Fall CalendarSeptember to December 2006

Philadelphia ShambhalaCenter

Ongoing ProgramsOpen Meditation ScheduleThe Philadelphia Shambhala Center opens its doors to bothnewcomers and seasoned practitioners for sitting meditation.Experience this oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of citylife. You may come for all or part of the time. No registration isnecessary.

Monday - Thursday 7:00 - 8:00 PMSundays 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon

Open HouseFirst Wednesday of each monthFree and open to the public7:00 Meditation Instruction7:30 Presentation and discussionThe Philadelphia Shambhala Center hosts an evening wherenewcomers can find out what the Center has to offer. The eveningwill also include guided instruction in meditation and shortpresentation. Light refreshments are served.

How to MeditateMonthly (see calendar for exact dates and times)This program is a thorough introduction to meditation practice. Thissimple and effective course introduces 2500 year-old wisdom thatis fresh and applicable in today’s world. The program developsunderstanding of the view and practice of meditation, and how tointegrate it in one’s life.

Maitri Bhavana PracticeFirst Sunday of the monthOpen Sitting from 9:00am-12:00pm, Maitri Bhavana 10:30amThe first Sunday of each month, we perform the practice of MaitriBhavana, or "the meditation on loving-kindness," as part of theongoing Sunday morning sitting. This Mahayana practice dedicatedto the seriously ill includes tonglen practice and the “UnlimitedFriendliness” chant. It is an opportunity to share our health withthose who are suffering. In advance of each session, a list will beposted at the Center for any one to add the names and illnesses ofrelatives and friends who are seriously ill, either physically ormentally, so that we can explicitly include them in the practice itself.Open to the public.

Sadhana of MahamudraThe Sadhana of Mahamudra is a short liturgy read by the Shambhalacommunity on the new and full moon days of the lunar calendar. Itwas written by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche whileon retreat in Bhutan in 1968. Everyone is welcome to participate.Fall dates and times are as follows:

September 7 Thursday - 8:00 PMSeptember 21 Thursday - 8:00 PMOctober 5 Thursday - 8:00 PMOctober 22 Sunday - 12:00 NoonNovember 5 Sunday - 12:00 NoonNovember 20 Monday - 8:00 PMDecember 4 Monday - 8:00 PMDecember 20 Wednesday - 8:00 PM

SeptemberOpen HouseWednesday, September 6 - 7:00 - 9:00 PMSee Ongoing Programs for description

Shambhala Training Level III - Warrior in the WorldWith Michael CarrollFriday, September 8; 7:00 – 9:00 PMSaturday, Sept. 9t & Sunday, Sept. 10; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMCost: $125 ($100 - members. Work-study and discounts basedon financial need available).(Level Three is also offered November 10, 11 & 12)Prerequisite: Shambhala Training Level II.In Level 3, Warrior in the World, we work in a deliberate way tobring the mindfulness and awareness we cultivate during meditationpractice into all aspects of our daily life. Awake to our senseperceptions, we can venture into the world with confidence and avulnerability that is fearless, gentle, and alive.For more information and to pre-register please contact:Kendall Martin: kmartinphd@comcast.net or leave a message onthe center’s phone: 215-568-6070.

Refuge Vow Preparatory ClassThursday, September 14; 7:00 PM - 9:00 PMNo ChargeThose interested in taking the Refuge Vow with Thrangu Rinpocheduring his Philadelphia visit, Sunday September 17, are stronglyencouraged to take this class on what it means to take refuge. Thereading for the class is a talk called "Refuge Vow" from Heart ofthe Buddha, by Chögyam Trungpa.For more information please contact: info@philashambhala.org

Philadelphia Shambhala Center2030 Sansom Street - 3rd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103Message Phone: 215-568-6070

Email: info@philashambhala.orgwww.philashambhala.org

To reach someone at the center during a programplease call: 215-568-6071

Khenchen Thrangu RinpocheIn PhiladelphiaSeptember 16 and 17, 2006Pu Men Temple1023-25 Race Steet in ChinatownDaily Admission Fee: $60Information Contact: Lori Volpe 856-768-7187

The Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a one ofthe foremost scholars and meditation masters of the KarmaKagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He is one of the principalteachers of His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa, aswell as the teacher of many lamas in the Kagyu Lineage.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the presence of a trulyremarkable teacher. His weekend program will include teachingson the Bardo, Refuge Vows, and a Manjushri empowerment.

