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 is 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 10 a.m. and Wednesdays 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.

There are other opportunities to learn more. Conversations about Buddhism is scheduled every Wednesday evening at 7 - 8:30. 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.

Also, approximately every other month the Center offers a Taste of Shambhala program at 10 on Sunday morning. An overview of the Shambhala Center, its teachings, programs, classes, and community life is given, along with meditation instruction. This is another great opportunity to see what we offer, to begin the process of getting acquainted and finding a spiritual home. The program is free, and ends with brunch. See the events page on this website for dates.

Public meditation sessions are offered Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. - noon, followed by tea, coffee, and snacks, a relaxing way to get acquainted. Meditation is also scheduled Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 - 8 p.m . On Wednesdays, the first half-hour of Conversations about Buddhism is devoted to meditation. 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.

The Austin Shambhala Meditation Center also is open from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, at which times the Center Manager will be happy to show you around.

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

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org


Home | Meditation | Programs | Buddhism | Shambhala | Arts
About Us | Community | Gallery | Calendar | Blog | Search

Shambhala Austin Meditation Center
1702 South Fifth Street, Austin,  TX 78704
Tel. (512) 443 3263    Email: austinshambhala@gmail.com

Shambhala®, is a registered service mark of Shambhala International (Vajradhatu).   Website by Blue Mandala