Shambhala Meditation Center of Washington DC : : Programs

View Upcoming
Programs, Events, and Classes by Category

All Programs

Meditation Programs
Buddhist Programs
Shambhala Training
Contemplative Arts
Community Events
Thursday Talks

View the Calendar

Please check each program description for the location where it will be held.

			Open to Everyone Thursday Night Talks On Thursdays we tap into the wisdom of our senior teachers and offer dharma talks on a range of topics. The schedule includes a period of sitting, then tea and refreshments, followed by a brief talk and open discussion. General Schedule Meditation Practice and Instruction: 7:00–7:45pm Tea and refreshments: 7:45 -8:00pm Dharma talk and open discussion: 8:00pm Location: Shambhala Meditation Center of Washington DC Fee: No Charge
			Current Talk Topic Current Thursday night dharma talks are based on chapters from Light Comes Through, by Dzigar Kongtrül. Our thoughts and emotions can take us anywhere. In an instant they can bring us down or lift us up. If we don't attend to the mind, the source of all our thoughts and emotions, it can seem like a runaway train. Yet when guided by wisdom, our mind can lead us to awakening. How do we utilize this resource? The Buddha asked big questions concerning the causes and conditions of happiness and suffering and how we can shape our mind and attitude to support our well-being. According to the Buddhist teachings, when our natural intelligence is sparked by contemplation and meditation, we discover insights into what true happiness means—and how to achieve it. The distilled wisdom of the Buddhist tradition leads us to clarity of mind, and step by step, the light of our natural intelligence comes through. With the humor and insight he is known for, Dzigar Kongtrül engages us in a playful, and challenging, investigation of disturbing emotions, our relationships with others, the trap of self-centeredness, and the practicalities of working with a Buddhist teacher. Most important, he shows us the subtlest use of our own natural intelligence—its ability to recognize the nature of reality itself. Come sit with us, enjoy some tea and refreshments afterwards, then stay for the talk and discussion. Talks and discussion are drawn from the book. It is not necessary to have read the book to participate.