Contemplative Arts Overview

In the Shambhala tradition, the arts are valued as a way to integrate meditative insight, culture and everyday life.

We call our contemplative arts program "Nalanda," in honor of the 11th century Indian university that welcomed teachings and disciplines from many different traditions. Contemplative arts comprise a number of secular disciplines and activities. Each of these represents a genuine contemplative path, and together they bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and community.

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 and the aspiration to expand our contemplative arts program.

We offer all of our contemplative arts programs on a suggested-donation basis (see our Generosity Policy). To learn how you can take part, see our Upcoming Contemplative Arts Programs listing or contact our Contemplative Arts Coordinator, Lynn Dragone, at info@nelsonbuddha.com.

 CONTEMPLATIVE ARTS FORMS & PROGRAMS

Shambhala Art

Shambhala Art is art that springs from the meditative state of mind. It is based on a collection of teachings by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on appreciating the uniqueness of everyday sensory experience, the art of everyday life. Shambhala Art 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. These teachings are typically offered in a series of weekend programs. To learn more, visit shambhalaart.org.

Ikebana (Flower Arranging)

Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, has its origins in Shinto, where arrangements were made as shrine offerings. In the Shambhala community, ikebana is taught as a contemplative meditation 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.

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. See also miksang.net, miksang.net/miksangfilm.html and miksang.org.

Maitri Five Wisdom Energies

This practice is based on the principles of the five buddha families of Tibetan tantra. Each buddha family emphasizes a particular aspect of enlightened energy or wisdom. These energies also have their confused emotional and environmental aspects, which the practitioner learns how to recognize and transform. The emphasis of the practice is on discovering within these raw and wakeful energies unconditional friendliness (or maitri) towards oneself. This discovery becomes a basis for living one’s life more fully and skillfully. To learn more, go to shambhala.org/maitri.php, or visit maitripractice-international.org.

Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony)

As meditation in action, the art of chanoyu, preparing and serving a bowl of tea, developed in Japan alongside the practice of Zen Buddhism. Leaving familiar reference points of the world behind, hosts and guests create a gentle moment, without past or future. Preparing and serving a bowl of tea is a discipline of mindfulness and awareness, a celebration of the senses and a journey to open heart.

Calligraphy

The simple act of putting ink on paper can be a direct way to see our mind. Fear, hesitation, confusion and our state of mind manifest on the page as we move the brush in our hand. The creative process of calligraphy enables us to see our obstacles and work with them, through the synchronizing of mind and body.

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.

Mudra Space Awareness

Mudra Space Awareness is a practice of working skillfully with space based on the aspiration to experience reality fully, properly and precisely. It centres around exercises that Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche adapted from traditional Tibetan monastic dance. By means of intense physicality and slowing down perception we can explore the depth of body, mind and space, so that there is space in mind, mind in body, and body in space. To learn more, visit mudrainstitute.net.

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.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: info@nelsonbuddha.com