In April 2019 we left our tenancy at the Masonic Lodge. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, our Members and Friends had continued to gather for monthly practice and other events at member’s homes. Our aspiration has been to maintain a “strong heart” of connection with those in the local community who wish to continue practicing, studying, and being together. As many others are, we currently gather online via Zoom.

Once we are able to again host public events, they will be posted on our website and we’ll send announcements via our email list (which you are welcome to join).


Online Programs

Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center

Weekday Morning Meditation

with Joanne Martin Braun

March 2nd—February 28th (2025)

Join us for morning meditation via Zoom. We start with a short dharma reading and sit until 8:00. For those who can stay, we have a discussion about the reading. We end by around 8:20. Continue »

Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center

Igniting the Heart: Awakening Compassion to Transform Your World

with Pema Chödron

February 11th—April 28th

Are you tired of being hooked by your emotions? Join us for this online course with Pema Chödrön and Tim Olmsted to explore how emotions manifest in our lives and how to move fluidly through them without getting caught. Continue »

Davis Shambhala Meditation Center

Community Meditation Intensive

April 6th

We will practice together with alternating periods of meditation, walking, contemplative readings, and tea—all before lunch on a Saturday. Continue »

Tamalpais Shambhala Meditation Group

The Paramitas in Everyday Life with Basha Hirschfeld and Elizabeth Sheppard

April 18th—June 6th

In this class we will be viewing and discussing Pema Chodron’s teachings on the Six Paramitas. Continue »

Berkeley Shambhala Meditation Center

Awakened Heart: Shambhala Level IV

with Barbara Hirschfeld & Susan Gluck

April 20th—April 21st

With trust in basic goodness and daring to experience the sharp edge of reality, we move forward with gentleness, increased awareness, and inquisitiveness about the world, as it is. We can extend ourselves to others fully and with kindness. Continue »

Northern California Shambhala

Profound Simplicity: Essentials for the Path, from Beginning to End

with Richard John

May 4th—May 5th

Some of the most crucial and powerful dharma teachings are the so-called “preliminaries” for establishing one's path of Dharma. The retreat will consist of teachings, Q&A, and practice of these three profound sets of teachings. Continue »

Davis Shambhala Meditation Center

Community Meditation Intensive

May 4th

We will practice together with alternating periods of meditation, walking, contemplative readings, and tea—all before lunch on a Saturday. Continue »

Northern California Shambhala

The Power of Presence with Others

with Eve Rosenthal

May 18th

In this troubled world, how can we connect with our heart and not be overwhelmed? It takes bravery and a strong intention to cultivate compassion for others rather than meeting difficulty with aggression or turning away. Continue »

Northern California Shambhala

Summer Retreat: Mind at Ease: Self-Liberation Through Mahamudra Meditation

with Gaylon Ferguson

June 28th—July 2nd

In this five-day group retreat — open to all practitioners, we will follow the teachings and practices outlined in Traleg Rinpoche’s profound text Mind at Ease: Self-liberation through Mahamudra Meditation. Continue »