Studying Budhism

The basic principles of Buddhism and meditation are presented in our Introductory Programs.

A complete introduction to the foundations of Buddhism and Shambhala warriorship is offered in The Way of Shambhala.

See all Buddhist courses coming up this season.

Buddhism

The Buddha

Some 2,500 years ago, an Indian prince, Siddhartha Gautama, sat quietly in a place known as Deer Park at Sarnath and began to offer simple teachings based on his own experience. These teachings, referred to as the dharma, meaning simply "truth," were practical instructions on how to free oneself from suffering by relating to the everyday experience of life and mind.

His realization was so profound that he became known as the Buddha, "the awakened one." The teachings he offered form the core of Buddhism still today.

The Dharma

The Buddhist teachings proclaim that every human being has the capability to awaken to the wisdom and compassion they already have within them. Further, these teachings provide a practical method for doing so. This method, passed down from generation to generation since the time of the Buddha, consists of meditation practices that develop mindfulness and awareness.

Buddhism is a living tradition passed from teacher to student; a set of pragmatic instructions and techniques for cultivating sanity and brilliance in ourselves and our world. Its ancient wisdom is as relevant and useful today as over the centuries of its long history.

Read more about the Shambhala Buddhist view and its origins, or discover more about Buddhism on the Shambhala International website.