CLOSED -- I received this, via email, in response to my query below: Is this location closing permanently, as I've seen reported? If so, when and why? Shambhala L. of Shambhala Meditation Center - Los Angeles Business Owner Hi, We have closed all our locations in Los Angeles but continue to meet online. All programs and classes are currently held online via zoom. We will be sending updates periodically via email. If you would like to be on our mailing list, please sign up here: https://la.shambhala.org/sign-up/ Check our monthly calendar for updated information on online meditation programs and activities: https://la.shambhala.org/monthly-calendar/ We hope to open another location in the future! Los Angeles Shambhala I wonder how much the recent and ongoing controversies surrounding Shambhala had an impact on the organization, as well as the obvious pandemic issues. read more

Good morning, Los Angeles! I thought I'd write an update with more detail for people who have never been here before. The Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles is part of an international community of meditators founded in the 70s by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and now headed by his son, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Shambhala is dedicated to the practices of sitting meditation and "meditation in action", incorporating dharma arts and other contemplative disciplines with the view of creating enlightened society. Shambhala offers many opportunities for people new to meditation to sit with an instructor one-to-one or with a group of fellow newbies. If you're new to the practice and you'd like individual instruction, I suggest coming on Sunday morning anytime between 9:00 AM and noon. (The closer to 9:00 AM, the better.) You can receive brief instruction in sitting and walking meditation and then join the group for all or part of the group practice. Public group practice also happens on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and you can receive individual instruction at that time as well. If you'd prefer to meet other beginners and learn to meditate in a group setting, you can come to the monthly "Learn to Meditate" night, the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Other Thursday night programs focus on teachings by Pema Chodron, noted Shambhala Buddhist teacher, author and practitioner, or introductory dharma talks from senior students of Shambhala. If the initial instruction sparks interest and you want to go deeper, Shambhala is a feast of teachings. They offer a number of weekend and evening programs in meditation and contemplative arts such as flower arranging, archery, writing...there is something for everybody here. The Shambhala Training program is a particularly potent path of meditation study and practice, done over a series of weekends. It's not necessary (or even an advantage) to be a Buddhist in order to learn to meditate...Shambhala welcomes all. read more

Who knew the path to enlightenment was in Eagle Rock? This is another one of the city's little known gems. The Center offers all sorts of instruction and courses on everything from art to sex and relationships. Obviously, the big focus here is meditation. They offer meditation instruction a couple of weeknight evenings and Sunday mornings for FREE. That's right boys and girls, no excuses. You can go here for a great group experience that's open (and suitable) for everyone from the novice to the advanced. What better way to unwind from work and life? If you're not so sure about jumping into the meditation thing but want to check out the Center and learn a thing or two, they also offer a Thursday night public program (also FREE though donations are gratefully accepted) which focuses on different topics with various instructors (check their website for a complete schedule). The space is great and the people at the Center are pretty wonderful too. It's a great way to get a taste of Eastern philosophy without feeling like someone may try to enlist you in a cult. If you haven't been, this should be on your "must do" list. Check out http://la.shambhala.org for more info. read more

My son and I visited on Sunday for open meditation. It was our first time at the center and practicing meditation. Renee gave us private instruction before we joined the group. Renee is a fantastic teacher. We loved the experience and will be back. I've been practicing at home for five minute segments each day and I'm feeling more present in my life. Yay! Cheryl read more

I did my first day-long here with Debra & everything was excellent! Things that stood out were: -location -good vibes and friendly people -hospitality & genuine generosity -delicious lunch you could tell was made with lots of love -beautiful backyard -format and length of retreat (committing to one day really worked for a first!) -overall look and decorations inside -affordability Before going, I was a bit nervous about being silent the whole day, but it ended up being really relaxing and exactly what I needed to enhance my personal meditation practice. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back for other programs they have. read more

There is no regret. Entered Shambhala for first time with full of crap, I probably still am now. Growing with the community here, is real. Pain is part of living. how you see beyond pain is a journey. Priceless? read more

