Shambhala Meditation Weekthün 2023
With Tom Bell, Senior Teacher
June 24 - July 2, 2023
“Shambhala meditation is synchronizing with our own genuineness; it is the act of being. Through this process we discover reality with three gestures – feeling, being, and touching… the mind progressively develops strength and trust in basic goodness, finally reaching full saturation with its own understanding and experience. When we have a strong mind, no matter what thoughts occur, we maintain our mental seat.”
— Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
Shambhala Meditation is a unique approach to mindfulness-awareness practice that invites the meditator to explore directly the qualities of feeling, being and touching the goodness that is fundamental to our basic human nature. As such, it invites us to relate to our direct experience and go beyond superficial thinking.
Retreat is a potent way to deepen in the practice of meditation. In this week of group retreat (weekthün), we will explore Shambhala Meditation, the felt personal experience of our humanity. This program will also include gentle physical activity, talks, silence, individual and group instruction and discussion.
Who Should Attend
PLEASE NOTE: “Shambhala Meditation” is not the usual Shamatha-Vipashayana or sitting meditation that we often do at our retreats in Shambhala. While it is not dissimilar to Shamatha, it is a very particular approach to meditation that requires participants to have received the reading transmission (i.e., permission) prior to attending the retreat. 
If you are unsure as to whether or not you have permission to attend, please email [email protected] for further clarification.
This weekthun is open to those who have received the Shambhala Meditation transmission. Full attendance meets the weekthün requirement that is a prerequisite for various advanced programs.
No partial attendance is accepted.
Costs
Tuition: $450 CAD
Meals: $105 CAD
Accommodations: Extra. Prices vary. (Options can be viewed on the Registration Page.)
PLEASE NOTE: If you have attended this retreat in a previous year, you are entitled a discounted tuition ($292.50). Please make a note of this in the comments field, and the registrar will apply the discount to your Guest Statement.
Scholarships and Payment Plans
Dorje Denma Ling has a scholarship fund available for those in need of financial assistance. This fund has been created through the generosity of our loyal supporters.
If you need assistance, please fill out and return the financial aid form or contact our Finance Manager, Suzy Ulrich. This fund is limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-serves basis, so please apply promptly if you need assistance.
If you don’t need assistance, but would prefer to spread your payments out over a number of months to ease cashflow issues, please contact Suzy Ulrich and she can set that up for you.
Covid Considerations
Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.
Useful Links
Participant Info
How to Get Here
Financial Aid Form
Leader
Tom Bell became a student of the Vidyadhara in 1972, and has been active since then in direct service to both of the Sakyongs and also to the current Sakyong Wangmo. He was on the staff of RMDC (Shambhala Mountain Centre) in the mid-70s, was the director of Karme Choling from 2000-2003, and has been an active Shambhala teacher since 1976. He has worked to support his family through a career in business and economic development in Colorado and Nova Scotia. His immediate family now numbers fifteen, including his wife, three children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren.
Learn more about Tom Bell, Senior Teacher
