FREE - The Art of Being Human: Shambhala Training Weekend Retreat with Andrea Darby, Travis Detour, Austin Seeley

Program Dates & Times:

• Saturday, May 17, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Sunday, May 18, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (includes concluding reception)

Cost: We are delighted to offer this retreat at no cost! We ask everyone to attend the full program.

Registration Link

How does one become a genuine human being amidst the confusion and brilliance of this world?

Shambhala Training weekend retreats are grounded in the view that human beings are, at the core, fundamentally awake and good. Discover this ground yourself through simple yet profound practices of 'just being'.

"By meditation here we mean something very basic and simple that is not tied to any one culture. We are talking about a very basic act: sitting on the ground, assuming a good posture, and developing a sense of our spot, our place on this earth."

-- Chögyam Trungpa

The Path

The path begins by grounding ourselves, right here, in the direct, undeniable ground of our human existence. Through direct experience of our five senses, the raw texture of emotions manifesting in the body, and seeing the ceaseless dance of thought without being swept away. 

With consistent practice, we cultivate strength - not aggression, but the stability to remain present. We develop resilience - the capacity to meet obstacles without collapsing. We hone skillfulness - the genuine artistry required to navigate our lives with awareness and dignity. This is the authentic challenge: mastering the Art of Being Human.

Waking up in the World, Not Away From It

Awakening is not about floating away from life's challenges. It is about developing the fearless capacity to open our hearts entirely to the whole display - the painful, the joyful, the utterly ordinary. Through the gentle discipline of meditation practice, and with curiosity about what arises, we learn to bring a wakeful presence into every aspect of our lives: work, play, relationships, community. 

The Weekend Experience

This Shambhala Training Weekend is an opportunity to engage this path directly, whether you are meditating for the first time or a seasoned practitioner seeking to reconnect. The teachings offered during this weekend cut to the core of trusting our own experience. 

This weekend includes:

- Personal instruction in the disciplines of silent sitting and walking meditation meditation

- Dharma talks exploring the core view and practical application of the teachings

- Opportunities for rich discussion in small groups and personal guidance in one-on-one meetings with experienced meditation instructors

- The potent support of practicing with fellow meditators in community

- A simple vegetarian lunch and refreshments

- Concluding Sunday reception

This is an invitation to discover and cultivate your own innate strength and sanity, right in the middle of your life.

Commitment & Contribution

We are delighted to offer this retreat at no cost because we believe these teachings are vital. In the year ahead, we need as many people as possible cultivating basic sanity – able to respond to challenges with genuineness, confidence, humor, and dignity.

• Your Commitment: We simply ask that you commit to attending the full program. If unforeseen circumstances require you to miss any portion, please contact the coordinator as soon as possible to make arrangements.
• Registration: Registration (below) is still required so we can prepare adequately (materials, food, space).
• Donations: Donations are welcome, in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, to help support the center and future programs, but they are entirely optional.

What Past Participants Have Shared:

"It was a profound experience for me, and I felt very moved by the offerings of the teachers. I left with a deep appreciation of Shambhala and a firm desire to continue the practice."

"It was not until I left Shambhala and was continuing my walking meditation at the beach that I realized how rooted I felt... In addition, I found the practice of sitting with my eyes open offered me a new lens and a different perspective on the process."

"The fact that everyone was so deeply connected to the practice, it nourished my sense of well being."

This program is IN-PERSON at 646 Brookilne Avenue.

Registration Required: Please register with an email you check regularly. We will send important information about the program to you via email and don’t want you to miss it.

You will receive receive at least one confirmation email within 24 hours of registration. Please contact us if you do not receive the email. We send another email with program details approximately 3-5 days before the program begins. Sometimes emails may end up in your promotions, spam or junk folder. It’s also possible that you’ve unsubscribed from emails from Shambhala, which prevents you from receiving the necessary emails. If you don't receive the confirmation email, please contact [email protected].

Price: Our standard price is $185 for the weekend, but our primary goal in offering these foundational teachings is to make them accessible to everyone who feels it would be beneficial. We are waiving the price for this program. If you are able, we welcome donations, but none are required or expected.

Payment: We use Paypal to process payments. You can choose to pay through a paypal account (if you have one) or with a credit or debit card. Unfortunately Paypal sometimes disables guest checkout "based on several risk factors" and will prompt you to create an account. If you run into this issue, please email [email protected] to let us know. We hope to find a better solution soon.

In-person participation: Please note that masking is now optional. If you are not feeling well for any reason, please stay home and contact us about a refund. Additionally, we ask you to limit the use of scented products, as many people have chemical sensitivities. Note that our building is not wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility concerns - please let us know if you have any concerns about visual, sound, mobility or sensitivity to incense or chemicals. Please note the meditation hall is on the second floor and is only accessible by walking up a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, we have no way of accommodating wheelchairs at this time.

FAQ Common questions might be answered on our FAQ page.

• 
  Sponsored

  2025 Boston OCD Walk

  Saturday, May 17, 2025 9:00a

  DCR Artesani Park
• 
  Sponsored

  The Elks Lodge Bazaar: May Edition

  Saturday, May 03, 2025 goes until 05/04

  Brighton Elks Lodge
• 
  Sponsored

  The Overlook Rooftop Cinco de Mayo Party Legal Harborside

  Sunday, May 04, 2025 1:00p

  Harborside The Overlook

Sesh by The Boston Calendar | Advertise Terms | Privacy Policy | About