Community

”Sangha” is the Sanskrit term for “community of practitioners” – one of the three jewels of Buddhism. The Shambhala Meditation of New Haven has been through several iterations over the years, and is now operating on a reduced schedule and home base. The sangha in New Haven continues to share a genuine connection to contemplative practice and the aspiration to realize a more wakeful, sane society. Friends and members of the Shambhala Center are welcome to attend celebrations, practice events, meetings and gatherings of special interest groups.

The Shambhala Meditation Center is part of an international community of 150 meditation centers founded by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The Shambhala Buddhist path, unique in the world of Western Buddhism, combines the teachings of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism with the Shambhala view of living an uplifted life, fully engaged with the world.

Programs in Buddhist teachings, meditation and other contemplative disciplines are offered as well as free individual meditation instruction. Since the dual impact of COVID and the allegations and findings against Sakyong Mipham, our programming has scaled down – for now, at least. However, you can access many programs via the “Shambhala Online” schedule as well as other local Shambhala Centers such as Pioneer Valley or Boston. We welcome you to participate to the extent you wish. If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected], with subject line – “Outside” Programs.

The New Haven Shambhala Meditation Center was established in 1975. Over the years we have lived in several locations. Prior to our current part-time home at 493 Whitney Avenue in New Haven, we had a beautiful, very large Center at 85 Willow Street in New Haven. Earlier sites include Erector Square, New Haven and above House of Chao in the Westville area of New Haven.