Community - Birmingham Shambhala Center

ABOUT US
People of all faiths and spiritual traditions pass through the doors of the Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center. Some come to meditate as part of addressing physical or mental health issues; others meditate in order to bring peace and balance to their lives. For others, meditation is part of their personal spiritual journey.

Some people come to take the secular Shambhala Training classes and to learn about the concept of warriorship – a non-aggressive path of being a brave and gentle human being in this challenging world. Others continue on to embrace the teachings of the Buddha, many taking their Buddhist vows. Inspiring weekend and weeknight programs, Children’s programs, Spirituality and Social Action discussions, Book Group and Dharma Film night draw the interest of others. But in the end our members and friends come to the Center to enjoy the shared, diverse community we call sangha.

The Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center (BSMC), founded in 1998, emphasizes the practice of meditation based on both the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings, and the meditation-in-action of Shambhala Arts.

The BSMC follows in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (pictured at left), who was a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master and author of The Myth of Freedom, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, and Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, among many other books. He was one of the most prominent Buddhist teachers of our time, and a pioneer in bringing Buddhism to the West.

His son, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche (right), who now leads Shambhala International and its affiliated organizations, is a holder of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, and of the Shambhala teachings. He is the author of the best selling books Turning the Mind into an Ally and Ruling Your World.

SPRING MEDITATION AT THE JAPANESE GARDENS
Sunday, April 13, 9 – 11 am. Details to come.

REGIONAL SHAMBHALA GATHERING AT MT. CHEEAHA
Saturday, April 19, Noon – evening (overnight stay optional)

Everyone is invited to join Atlanta and Birmingham Shambhala Community members for a special celebration of community, meditation practice and renewal on the highest peak in Alabama. Mt.Cheeaha is the site where the Padmasambhava treasure vase was buried twelve years ago. Trungpa Rinpoche's Sadhana of Mahamudra will be practiced around an open campfire on Saturday evening. For RSVP and more details contact Phyllis at 595-8757.

TURNING THE MIND INTO AN ALLY

Would you like to have a more stable mind? One that helps you accomplish your goals, rather than one that acts like it’s under the influence of a randomly programmed remote control? For thousands of years people in eastern countries have stabilized their minds through the practice of calm abiding. In this one day workshop, all the tools necessary to begin and sustain a meditation practice in the tradition of calm abiding will be presented.

The curriculum for this class is drawn from Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche’s best selling book, “Turning the Mind into an Ally”. In addition to receiving complete and precise instructions for the practice of mindfulness meditation, participants will learn methods for dealing with obstacles to meditation that arise during practice sessions as well as those that prevent us from getting to the meditation cushion at all. This day long training is suitable for first time meditators. It is also recommended for more experienced practitioners who wish to establish a daily practice and to deepen their understanding of mindfulness practice.

Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The suggested donation is $50, which includes lunch at the center. No one will be turned away for economic reasons. Taught by Chuck Whetsell, who has been teaching meditation for 25 years. For more information call Chuck at 595-8568. Online registration is available at our website – www.birmingham-shambhala-meditation.org.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Ages 3 – 6, (monthly) Saturdays from 10-11:30 AM on:
March 8, April 12 and June 7. (See below for May’s program.)
Ages 7-10, (twice monthly)-Sundays from 1:30-2:30 PM on:
March 9 and 30, April 13 and 27, May 25, and June 8 and 29.

These group sessions offer age-appropriate introductions to children about resting their minds, noticing their senses, feeling states, and learning some of the basics of buddhist teachings. Programs include play, storytelling, group discussion, movement, crafts and meditation instruction. Parents are requested to remain at the Center during the program. This is also a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet others who share an interest in meditation. Please call Phyllis to confirm dates and get more info: 595-8757.

WESAKHE DAY
May 10th at 1pm: This is the traditional day for celebration of Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment. Its hallmark is to engage in acts of kindness to others (hopefully a daily activity!) in his honor. Some examples are bringing fruit and flowers to those who are ill, and distributing food along the road to travelers. We will celebrate with a child-focused celebration at Avondale Park. All are welcome..