Bardo TeachingsSaturday, 16th; 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 2:00 - 5:00 PM,And Sunday, 17th; 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Bardo Thodol - "The Great Liberation upon Hearing in theIntermediate State," was first put into written form by thelegendary Padmasambhava in the 8th century A.D. In the 14thcentury, these instructions were discovered and developed intoa systematic teaching presented through a spiritual text. Manyin the West know this text as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Notonly does this text serve as a guide to assist the entire processof death and dying, it is also relevant to how we can be morepresent in every moment while we are alive.

Refuge VowSunday 1:30 - 2:00 PM

The Refuge Vow is a ceremony in which one makes a formalcommitment to the Buddhist path of meditation, study, and dailylife. Those in the Shambhala Community interested in takingthe refuge vow should discuss this with their Meditation Instructoror Shambhala Guide, and plan on attending a free class at theShambhala Center on Thursday, September 14th, 7:00- 9:00PM. If you don't have a meditation instructor or a ShambhalaGuide, and are interested in taking the vow, please contact:info@philashambhala.org.

There is no set fee for the Refuge Vow, traditionally one makesa donation.

Manjushri EmpowermentSunday 2:00 - 5:00 PM

Manjushri Bodhisattva is said to be the embodiment of thewisdom of all the Buddhas. He is depicted holding the swordof wisdom, which eliminates ignorance and stupidity. This eventwill be an empowerment in a specific meditation practice ofthis Tibetan deity. Such an empowerment can be received intwo ways: one can come to it with an intention to do themeditation practice it presents, or one can come to receive theblessing of the event, and make a connection with the teacherwho is giving the empowerment.

Circle of DiversityMondays; Sept. 18, October 16, and November 137:00 - 9:00 PMFree and open to the publicDuring the June session we talked with each other about ourexperiences and interests related to diversity. We exploredexperiences of being included and excluded.The aspiration of this circle of diversity is to recognize and dissolvebarriers that separate us from each other. We want to invite you tocontinue exploring what needs to be done.As a community we want to create room to discuss or contemplateour shared experiences, to learn how to work with other people andourselves, and to have a willingness to sit together in whateveratmosphere may arise.All who want to help foster greater openness and inclusion are mostwelcome to attend.  For further information contact Ivette Guillermo atmaga@tmail.com

Introduction to Shambhala BuddhismTuesdays; September 19, 26 & October 3;7:00 to 9:00 PMCost: $35During this three session class, participants will explore some ofthe fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the unique offeringsof the Philadelphia Shambhala Center: What is the original messageof the Buddha and how is it being received today? What are thedistinctive elements of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism? What ismindfulness meditation?This program is designed to acquaint new practitioners with thefoundation of the Buddhist path and with applying these teachingsto the challenges of everyday life to promote sanity, decency andkindness.For more information contact: info@philashambhala.org

How To MeditateAn introduction to mindfulness-awareness practiceSaturday, September 23; 9 AM - 4:00 PM$35.00 ($15.00 - work-study and discounts based on financialneed available).This program is a thorough introduction to meditation practice. Thissimple and effective course introduces 2500 year-old wisdom thatis fresh and applicable in today’s world. The program developsunderstanding of the view and practice of meditation, and how tointegrate it in one’s life. Contact; info@philashambhala.org

