Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago

I’m relatively new to meditation – I have taken some classes on it and am trying to get in the habit of meditating regularly. I was looking online for places that offered meditation sittings and found Shambhala right in my neighborhood. I stopped by for a «tea and sit» Tuesday and was very impressed. The West Loop center is beautiful – it’s a large, well-​lit, open space with books, tea and a separate meditation room. The session consisted of guided meditation, sitting meditation and some contemplation. There was an optional discussion afterwards. I would definitely be interested in coming back again!

I started meditation about four years ago when I first moved to Chicago. I checked out at least 20 different places for a year and for not decide on any style at the time. I had however home to Shambhala most consistently due to its clear message and simple uncomplicated style of meditation. I wanted something that is a direct experience. I did not want evocations of divine or human figures as that was just too distracting and confusing. The most appealing aspect, however, was it’s focus on social action. I was surprised when looking around by the self-​centered focus of many centers’ practices. Having grown up in Asia when Buddhist organizations are known for their social outreach, that was bothersome to me. I like Shambhala’s unapologetic embracement of social action as key to improving both ourselves and our society.
I love the new center. It is convenient, spacious, and welcoming. It has essentially integrated itself into my life.
For those looking, I highly recommend taking the time to check different places out and finding your own style. I took over a year but when the time came, this felt just right.

Not long after I moved to Chicago last year, I was looking for a place to learn and practice meditation, as well as to be a part of a meditation community, since that is one of the foundations of an effective practice. I tried one other meditation center before going to Shambhala, which was all right, but when I went to Shambhala I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. The people were all quite friendly, and best of all in my perspective, there was no pushiness or «salesmanship» to the conversations I had with people. Quite to the contrary, it seemed that people would be welcome there regardless of their beliefs — whether Buddhist or any of the Western spiritual systems.
This no-​pressure atmosphere and clear guidance for meditation practice, have encouraged me to continue going back for about a year now. I’ve met some great people there, and I’m now involved with participating and coordinating some activities for the center.
I would encourage anyone who’s interested in learning about meditation and participating in being part of a meditation community should come check out the place. It’s definitely been a positive experience for me, and I’ve benefited from my time there.

I have been a member of the Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago for the last few years. It offers very accessible classes on the specifics of mediation and how to support meditation practice. The community is very welcoming and there have been attempts to offer satellites for those living in the suburbs. For example, the Center has been sponsoring a meditation group in the northwest suburbs in Des Plaines.

At a time in my life when I really needed it (which, it turns out, is ALWAYS!), the Shambhala Center was there. I walked in to find a place with warm, friendly people, a beautiful space to be myself and practice relaxing into what is, and a wealth of courage to empower me to face my whole life. What I have experienced here, both on my own and with others, translates wonderfully into the rest of my path – personally, professionally, «spiritually,» etc. I’ve gotten very involved with the Young Adults (i.e., under 40 group) and have made some of the best friends, plus I’ve taken classes and have gotten involved in several other events offered. Not only is it good for me and those that I subsequently impact, but it’s FUN :) I highly recommend checking it out! Newcomers are always welcome! Thanks Shambhala Center!

I signed up for a class here in the fall on contentment in everyday life. I had high hopes initially, but after the first class I never returned. Here are the reasons why:
–The class size was too big. There were at least 40 people crammed into a very small room. I found it impossible to meditate when the knees of the person next to me were touching mine.
–The course description on the Web site neglected to mention that there would be required reading for the class. This only became apparent once they handed out the syllabus in class. It would have been nice to know this going in so that there would have been more time to access the books.
–The teacher of the class never introduced himself (someone else introduced him at the very end). In addition, he was a terrible public speaker.
–The class was being recorded for people who missed it. This was a nice idea in theory, but became rather distracting when someone had to keep running around the room with a microphone so that everyone’s questions could be recorded.
–On a more subjective level, the class was a little too touchy-​feely for me and involved some small group discussion that seemed to border on group therapy.
Prior to my experience here, I took an Introduction to Meditation class at a zen temple elsewhere in the city. That was a totally different and much better experience. If they offered more classes there, I would take them in a heartbeat.

I like this meditation center because I was interested in learning about Meditation mostly. I did a class called «learn to meditate» and will do some more. The teachers there were well-​trained and they have a clearly defined path with programs scheduled regularly. They are open three days a week for people to come and sit or to learn how to meditate. The people I met there were friendly and down to earth. There was a good age range and anyone could feel comfortable there. Going there helps me have a sense of calm and perspective in my every day life. Check it out– good for the body and mind!

They keep thier lawn clean, have a beautiful building, and the cops don’t bust up thier parties.
Five Stars.