Ongoing Offerings
Shambhala Gainesville offers a rich array of weekly ongoing offerings free to the public. No prior meditation experience required to attend. Most programs offer meditation instruction upon request. All are welcome.
OPEN SITTING
Weekdays (M-F) (online) from 6:45 am to 7:15 am. You may enter or leave the zoom room at any time. Email Laura at [email protected] for zoom link.
Tuesday Evening Meditation (in-person) from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Open to practitioners who have received Shambhala meditation instruction.
Sunday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Join us in-person for meditation and book discussion. We are currently reading Light Comes Through: Buddhist Teachings on Awakening by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. You do not have to own the book as we have copies to share. Beginners are encouraged and welcome to come for instruction at 10:00 am.
HEART OF RECOVERY
Every Monday 6:30 – 7:30 pm (online) Heart of Recovery is open to anyone who is interested in exploring how the path of meditation and the path of recovery intersect. All are welcome who are working with recovery from addiction to substances and behaviors as well as those whose lives have been impacted by addictive and compulsive behaviors. No meditation experience is necessary.
Newcomers will learn basic meditation techniques to enhance their own recovery program. Experienced meditators will deepen their current practice while adding support to the group. The meeting format includes meditation, readings/or topic and group discussion bringing together Shambhala Buddhist meditation practice with the Twelve Steps.
The meeting is open to:
• Buddhist practitioners from any tradition
• 12 Step practitioners from any program
• Individuals interested in exploring the relationship of meditation to recovery from addiction, addictive and compulsive behaviors
QUEER & TRANS DHARMA
1st (online) and 3rd Wednesdays (hybrid) Practice paused.
You are welcome to join us in this true community of acceptance, as we support each other’s journeys to full embodiment. There will be meditation, followed by book study/discussion. Newcomers, please plan to arrive at 6:45 pm.
For zoom link and more information you may contact: Oliver Klicker: [email protected]
DEATH & DYING FORUM (Online)
How do we examine our own concepts and feelings about death? How do we work skillfully and compassionately with those who are dying? What are the Buddhist teachings about death and dying? These are some of the questions we consider in this online group. Each month we begin with 5 minutes of meditation followed by a personal check-in. We take all the time we need to discuss concerns that come up during the check-in. Then we spend the remainder of our time reading and discussing a few pages in the text.
No meeting in December. In January we will begin to study the text The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche. Everyone is welcome to join — you do not need to have the book. We typically meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. For the zoom link, please email [email protected].
WHAT IS MY PATH?
If you have questions about study and practice, please contact Nora Wiser, Practice & Education Director, to discuss your aspirations and options. Nora is available to meet via Zoom or in-person at the center. Email: [email protected].
Here is a pdf showing the five areas of Practice and Study available now even as they are undergoing evaluation, updating and revisions.
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DHARMA NIGHT
Several times a year, we come together for “Dharma Movie Night” which includes a film, discussion and refreshments (please bring goodie and/or drink to share).
DECORUM FOR ONLINE PRACTICE
When you join a ZOOM practice session, please close all other programs on your computer and maximize the video to full screen. You may use the prompt in the upper right corner of your screen to toggle between two views. “Speaker view” shows whoever is talking full screen. “Gallery view” shows little Hollywood-square type boxes. (NOTE: speaker view and gallery view are invitational prompts, not descriptions of what you’re seeing.)
Please “mute” unless you are the speaker. Because of the way ZOOM is designed, there can be only one speaker at a time, even during chants. (NOTE: If you do not mute yourself, the host may mute you).
During silent sitting sessions, please find a quiet location and sit on your meditation chair or a cushion. Close your other electronic devices. Give yourself the gift of this time to practice without distraction. Please be respectful of your fellow sangha members. It can be challenging to practice together online. Please keep your backgrounds simple and limit your movements while on camera.