Harvest of PeaceSunday, September 24 - Times to be announced.Every year, near the autumn equinox, each local Shambhalacommunity gathers to hear teachings by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche,to celebrate the riches of our local cultures and heritage, and tostrengthen our bonds to each other and our local Center. This is anopportunity to connect with our sangha, and to renew our commitmentto the purpose, development, and well-being of the Center wherewe are mutually nourished. Besides, the food is always good andthe day is plenty of fun! Please bring an item for the pot-luckluncheon.For more information contact:info@philashambhala.org

Taming the MindTuesdays: October 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 147:00 PM - 9:30 PMCost: $80.00 ($60. Members, Students) Additional $20 for text.Taming the Mind introduces students to the view and practice ofHinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. This class presents the path ofrenouncing samsara (cycle of anxiety and suffering) and the joyfound in developing discipline that leads to liberation. Details ofthis path will be discussed from a perspective of vastness; confidencestrengthened through understanding.A text will be made available containing teachings of the SakyongMipham Rinpoche; additional readings come from Cutting ThroughSpiritual Materialism, by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.To preregister contact Steve McGahee: mcgahees@comcast.net

Shambhala Training Level II - Birth of the WarriorFriday, October 13; 7:00 – 9:00 PMSaturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMCost: $125 ($100 members. Work-study and discounts basedon financial need available).Prerequisite: Shambhala Training Level 1In Level 2, Birth of the Warrior, we examine our habitual tendencies,fears, and defense mechanisms. Building on the foundation of themeditation practice introduced in Level I, we learn to work with thefear that occurs when we move forward out of the habitual patternsthat obscure the raw brilliance of the world we live in and our owngenuineness and tenderness.“The point of the Shambhala Training is to get out of the cocoon,which is the shyness and aggression in which we have wrappedourselves.”— Chögyam Trungpa

The Direct Experience of Emptiness: Personal Inquiry into the Nature of Non-SelfA Weekend Retreat Intensive with Nancy and Scott McBrideSaturday, October 21; 9:00 AM – 9:30 PMSunday, October 22; 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM - Reception followsPrice: $125* ($100* members. Work-study and discounts basedon financial need available).*10% discount for pre-registering by Oct.15.Emptiness is the hallmark teaching of Buddhism, distinguishing itfrom all the other major spiritual traditions. It is the essence of whatthe Buddha taught, and all the methods in every stage of the pathultimately are directed towards this experiential awakening. Mostoften, it is studied as a philosophical tenet, but awakening is basedon direct experience beyond all conceptual understanding. In thisweekend retreat, we will follow the direct approach and examinethe non-existence of self through personal inquiry, contemplationexercises and meditation.This program is designed with the Shambhala Community in mind.The inquiry is compelling to all practitioners, at all levels of practice,and is open to everyone except beginners. 

Scott and Nancy McBride were two of the five founding membersof the Philadelphia Shambhala Center. They are authorized to teachby Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.They have completed the traditional Tibetan three- year retreatpractice, and currently are co-directors of the Clear Light MeditationGroup in Devon, PA. Their teaching combines insights fromcontemporary psychology and traditional Buddhism to make studyand practice meaningful and applicable in today's complex world.

*Pre-registration is strongly encouraged: To pre-register, orfor questions, contact: Sue Long: SiouxLong@aol.com - orleave a message on the Center’s phone: 215-568-6070

Caring for Aging Relatives and FriendsWednesdays: Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 29, Dec. 207:30 - 9:00 PM - No ChargeLed by Dr. Susanna Lack, Clinical Psychologist Caring for an aging relative or friend presents a rich array ofchallenges and opportunities for working with our selves and others.Whether we are giving care, managing care, or simply trying to behelpful, we often confront these challenges alone.The Shambhala Center now hosts a monthly gathering where wecan come together to discuss our situations and experiences relatingto how we work with our practice and the Dharma in the manyroles we find ourselves. In addition we’ll discuss how, as acommunity, we can offer support and lend a hand as needed.While this is not a support group, we will also address practicalquestions regarding care-giving.  We are planning to have someguest speakers and full day programs later in the year.All are invited to attend. .Please contact Susanna Lack if you have any questions or plan onattending: Susannalack@comcast.net or 610.565.5885

