Nashville Shambhala Meditation Group
Established April 2004

 

Please Note:  As of October 15, 2009, The Nashville Shambhala Group has suspended operations.

The Shambhala community offers its form of traditional Buddhism and Shambhala Training, a secular program developed by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the famed Tibetan teacher and author of more than a dozen books. Both paths employ the same mindfulness meditation practice known universally as shamatha.

This practice is the foundation of all other practices, and the foundation of all study. Without meditation practice, study is merely intellectual; without study, one cannot understand and practice meditation with confidence and clarity.

The value of a practice-based community, or sangha, is in the opportunity to gather for group practice and discussion, and to engage in informal and formal classes about the nature of mind and the path of being human.

Shambhala centers offer this opportunity in many forms at whatever pace anyone sets for himself or herself. There is never any charge for meditation instruction. Group meditation and dharma talks are open, and formal classes occur when interest arises and a certified teacher is available. Informal study is available with video lectures and discussions based on readings of insightful books by Chogyam Trungpa, Pema Chodron and other teachers and authors.

Nashville is surrounded by 8 cities with established Shambhala Centers and Groups, many of which have resident Meditation Instructors who are certified to teach Shambhala Training courses.  Of course, there are many centers beyond driving distance as well where students can participate in Shambhala courses and special offerings.