While I agree with other reviewers that the people here are at least initially nice and you can have some good meditation experiences here, I felt that things changed the more I went there. All classes beyond the basic sitting classes were very expensive and there was constant pressure to give more and more money to the group on top of what you paid for the classes (and your worth to the group was assessed accordingly). Additionally, there was a lot of pressure to give more and more of your time volunteering, and if you are disabled they will try to explain away/minimize your issues and tell you how you can help anyway - like I don't know what my own limits are! This was done in public in front of a group. This felt very ableist and shaming to me. The last straw for me was when people in the group tried to defend the "guru" (leader of the international organization) from what were very credible accusations of abuse (sexual, verbal and physical) and organizational patriarchy and they tried to justify it. I did not feel that this was in accordance with what they professed to be teaching us (love, kindness, compassion????) By the time I left, months after the accusations came to light, no credible actions had been taken or were proposed to address these issues. Therefore, I did not feel it was of any benefit any more. read more

I visited for the first time with my daughter today. There was an instructor to help beginners like we are with the center's methods of meditation. For the first time I feel like this is a type of meditation practice I can and want to commit to doing. read more

I'm so thankful that the Shambhala Meditation Center is here in Eagle Rock in such a nice location. I've heard they're moving in the next few years, but I'll try to stay in the moment and enjoy them while they're here. This mid-century modern building is shrouded by tall Eucalyptus trees and cement pads to step on over trickling water into the Center. The parking lot is convenient when you are taking a class after work. I took my first successful mediation class here about six months ago and have gone back several times to compliment my at home sessions. I will do more at the center as it's more motivating. The teachers are serious, but have a sense of humor and don't give you a dirty look if you scratch or need to sit in a chair for back support. The people who volunteer there have a very nice, calm, vibe, as does the whole center, which you can't help but appreciate. I find myself more relaxed the minute I walk in the door. It's a small place and some classes only have a few people which can be a bit uncomfortable--or good, if you like a lot of attention. I know in the long run, the meditation will be the most important thing I've learned here, but I've also take three other classes that were great. The teachers I've had are highly educated and experienced in meditation (for decades) and Buddhism. They have great stories and the lessons apply to all of our lives and help us determine ways we can learn to think more positively about life. Or, more accepting of it really, in a way that is a lot less negative. There is so much good stuff to learn here, it's overwhelming. Some classes are free and others have charges to help the center offset their actual costs. read more

Why haven't I been here sooner? I've only been a few times and I'm very happy about my decision to check this place out. On my first visit I showed up for the evening open meditation sitting and since I was a first timer I was required to go through a brief intro to meditation instruction with the instructor of the night it was a sweet lady named Gayle. In this intro she gave me a basic understanding of the history of the center and try to find out about me to learn why I wanted to learn about meditation the first place. It was a brief meeting that lasted about 15 minutes but the quick techniques that she showed me were completely different from what I have been practicing on my own. Once we were done we walked into the meditation room enjoying other veteran members who seem to be in such a zone that the room just had its own sense of peace and relaxation. I know it sounds corny but it really is a soothing environment. On my second visit I went for an afternoon open meditation and there were a few more members than the first time I went. And on this visit I was able to meet with another instructor whose name I forget and I feel horrible about it because she stayed after to talk with me for a while. Anyway, everyone was super friendly from the staff to the other people who are there for meditation. They have plenty of events throughout the week and they have monthly events that really encourage a sense of fellowship and community. I can see myself going back you're on a regular basis because anything to help people center themselves feel better about how their mind works is a good thing, no matter where you are in life. Go check it out. read more

I'm on a roll tonight. I've also been rocking big, fat rails. I hope this doesn't jeopardize my ELITE status, 'cause I wear the badge proudly. Veronica: let me know if my illicitly-induced freedom of immaturity puts my bling in jeopardy. Anyway, both my 'rents are Tibetan Buddhist and they'd also drink all you Yelp-addled compatriots under the table. My pops paid for my whole weekend and predictably didn't shoot me the sched. until two days prior to the workshop. "Sure dad. I'd love to dedicate my entire weekend to new-age snake oil." But nevertheless, I showed up at 7:00 am on an April Saturday to learn Qigong, level one. The instructer, Eva Wong, was a bona-fide drill instructor from the word go. I won't bore you with the methodology, but Qigong is kinda like Tai Chi on ketamine . Slow, deliberate, movements were the name of the game and I got reprimanded by Eva time after time. It totally reminded me of Spanish class in College. No memory retention displayed. So I went through the rigamarole for 2 eight-hour days. It was okay. The meditative qualities of the art was soothing, for sure. But what I really wanna get into is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEeqHj3Nj2c read more

