Getting Started with Meditation

“Meditation practice begins by sitting down and assuming your seat cross-legged on the ground. You begin to feel that by simply being on the spot, your life can become workable and even wonderful.”

– Chögyam Trungpa, Founder of the Shambhala Tradition

What Is Meditation?

The word for meditation in Sanskrit is “shamatha” (Meditation is an ancient practice of self-discovery, primarily from the Buddhist tradition, that is rooted in the simple, but revolutionary premise that every human being has the ability to cultivate the mind’s inherent stability, clarity and strength in order to be more awake and compassionate in everyday life.

Meditation is a way to make the mind more stable and clear. From this point of view, meditation is not purely a Buddhist practice; it’s a practice that anyone can do. It doesn’t tie in with a particular spiritual tradition. If we want to undo confusion, we’re going to have to be responsible for learning what our own mind is and how it works, no matter what beliefs we hold.

(shămă tă) in Sanskrit, which means “peaceful abiding.” Peaceful abiding describes the mind as it naturally is. The word “peace” tells the whole story. This doesn’t mean that we’re peacefully ignoring things. It means that the mind is able to be present without conflicting with natural reality.

Where to Start?

Shambhala Los Angeles offers a path of meditation practice, contemplative arts, and social engagement oriented toward modern life.

Our online Sunday morning meditation meeting is live-streamed via Zoom weekly and provides ongoing support for a regular sitting practice. In-person meditation is offered on both the Westside and in Burbank. Free meditation instruction is available for those who are new to meditation. These sessions are an opportunity to meditate in a supportive group setting, to learn how to apply the principles of meditation to everyday life, and to meet and mingle with those interested in mindfulness meditation. Donations are gratefully accepted.

We also invite you to join any of our ongoing community affinity groups.  They are a great way to connect and develop a kinship with other like-minded practitioners.


Recommended Meditation Books

Please support independent bookstores. Available at our book store in Burbank or at Shambhala Publications

Pema Chödrön:

  • How To Meditate
  • The Wisdom of No Escape
  • Start Where You Are

Chögyam Trungpa:

  • Meditation in Action
  • Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
  • Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior
  • Smile at Fear