How does one get involved at the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center? How does one find out more about the Center and its activities? These are the questions most often asked by persons contacting us for the first time.

It’s highly recommended that anyone interested in the Shambhala Center begin that exploration with a session with a Meditation Instructor. The practice of sitting meditation is central to all that we do, and this is a great way to get started, to begin feeling more comfortable at the Center, and to get your basic questions answered. Free meditation instruction is offered every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Simply show up. Dress comfortably and come to the Community Room in the main building, and a trained instructor will help you. If your schedule prevents you from receiving instruction at this time, or if you are homebound, call the Center at 443-3263 to set up an appointment.

We welcome you to attend any of the public programs listed below. Please check the website calendar for times and dates.

Conversations about Buddhism- This popular free offering, facilitated by a senior member of our community, is an opportunity to learn about all things Buddhist, to ask questions, to practice meditation, and to get to know others new and old to the path of meditation and Buddhism.

Introduction to Shambhala - Introduction to Shambhala is an hour and a half 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 as well as an informal introduction to the Austin Shambhala Center.

Public meditation sessions- Though it is suggested that you attend an entire session, it is fine to come late and leave early. Shoes are left outside the shrine room, and we suggest you take valuables in with you. Please, ask questions!

You may also join one of our email listservs to keep informed of upcoming programs or daily happenings at the Center. Just email the Office Manager, Palmer McLean, to sign up on a listserv or find out more. You can reach her at the Center’s business e-mail address: austinshambhala@gmail.com.

The Austin Shambhala Meditation Center is open for limited office hours during the week. Please check our website and posted signs, or call the office at 512-443-3263, for the most current office hours.

So jump in. Get started. And let us know how we can help. We offer reading lists at the Center - just ask a Meditation Instructor. If you want to get started now, here are some suggestions:

• Turning the Mind into an Ally, by Sakyong Mipham
• Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior, by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
• Cutting through Spiritual Materialism, by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
• When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times, by Pema Chodron