Membership
If you feel a connection to Shambhala Los Angeles, the practice of meditation, and the vision to create an enlightened society, consider becoming a member.
Becoming a Member of the Shambhala Los Angeles is a statement about your personal inspiration, curiosity, and commitment to the path of awakening. It means participating in a community of practitioners who aspire to relate to each other with honesty, warmth, and openness. We inspire one another to deepen our practice of mindfulness, awareness, and compassion. We also express appreciation for what Shambhala provides and help make it available to others.
Membership is open to anyone from any background, culture, faith, or walk of life – all are welcome!
Becoming A Member
Membership involvement is a gesture of support to Shambhala principles and practices expressed in the following four areas:
Meditation Practice
A member of Shambhala makes a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice, and works to integrate that practice into daily life in order to create a foundation for healthy social relationships and an enlightened society. This connection may also be made through contemplative practices based on mindfulness-awareness.
Volunteering
Almost all of the work of our center and much of the work of the Shambhala global community is done by volunteers. Giving our time and talents to the work of the community is a vital form of support and viewed as part of practice.
Financial Support
Shambhala is sustained through dues and donations. When you become a member, your financial contributions support the maintenance and growth of our center and the international Shambhala community. The amount of your contribution is a personal decision that reflects your situation and connection. Your ongoing monthly donation, at whatever amount works for you, contributes to the financial foundation for our community.
Community
Shambhala is more than a place to meditate and take classes. Engaging with others to develop a culture that embodies the profound principles of basic goodness is at the heart of our commitment. We invite you to join us in this exploration and practice of community.
Thus, all Shambhala members agree to follow Shambhala’s Code of Conduct.
Membership Benefits
- Ongoing meditation instruction with a personal meditation instructor
- Invites to member-only events
- Receive a membership pin
- Access to resources at www.shambhala.org and automatic membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network
- Access to our book and audio library
- Opportunities in center governance, staffing and coordinating programs
- Eligibility for scholarships for retreat programs*
*Shambhala Los Angeles offers annual scholarships to its members for attending Shambhala based programs and retreats. Scholarships amounts are based on the financial health of our local center.
Membership Inquiries
If you have any questions or would like more information about becoming a Shambhala member, you may reach out to our Membership Coordinator for further assistance.
You can can send all membership questions and inquiries to [email protected]
“In the Buddhist community, or the Buddhist sangha, you have to stand on your own two feet. A sense of individuality and a sense of comradeship are both involved.”
— Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, from “Taking Refuge,” in The Heart of the Buddha, page 99.