Oh my This place is amazing. I went in for one of their Wednesday night open meditation and was so impressed with how awesome this place was. Everyone was really friendly and the environment was perfect for really centering yourself. I came in because I had begun meditation on my own and after three weeks I was still having a hard time focusing my thoughts and was getting frustrated. I came with a friend who was completely new to meditation and Jackie instructed us on how and what to d to meditate effectively. She answered all my questions and made me feel at ease that I couldn't shut my mind down, reminding me to "be gentle" with myself. A fantastic experience, I also loved that they practice open eye meditation, since I feel like it is more transferable to daily life, and walking meditation was awesome! I'll be back (: read more

super nice and helpful people and organization, a great modern day life applicable form of meditation they seem very happy too introduce to people without any pressure to go further into anything to esoteric or overwhelming. It definitely doesn't have a heavyhanded ancient buddhist temple type religious or sacred vibe, and there teachings seem really good for people from all walks of life, not just spiritual seekers or those looking for an awakening. read more

I love to visit the center during open Meditation/sitting times since I enjoy meditating with other people when I can. It has a different feeling/energy to it rather than meditating alone. For beginning and advanced mediators I would highly recommend this center. Laura is a great teacher. read more

I love this place. It's a nice way to get away from the chaos of daily life. Open sittings, dharma talks, classes, dharma arts, family groups, etc. Lots worth checking out. read more

These are the progressive Buddhists who don't get hung up if you smoke, eat meat, or drink, and have successfully married the East with West. A great place in a wonderful setting in Eagle Rock, with great folks to guide you, and the content is top notch. If you are closer to the West Side of LA, then check out the Westside Shambhala Center just a couple of miles from Venice at 3877A Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 310-390-9009. Also great, and I recommend them both highly. read more

For me the heart of Meditation in Los Angeles. In addition to very accessible teachings, I have also found the Community to be like a family. I am very thankful for this Community and invite anyone interested in Meditation to discover it the same way I did. read more

I first visited Shambhala in 2007 after seeing Pema Chodron on TV. She was so gentle and wise that I wanted to hear more. Since she has been associated with Shambhala, I thought I'd give them a try. Everyone there was so welcoming and patient... I felt right at home. If you're interested in meditation, this is definitely the place to go. And if you aren't close the Eagle Rock, they also have a center on the west side (in Mar Vista) as well as groups in Orange County, Carpinteria and Ojai. read more

Not regularly open, the Shambhala Meditation Center in Eagle Rock is a good location to find peace and tranquility in Los Angeles' chaos.

I am new to the Shambhala teachings but I have visited to take yoga with Jenny Hannah on a Wednesday afternoon...Jenny is lovely teacher with a sweet uplifting voice. Hr experience teaching children has manifested a loving patience that brings out the best in her students regardless of their experience with yoga. I highly suggest checking out Jenny's class and everything else the Shambhala center has to offer! read more

The Shambhala Center has two facilities: in the Westside and Eagle Rock and many classes, social events as well as a place to meditate. The people are genuine. I recommend this center and the whole system of Shambhala Centers around the world. read more

I've been coming to Shambhala now for a couple years and really like. I've learned so much from the instruction and community here.

I finally made the trip over to this little oasis after much last minute flake -outs and excuses to not make the 22 mile trip with traffic. I have passed it for years and just knew it had s "buddhist affiliation", and I was coincidentally (or maybe kismet or karma) I am due to take a 5 day course at Esalen Institute in "mindfulness meditation", well hello, that what Shambhala specializes in:the shambatha method which focuses on mindfulness, or being aware of your thoughts and problems and slowly accepting them and taking inventory of ways you can address them, as I understand it. It's no pressure to join, pay, participate or volunteer, but one has to wonder, what drew one here? Yes, you may need to do all of those things, but let it be a conscious decision, not a contractual agreement. I plan to continue with the Thursday evening dharma group, and pull back on my usual zealous self and see what the 4 winds blow in my direction! read more

The environment is uplifted and friendly; the people are genuine and kind and from a broad range of society. The classes and meditation retreats are led by experienced teachers and there are ways to become involved in staffing and helping out around the center. Something for everyone. It's great to be involved in a community of meditation practitioners who are also committed to taking their practice "off the cushion" and into daily life. read more

A great place to learn about meditation. This place has the great Teachers. A very peaceful community. An amazing place to learn and belong.

Beautiful Shrine room, peaceful setting. Classes are accessible and instruction is wonderful. My life changed dramatically after introducing a regular meditation practice. read more