A Day of Mindfulness in the Tradition of Thich Nhat HanhSaturday, September 30; 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMRegistration begins at 9:45 AM.Donations appreciated but not required.This day-long retreat in the tradition of Zen Buddhist Master, poet,and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh will include: sitting meditation,walking meditation, dharma talk by Thich Nhat Hanh (video),mindful lunch, dharma discussion, and total relaxation.To fully enjoy and support our collective energy of practice, pleaseplan to attend for the whole day. Please bring your own brown baglunch. Open to all.For more information, please contact Sara Becker:sarabecker@comcast.net / (215) 852-4375.

OctoberGathering of Meditation InstructorsSunday, October 1; 1:00 - 3:00 PM - Reception to followIn an effort to provide a support system for meditation instructors,the Shambhala Center is hosting a gathering this fall. If you are aMeditation Instructor, Practice Instructor, Shambhala Guide, orAssistant Director, you are warmly invited. We will discuss thevarieties of techniques available in our mandala, as well as othertopics as they arise. Please come and bring questions.Contact Steve McGahee for info: mcgahees@comcast.net

Open HouseWednesday, October 4; 7:00 - 9:00Free and open to the public7:00 Meditation Instruction7:30 Dharma talk and discussion - Reception followsSee Ongoing Programs for description

Community MeetingCelebrating where we are and envisioning ways of moving forward.Sunday, October 8; 2:00 - 4:00 PM - Reception to followOver the last several years, the leadership of the Center has beensteadily clarifying what it is that we offer, and strengthening ourability to offer it. As a result, there is new energy and leadershipin the areas of families and children, diversity, meditation instruction,and course offerings. If you would like to discuss these, or anyother areas, please join us.

Chants at the Shambhala CenterWith Elaine Yuen, Senior Teacher3 Tuesdays: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, & 12Sitting: 7:00 - 7:30 PM Class: 7:30 - 9:00 PM$10 Suggested donation We include a number of chants during sitting meditation at the ShambhalaCenter. These chants often encapsulate the entire Buddhist and Shambhalapaths. In this 3-part series of classes, we will explore the historical figuresand meanings of the chants, and seek to understand how they are constantreminders of the awakened state of mind. Contact:info@philashambhala.org

DecemberShambhala Training Level IV - Awakened HeartFriday, Dec. 1; 7:00 – 9:00 PMSaturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMCost: $125 ($100 members and students. Work-study and discountsbased on financial need available).Prerequisite: Shambhala Training Level IIIIn Level 4, Awakened Heart, we learn to open our hearts so that we cancommunicate fully with our world. We encounter the world with clearperception, freed of prejudice and conditioned ways of thinking andexperiencing....the awakened heart comes from being willing to face your state ofmind . .The sitting practice of meditation is the means to awaken thisgenuine heart within yourself.”– Chögyam TrungpaTo pre-register please contact Kendall Martin:kmartinphd@comcast.net or leave a message: 215-568-6070

Open HouseWednesday, Dec. 6; 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Free & Open to the Public.See Ongoing Programs for description.

