Buddhist Studies

The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies, developed by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and his son and dharma heir, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, covers the three stages of Shambhala Buddhism: the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana vehicles. These teachings are a continuation of the lineages of the Kagyu, Nyingma, and Shambhala schools of Tibetan Buddhism with an emphasis on meeting the contemporary needs of an international community of practitioners.

Hinayana Teachings

The Hinayana teachings have to do with working with oneself and one's mind through the study and the basic disciplines of sitting and walking meditation.

Mahayana Teachings

The Mahayana teachings and practices are based on extending the friendship one has with oneself to other beings, so that one's body, speech, and mind are tuned to the needs of the overall situation rather than being self-centered.

Vajrayana Teachings

The Vajrayana teachings could be considered advanced Mahayana study and practices since there is not greater cause than working for the benefit of other sentient beings. They are simply more expedient means to do so through formally entering into a relationship with a master and using skillful means to transform one's neurotic tendencies into one's enlightened nature.

Attending Seminary

The four cycles of SSBS courses are usually offered over the fall and spring semesters of a two year period. Taking these courses prepares one to go on to Shambhala Buddhist Sutra and Tantra Seminary, two months of intensive practice and study offered several times a year at Shambhala Retreat Centers in Vermont and Colorado as well as abroad. Completing Tantra Seminary is the entrance into the Vajrayana with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche as one's teacher.

About Taking Courses

One does not need to become a Buddhist in order to take the any courses in the 4 cycles of SSBS courses at local centers. And one is always encouraged to have an open, questioning mind at any Center activities. Note that prices for courses are suggested donations; people are asked to pay what they can afford.

Shambhala's Founder

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the 11th incarnation of the Tibetan Trungpa lineage, was the supreme abbot of the Surmang monasteries in eastern Tibet until the late 1950's when he was forced to flee to India. In India, the Dalai Lama appointed him spiritual advisor of the Young Lamas Home School. In the early 1970's Trungpa Rinpoche came to the West to teach Buddhism. His teachings emphasize the unborn, unstained wakefulness inherent in all beings.

Entering the Path at BSMC

We first cultivate this awareness to overcome suffering through meditation practice and the study of the Buddha's teachings. Once we gain confidence in our fundamental nature, our vision and practice expand to include working to benefit all sentient beings. The particular richness of this path teaches that emotions and obstacles can be worked with directly to benefit ourselves and others. The Baltimore Shambhala Meditation Center offers classes and weekend workshops on various Buddhist topics and practices throughout the year. More intensive events and retreats are available at our retreat centers in Vermont, Colorado, and Nova Scotia.

For more information, please contact:
buddhistgate@baltimoreshambhala.org