Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies

Shambhala Buddhism is a path of traditional Tibetan Buddhist studies, incorporating teachings and practices of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages. For a detailed explanation of Shambhala Buddhism, it's history and teachers, please read the Buddhist section on Shambhala.org by clicking here.

The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies is a four-cycle program of practice and study for anyone interested in learning about Shambhala Buddhism and meditation. Students do not need to be, or to become, a Buddhist to take these courses, although that opportunity is provided for those who want to do so.

Each of the four cycles includes:

  • Weekday evening classes as well as weekend intensives
  • Courses from the hinayana, mahayana and vajrayana perspective
  • Teachings of the Sakyong Mipham, Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche

This four-cycle program is designed so that a student may start at any point. (Ask for the Schedule of Classes & Events to check for current offerings.) However, in order to proceed to Buddhist Seminaries (Sutrayana and Vajrayana) which are offered at the major Shambhala Buddhist practice centers, a student should complete the entire Shambhala Buddhist four-cycle curriculum below.

Introductory Course: Buddha and Universal Monarch (Saturday/Sunday)

First Cycle

  • Taming the Mind (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)
  • Shamatha: Nine Stages (weekend intensive)
  • Walking the Bodhisattva Path (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)
  • Maitri: Five Wisdom Energies ( weekend intensive)

Second Cycle

  • The Three Jewels (Saturday/Sunday intensive)
  • Bodhisattva Warrior: Six Paramitas (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)
  • Vipashyana: Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Weekend intensive)
  • Lineage & Devotion (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)

Third Cycle

  • Karma: Five Skandhas & Twelve Nidanas 5 classes + 1 day intensive)
  • Union of Shamatha-Vipashyana (weekend intensive)
  • Lojong (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)
  • Sadhana of Mahamudra ( weekend intensive)

Fourth Cycle

  • Life of Buddha & History of Sangha (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)
  • Mahayana & the Bodhisattva Vow (weekend intensive)
  • Emptiness (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)
  • Journey Without Goal (5 classes + 1 day weekend intensive)

Buddhist Weeknight Classes &
Weekend Programs (scroll down)

Questions? Contact us!
Office of Practice and Study
practiceandeducation@atlantashambhalacenter.org

Weeknight Classes
Sitting 7:00-8:00 PM
Class 8:05 - 9:30 PM

Turning Your Mind into an Ally
Wednesdays June 4-July 9
7:00pm-9:30pm
One day intensive TBD
Cost: $70 ($60 members) plus text (Turning the Mind into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham)
A course on how to train the mind through the practice of mindfulness or “peaceful abiding” meditation. Ideal for beginners as well as students who would like to stabilize and deepen their practice. The course will give students a basic grounding in the principles of meditation, as well as contemplative techniques to gain insight into the state of our mind and our relationships. Learn how the path of meditation can bring more focus to your life. Highly recommended for those interested in the Shambhala Training and Buddhist Studies programs.