Deep Listening - with David I. Rome and Hope MartinFriday, December 8, Registration beginning at 6:30 PMSaturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10; 9:30 AM - 5:30 PMCost: $150 ($120 members. Work-study and discounts based onfinancial need available).To listen more accurately, more genuinely, and more fruitfully, we needto master two separate but related abilities: listening to the other andlistening in ourselves. Deep listening is finding a middle way that hearswhat’s going on outside and inside together.This retreat uses three different contemplative forms to develop ourability to listen: Buddhist meditation, the Alexander Technique, andFocusing. Meditation creates a ground of stillness and clarity wherelistening can occur. The Alexander Technique fosters awareness ofhabitual body/mind habits, helps develop a more sensitive, reliablekinesthetic sense and cultivates an ability to listen to oneself while beingin the world, and Focusing encourages a checking-in with the “felt sense”that resides in the body around a particular content or issue in one’s life.The program will include periods of meditation, experiential exercises,and one-on-one listening partnerships.David I. Rome is the Director of Programs at the Garrison Institute andSenior Vice-President for Planning at Greyston Foundation, a Buddhist-inspired community development organization. David served as privatesecretary to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. He is a senior teacher inShambhala Training. He studied Focusing with its founder, EugeneGendlin and others.Hope Martin is the founder of Hope Martin Studio, an AlexanderTechnique learning center in NYC. She is on the faculty of the AmericanCenter for the Alexander Technique. Hope is a long-time meditationinstructor, student, and teacher of Buddhism.Pre-registration and info: Steve McGahee; mcgahees@comcast.net

How To MeditateThursday, October 26; 7:00 - 9:30 PM$15.00 suggested donationPlease see Ongoing Programs for description

NovemberOpen HouseWednesday, Nov. 1; 7:00 - 9:00 PM.Free & Open to the PublicSee Ongoing Programs for description.

Work DaySaturday Nov. 4; 9:00 AM to 3:00 PMJoin us in sprucing up our center. Stay for part or all of the day.Bring nothing but mindfulness; no special skills required. Lunchwill be provided.Contact Mark Dicampli: dicamm@comcast.net

Pot Luck dinner with President Richard ReochMonday, November 6; 6:30 - 9:00 PMCome break bread with the President of Shambhala. Anyonewho participates in the activities of the Shambhala Center isinvited to share his or her impressions of this community, herein Philadelphia, or more generally. This dinner will also be a timewhen President Richard Reoch will offer his impressions of whatis happening in Shambhala as a whole. Richard's refreshing styleof leadership inspires enjoyably open and spicy communication.If you're able to join him for dinner, please do so. You arewelcome to join in even if you cannot bring a food item.To RSVP, and let us know what you're bringing, emailinfo@philashambhala.com or call215-568-6070 and leave a message.

Shambhala Training Level III - Warrior in the WorldFriday, Nov. 10; 7:00 – 9:00 PMSaturday, 11 & Sunday, 12; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMCost: $125 ($100 members and students. Work-study anddiscounts based on financial need available).Prerequisite: Shambhala Training Level IISee previous Level III in September listings for descriptionFor more information and to pre-register please contact:Kendall Martin: kmartinphd@comcast.net or leave amessage on the Center’s phone: 215-568-6070.

Fine Arts and Crafts SaleSaturday, Nov. 18; 11:00 AM to 3:00 PMHere’s your chance to get in some holiday shopping, supportartists in the Shambhala community, and help the ShambhalaCenter itself. Various art and craft people will be selling theirworks, which will include jewelry, books, pottery and painting.There will be refreshments and demonstrations. All items willbe handmade, of exceptionally high quality, and reasonably priced.A percentage of each sale will go to the Shambhala Center.Artists, if you are interested in selling your creations, checkfor available space and get other information contact:siouxlong@aol.com or call 610-543-2173.

How To MeditateSunday, November 19; 9 AM - 4:00 PM$35.00 ($15.00 - Work-study and discounts based onfinancial need available).See Ongoing Programs for description

How To MeditateThursday, December 14; 7:00 - 9:30 PM$15.00 suggested donationPlease see Ongoing Programs for description

Shambhala Art Part 1 - Coming to Your Senseswith Elaine YuenSaturday Dec. 16; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMCost: $40 - Includes materials (20% discount:students, seniorsand members).Shambhala Art is art that springs from the meditative state of mind. Appreciating the uniqueness of everyday sensory experience andseeing the simplicity of things as they are, provides the ground forgenuine creative expression. This program is equally valuable tothose that identify themselves as artists and those that do not. It istraining in artfulness, rather than the practice of being an artist ina specific discipline.Shambhala Art Part 1 explores sense perceptions as a gateway towakefulness. The program includes talks, discussion, meditationpractice and a set of experiential exercises that delve into how totaste, smell, touch, see, and hear. It is even possible to meditate andeat chocolate at the same time!

Elaine Yuen, PhD, is a senior teacher atthe Philadelphia ShambhalaCenter. She teaches Buddhist, Shambhala and Nalanda programslocally and nationally. Elaine is also an inter-faith chaplain atThomas Jefferson University Hospital, and researcher JeffersonMedical College. She continues exploration of contemporarycontemplative life through many activities as a parent, artist, andresearcher.

Children’s DaySunday, Dec. 17;10:00 AM to 1:00 PMOur Shambhala family, adults and children, are invited to join ina festive and magical celebration of the Winter Solstice and Children’sDay. Holidays such as this have their origin as “holy days.” and arethe way human beings mark the sacred times in the yearly cycle oflife. Children’s Day is our group opportunity to show appreciationfor the children of our sangha.

Our gathering includes a lhasang ceremony, and children’s blessing.The children present gifts to underprivileged children and charitableorganizations. Entertainment includes songs, storytelling, andtheatrical productions with Shambhalian themes, followed by a potluck lunch. Please bring a wrapped gift, which we will deliver tofamilies in need, and a favorite food to share.For more information contact: info@philashambhala.org

Thank You - Thank You - Thank You---------------------To Our Many Volunteers ---------------------

To Our Umdzes and Time KeepersWe want to take a bit of space here to recognize that there are somany people involved in making the Center function and theShambhala Buddhist teachings come alive. Among the many busy,talented people who volunteer their time, we especially want toacknowledge the umdzes and timekeepers as the backbone of theCenter.To anyone walking in the door, for the first time or the thousandth,you are the Center; it’s you who opens the literal and figurativedoor to an awake environment conducive to meditation, to the booksand classes where we learn about the path, and to the sangha ofpeople with whom we share the journey. Thank you for making thetime and effort to be there for us.

Steve McGaheeInterim Director, September 1 through Dec. 31, 2006Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies (classes)Phone: (609) 567-4497 - mcgahees@comcast.net

Alexander deVaronDirector of the Philadelphia Shambhala CenterOn Leave, September 1 through Dec. 31, 2006E-mail: adevaron@temple.edu

Shambhala Training - Mark DiCampliPhone: 610-328-2372Cell: 484-326-9182 - dicamm@comcast.net                         

Care and Community - Ricky MoreauPhone: 215-386-2954 - ricomo@mac.com

Rusang - Carol Moeller

Shambhala Board: Tom Berthoff Dave ChristyKris Stinson Harriette Zilber

Administration, Calendar, Bookstore - Sue LongPhone: 610-543-2173 - SiouxLong@aol.com

Bookkeeper - Jude Robison - jrobison@shambhala.orgMembership - Lisa Laura - lisamarielaura@yahoo.comPhysical Plant - Connie YoukonEvents Manager & Phone Messages - Lauren IdeUmdze Scheduling - Marge VeletaWeb Posting - Sandra ChaffDatabase - Dave Christy and Tom BerthoffArranging for Meditation Instruction - Paula LachmanLead Meditation Instructor - Steve HoskinsChildren’s Programing - Kris StinsonDiversity - Ivette GuillermoArchives, Library, Window Display - Richard BaronNewspaper Publicity - Elizabeth CuidetInfo@philashambhala.org - Don McCown

Thank you to all the people who: teach classes, washdishes, teach meditation, answer questions, coordinateprograms, empty the trash, host receptions, create Ikebanaarrangements, take care of out-of-town guests, tidy up, ....You make this Center a wonderful place.

Watch for Children’sPrograms

Coming This Winter

Contact Kris Stinson if interested:(215) 483-8582 - krisstinson@yahoo.com