Join us for Open House this Sunday:

10am – 11am Meditation instruction and sitting
11am – 12pm Talk and discussion
12 pm – Refreshments and socializing

This month’s topic: Uncertainty

Our lives generally appear to have a sense of certainty. Things go along in a predictable way. We get up in the morning, expecting the usual events to happen: go to work, school, or, whatever we do. We think, “This is normal, events going in this way.” In truth, however, the world is unpredictable. Our partner could say, “I don’t want to be with you any more.” Our employer might say “There’s not enough work; you’re laid off.” Our program may be defunded; there could be a tsunami, or a flat tire. Anything could happen. The world is unpredictable. We could ask, “Is there anything that is certain?” The teachings of Shambhala state that there is a basic confidence in being able to stay with anything that comes up in life. We call this inherent confidence. It is not dependent on anything at all. This view is encouraged by the practice of meditation. We learn to hold our seat, touch, and explore our experience, encouraging a posture that is open and stable, appreciating the world around us. We find that, in fact, we could ride uncertainty.

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.

“Acting out and repressing are the main ways that we shield our hearts, the main ways that we never really connect with our vulnerability.”