“One great question underlies our experience, whether we think about it or not: what is the purpose of life? From the moment of birth every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affects this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness”

- His Holiness Dalai Lama XIV Tendzin Gyatso

Join us for “Soft Heart, Strong Back: Contentment in Everyday Life,” Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30pm starting Sep 27. Register at http://pioneervalley.shambhala.org

September 30–October 1, 2011
New York Society for Ethical Culture
New York City

Mindfulness is a simple yet profound practice that changes lives. If you’re committed to mindful living, or just want to learn more about the transformative power of mindfulness, join us for this landmark gathering of the mindfulness community.

Together, we will explore all the proven, practical ways that mindfulness can benefit our lives and transform our society, from health, work, and family to education, leadership, and policy. This groundbreaking conference will feature keynote presentations by four outstanding leaders in the mindfulness field—Jon Kabat-Zinn, Richard J. Davidson, Janice Marturano, and U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan—plus a rich program of dialogue, practice, and breakout sessions.

http://www.eomega.org/omega/mindful-society/?content=AD&source=PMag.SHSUN.land

Monthly Open House
Sunday, July 3rd
10AM – 1PM

Please join us on the first Sunday of the month for an introduction to the Shambhala Center. Come and learn about the variety of programs and opportunities for practice offered here. Group meditation instruction is offered free of charge.

Open House includes an introductory dharma talk and informal reception with refreshments, hosted by senior students of the Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

Talk Topic: Taking Refuge
We will explore the meaning of refuge in our everyday lives and in Buddhism. Can we recognize what we are taking refuge in during our daily lives? What does it mean to take refuge in the Three Jewels, and what does this have to do with being present and awake in the moment? Whether you have taken Refuge Vows or have no idea what they are, please join us for this talk and discussion.

This is from Chapter 3 of Ruling Your World, “The Ten Percent Advantage”:

“We have the wisdom and compassion of a universal monarch lying within us like dormant seeds waiting for the sun. We think that we’re 180 degrees from enlightenment, but we’re only a few degrees off. I’ve always found this bit of wisdom and encouragement heartening, because there are days when the qualities of a buddha might as well be in a different galaxy. In fact, our wisdom and compassion are always available. What is takes to see this is not a trip to the Far East or a radical change in lifestyle, but a subtle shift in our attitude. Learning to rule is a matter of developing confidence in basic goodness.”