Contemplative Arts

In Shambhala, the arts are valued as a way to integrate meditative insight, culture and everyday life. Our contemplative arts program is inspired by Nalanda, an 11th century Indian university that welcomed teachings and disciplines from many different traditions.

Contemplative arts comprise a number of secular disciplines and activities. Each represents a genuine contemplative path and brings beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and environment.

The Kootenay Shambhala Centre has offered programs in several contemplative arts forms over the years. Some of these forms are outlined below. We currently have an active ikebana (flower arranging) group.

Contemplative arts training is available both in stand-alone programs and as part of The Way of Shambhala, our core curriculum. We offer all programs on a suggested-donation basis (see our Generosity Policy). Visit our Programs area to learn about upcoming programs.

For more information contact Lynn Dragone, Contemplative Arts Coordinator, at nalandalynn@yahoo.com.

 CONTEMPLATIVE ARTS FORMS & PROGRAMS

Shambhala Art

Shambhala Art is art that springs from the meditative state of mind. As an education program, it does not teach a particular skill or technique such as painting, sculpture or dance. It is about the source of inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to us. Seeing the simplicity of things as they are provides the ground for genuine creative expression. Learn more in Kootenay Shambhala Blog posts tagged Shambhala Art, and on the Shambhala Art website.

Ikebana (Flower Arranging)

Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, has its origins in Shinto, where arrangements were made as shrine offerings. In Shambhala, ikebana is taught as a contemplative practice. By creating an environment which allows us to pay attention to our sense perceptions in a non-aggressive way, ikebana is a way of connecting with sacred world. For more, see Kootenay Shambhala Blog posts tagged ikebana.

Miksang Photography

Miksang (literally, "good eye") is a form of contemplative photography based on Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche's teachings on the nature of perception. "Good" refers to our world, just as it is: inherently rich and vivid. "Eye" refers to tuning in to these qualities. Once we have a moment of fresh perception, vivid and clear, there is a natural desire to communicate that experience. Miksang training is designed to allow the eye and the mind to be naturally synchronized, so that the experience of seeing could be undistracted and present. For more, visit these websites: The Miksang Institute and Miksang.

Maitri Five Wisdom Energies

This practice is based on the principles of the five buddha families of Tibetan tantra. The emphasis of the practice is on exploring energies in ourselves and the environment and discovering within the energies unconditional friendliness (or maitri) toward ourselves. This exploration and discovery becomes the basis for living our lives more fully and skillfully. To learn more, go to Shambhala's Maitri Five Wisdom Energies Practice webpage.

Contemplative Movement

Developed by Barbara Dilley at Naropa University, contemplative movement is a discipline that involves synchronizing body, mind and environment through mindfulness-awareness meditation and improvisational dance.

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org

Read more about meditation and buddhism at shambhalatimes.org

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Kootenay Shambhala Meditation Centre
3rd Floor - 444 Baker Street, PO Box 136, Nelson,  BC V1L 5P7
Tel. 250-352-5560    Email: