Programs & Retreats
We offer mindfulness meditation programs and retreats in the Tibetan Buddhist teachings, the arts, and other contemplative disciplines, as well as individual meditation instruction.
Our meditation centers in Los Angeles are homes to a vibrant, diverse community of members and friends who provide ongoing volunteer and financial support – creating a warm, genuine basis for the realizing the full potential of our authentic wisdom traditions.
Sadhana of Mahamudra practice (Eagle Rock)
with Darryl Burnham
June 3rd—February 23rd (2020)
The Sadhana of Mahamudra presents a vajrayana view, bringing together the devotion mahamudra of the Kagyu lineage and the crazy wisdom of the Nyingma lineage. As such, it provides a powerful touchstone for understanding our vajrayana heritage. Continue »
Kado Demonstration: Contemplative Flower Arranging (Eagle Rock)
with Anjie Cho
July 27th
All are welcome to this introduction to Kado Ikebana with visiting teacher Anjie Cho. Continue »
Introduction to Meditation in Eagle Rock
August 1st
These evenings are appropriate for anyone wishing to learn the basics of mindfulness/awareness meditation or to refresh their existing meditation practice. Continue »
Introductory Meditation Retreat - Shambhala Training Weekend I (Westside)
with Shastri Marcia Fink
August 3rd—August 4th
This meditation retreat explores how to reawaken our hearts and minds to our own fundamental goodness and the sacredness of life. OPEN TO ALL! Continue »
Shambhala Member Potluck Gathering (Orange County)
August 4th
This informal potluck immediately after Sunday morning meditation is an opportunity for supporting members of Shambhala Meditation Centers of Los Angeles (SMCLA) to gather and socialize in a relaxed environment. Continue »
Introduction to Meditation on the Westside
August 7th
These evenings are appropriate for anyone wishing to learn the basics of mindfulness/awareness meditation or to refresh their existing meditation practice. Continue »
Letting Go: The Buddhist Approach to Death and Dying
with Acharya Emily Bower
August 10th—August 11th
This special weekend program will present practices and teachings based on Tibetan Buddhist views on dying, death, and rebirth. Continue »
Contemplative Creativity Lab: Calligraphy is a Celebration of Nowness (Westside)
with Anne Saitzyk
August 10th
Open to all! No art or meditation experience is required. Continue »
Dharma Talk - August Pema Chodron DVD Night (Westside)
August 14th
All are encouraged to attend, regardless of meditation experience or if new to meditation. These evenings feature a short period of meditation with instruction, often from Pema within the context of her talk; discussion and light refreshments. Continue »
Discovering the Potency of the Heart: an Intro to Karuna Training (Westside)
August 17th—August 18th
Karuna is the Sanskrit word meaning compassion, and Karuna Training is a compassion and meditation-based program that teaches how to work with intense emotions, improve communication, and genuinely connect with others. Continue »
Finding Sanity: A Course in Buddhist Teachings for Chaotic Times (Eagle Rock)
with Shastri Joel Wachbrit & Debra Dysart
August 20th—September 10th
In these times of great anxiety and confusion, many people are questioning how we relate to ourselves and the world. What is the nature of our minds and our relationship to the world? Continue »
A Year of Deepening in Compassion Part I - The Four Limitless Ones, (Orange County)
with Shastri Marilyn Moore
August 25th—December 8th
The path of the Bodhisattva Warrior begins with developing loving-kindness for ourselves and expands this to others, dissolving the barriers that divide us. T Continue »
All Day Meditation Retreat (Eagle Rock)
August 31st
For new and experienced practitioners alike, this all-day community meditation retreat is a rare opportunity to take a real break from our usual routines to truly relax with ourselves and refresh our sense of wellbeing, goodness, and sanity. Continue »
Introductory Meditation Retreat - Shambhala Training Weekend I (Eagle Rock)
September 7th—September 8th
This meditation retreat explores how to reawaken our hearts and minds to our own fundamental goodness and the sacredness of life. OPEN TO ALL! Continue »
WAY OF SHAMBHALA: Fearlessness in Everyday Life (Westside)
September 7th—September 28th
This class is open to students who have completed Joy in Everyday Life (JIEL). Continue »
Shambhala Sadhana Community Practice (Orange County)
with Barbara Vanek
September 8th
This intimate monthly group practice session held at the time of the full moon is open to all members of Shambhala and their families, and helps us connect to the basic goodness of ourselves, society and the world. Continue »
Dharma Talk - September Pema Chodron DVD Night (Westside)
September 11th
All are encouraged to attend, regardless of meditation experience or if new to meditation. These evenings feature a short period of meditation with instruction, often from Pema within the context of her talk; discussion and light refreshments. Continue »
Shambhala Sadhana Community Practice (Eagle Rock)
September 13th
This intimate monthly group practice session held at the time of the full moon is open to all members of Shambhala and their families, and helps us connect to the basic goodness of ourselves, society and the world. Continue »
Qigong: Level 3 (Eagle Rock)
with Kate Summers
September 14th—September 15th
Qigong Level 3 will introduce you to many new forms and practices from the Xiantianwujimen and Yiquan lineages. Take this rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique lineages which have not previously been fully transmitted in the West. Continue »
WAY OF SHAMBHALA: Wisdom in Everyday Life (Westside)
with Shastri Marcia Fink
October 26th
Open to graduates of Fearlessness in Everyday Life (FIEL). Continue »
Discovering our Innate Intrinsic Health: An Intro to Contemplative Psycholology
October 26th—October 27th
Karuna is the Sanskrit word meaning compassion, and Karuna Training is a compassion and meditation-based program that teaches how to work with intense emotions, improve communication, and genuinely connect with others. Continue »
All Day Meditation Retreat (Eagle Rock)
November 2nd
For new and experienced practitioners alike, this all-day community meditation retreat is a rare opportunity to take a real break from our usual routines to truly relax with ourselves and refresh our sense of wellbeing, goodness, and sanity. Continue »
Shambhala Sadhana Community Practice (Orange County)
with Shastri Marilyn Moore
November 10th
This intimate monthly group practice session held at the time of the full moon is open to all members of Shambhala and their families, and helps us connect to the basic goodness of ourselves, society and the world. Continue »
RIGDEN: Unconditional Confidence and Enlightened Leadership (Eagle Rock)
with Acharya Emily Bower
November 16th—November 17th
This culmination of the Way of Shambhala I series explores the principle of enlightened leadership as symbolized by the Rigden, the gentle, compassionate, fearless, and wise ruler of Shambhala. Continue »
Shambhala Sadhana Community Practice (Eagle Rock)
December 12th
This intimate monthly group practice session held at the time of the full moon is open to all members of Shambhala and their families, and helps us connect to the basic goodness of ourselves, society and the world. Continue »
Winter Meditation Retreat: A Shambhala Weekthün (Eagle Rock)
December 26th—January 1st (2020)
This retreat is an intensive, week-long meditation program for new and experienced meditators interested in deepening their mindfulness-awareness. Join us for the whole week or sign up for a day or two. Continue »
