SMCLA Upcoming Programs

Welcome!

We offer free guided meditation instruction and dharma talks to the public at several locations throughout Los Angeles every week, as well as a wide variety of classes and retreats in meditation, Shambhala Buddhist teachings, and other contemplative disciplines.

New to Meditation or the Center?

begin to meditate Shambhala LA

Shambhala Meditation is based on the premise that the natural state of the mind is calm and clear. It’s a practice that anyone can do. Learn to meditate and develop mindfulness awareness by attending one of our many public meditation periods.

When you arrive, you can get a short introduction to meditation, sit with the group, and stay for the discussion group. We also offer weekly programs for newcomers consisting of  Thursday Night Intro Talks in Eagle Rock and Wednesday Night Kitchen Sink Dharma talks on the Westside.

Featured Programs

Kitchen Sink Dharma: The Essence of the Problem (Westside)

with Bill Bothwell

May 22nd

Sometimes, wherever we look something is not quite right: it’s a political mess, or there’s selfishness, or we are private and sad about ourselves or others. Can we really solve these problems? Continue »

ALL-DAY MEDITATION RETREAT (Westside)

May 26th

Deepen your practice with a full-day meditation retreat, or nyinthun, focusing on mindfulness/awareness as taught in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. Continue »

Kitchen Sink Dharma: To Think or Not to Think, What is the Question? (Westside)

with John Beard

May 29th

Meditation is often misunderstood as merely a temporary escape from reality or as a very difficult introspective exercise that seems very scary. Actually, it is a gentle way to make friends with oneself and the world. Continue »

News and Articles

  • Heart

    Heart of Recovery

    May 10, 2013 by George G.

    Every week, we invite addicts and their families to come share their stories and support one other. In addition, we explore how the 12 steps and Buddhism can work together to help an addict come to terms with their addiction and learn to walk on the beautiful, extraordinary, spiritual and magical path of sobriety and recovery.

  • Marilyn Monroe

    Dear Marilyn

    May 8, 2013 by Alice Toohey

    I don’t know if there was encouragement in your time to see your goodness. For me, it’s just in the last five years or so that I have peeked underneath my confusion and discovered something wise, tender and brave. In the Shambhala tradition this is called basic goodness. It is available to us at all times because it is our inherent nature. No one is exempt, no matter what. Not even me.

  • Sakyong with Book

    Basic Goodness Day

    May 7, 2013 by SMCLA Staff

    Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, has designated May 7, 2013 – the day of the release of his new book, The Shambhala Principle – as Basic Goodness Day, an opportunity to celebrate our own and others’ goodness.