MID-SUMMER’S PICNIC – Saturday, June 21. Mark your calendars. Details to come.

SPECIAL WEEKEND EVENT
May 16-18, 2008
”Inseparable Union: The Expression of the Feminine and Masculine Principles”

Description: The Buddhist teachings on the feminine and masculine principles of space and energy illustrate the opposing yet complementary dynamic that exists, in all of reality. For both men and women alike, recognizing and balancing these principles offers an invaluable perspective by which to lead our lives.
However in modern society, the energetic potency and efficient organization of the masculine principle is much more apparent than the vast inner landscape and wisdom of the feminine principle. When these principles are out of balance, individuals lose their equilibrium, families and societies become dysfunctional and the environment suffers damage and mistreatment. Inseparable union manifests when both luminous space (the feminine principle) and dynamic energy (the masculine principle) are experienced as an integrated whole. Through talks, meditation, contemplative and creative process exercises, we’ll map the qualities of these principles in their basic, neurotic, and accomplished states. Please join us to explore the possibility and challenge of living a life in union.

Agness Au is a Sangyum, a lifelong designation as a personal representative of the Druk Sakyong, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. She is a senior Shambhala Training and Warrior Assembly director, former NYC Shambhala Training resident director, and current Chair of the Shambhala Commission on the Status of Women and Feminine Principle and member of the Sakyong’s Council. Agness is retired from a 25-year career in the fashion industry and is happily married and the mother of two teenaged sons.

Fee: $185, or pay what you are able. Registration available online here. Hours: Friday 7 pm, Saturday – 8:30 am – 6 pm, Sunday – 9:00 am to 2 pm.

MAGIC BLACK
A Stroke Intensive with Agness Au, Sunday, May 18 from 2:30 – 6 pm.
Fee- Additional $25 or $45 if you are not attending the weekend.
FOR GRADUATES OF WARRIOR ASSEMBLY

In the words of the Dorje Dradul, from The Tiger Lion Garuda Dragon Glory text:

“The person of Shambhala who is executing Ashe should fall in love with his or her brush. If there is no communication with your brush and ink and paper, and you are not able to fall in love with them, or at least be inquisitive about them, then you cannot have a great execution of Ashe. The person of Shambhala should regard his brush as a cosmic teaser of passion, aggression and lust………..”

Why is this language so suggestive? If we follow this advice, where will it lead us?

I’ve often witnessed across our mandala, a type of hesitation or embarrassment about stroke practice, affecting directors and students alike. At the same time, I’m confident that this ‘frigidity’ can be transformed, if we become more familiar with the ‘lover’. Through demonstration and guided practice, we’ll review and explore the basic and subtle ways to synchronize our body, speech and mind - with brush, ink and paper. We’ll read sections from the TLGD Glory throughout the day and share our questions and insights. We’ll also go over the care and cleaning of our weapons, as it’s difficult to make love with funky brushes. Practice will begin with a brush inspection, so please bring a clean one.

To register, click here.

PHYLLIS MARK recently completed meditation instructor (M.I.) training at Karme Choling Meditation Center in Vermont. BSMC is therefore pleased to announce that we now have four qualified practitioners to assist you in developing your meditation practice. There is no fee for meditation instruction.  You can reach any of us by calling the telephone numbers listed in the Council Directory below. Take advantage of friendly guidance along this challenging and satisfying path!
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ONLINE NEWSLETTER AN ALTERNATIVE TO MAILED NEWSLETTER!
Another chance to GO GREEN! Many members and friends are electing to read this newsletter on our website in order to be environmentally friendly, save a little bit of paper and a stamp! If you wish to elect this option, or if you wish to opt-in or opt-out of our postal mailing list or our email list serve at any time, kindly contact Marion Buckley at mfbuckley@bellsouth.net or 939-3056.
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           Text Box: Registration for Shambhala and Buddhist Classes is available online at http://www.birmingham-shambhala-meditation.org . You may pay with your PayPal account or credit card online or with check or cash on the date of the event.

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Center Location: All events take place at the Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center at 714 37th St. South, unless otherwise indicated.

Website: http://www.birmingham-shambhala-meditation.org