The Ottawa Shambhala Centre is moving to 400 McArthur, Ottawa!

We have moved to a new location at 400 McArthur (mailing address c/o Heartwood House, 404 McArthur)!

Classes and meditation sittings have resumed. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!

  Please view the calendar for all Practice and Study sessions.

We could use your help to keep things running! If you feel like you have the means to help keep the Centre and its services to the community going, we gratefully accept online donations . Every bit helps us to provide a space of peace online, and a space for people to come back to when it’s all over. All donations are tax-deductible.

Welcome!

We look forward to seeing you at the Centre!

The Ottawa Shambhala Meditation Centre offers meditation instruction, regular practice sessions, and classes and weekend retreats for new and experienced practitioners. Our community welcomes people from all walks of life, traditions and religions. Learn more about us.

The Shambhala teachings point to innate goodness as the nature of all individuals and society. Developing confidence in basic goodness through meditation supports us in cultivating gentleness and bravery in daily life and in service to others.

The Ottawa Shambhala Meditation Centre is part of a global community that aspires to awaken kindness, goodness and wisdom within society.

This vision is rooted in the principle that every human being has a fundamental nature of basic goodness.

Addressing harm in the Shambhala community


Getting started

Meditation is a practice anyone can do. New meditators and those practicing in other traditions are invited to attend a “Learn to Meditate” class.  Please see the calendar for the next session.
Dharma Book List.  This list that will give you a good introduction and grounding on the path of Buddhist meditation as practiced and taught at the Ottawa Shambhala Centre.  They may be ordered from your local book store or on-line.

Pour débuter

Tout le monde peut méditer. Que vous n’ayez jamais médité ou que vous pratiquiez dans une autre tradition, vous êtes invités  à une session « Apprendre à méditer ». Veuillez consulter le calendrier de la prochaine session.

Liste des livres du Dharma. Cette liste vous donnera une bonne introduction et une bonne base sur la voie de la méditation bouddhiste telle qu’elle est pratiquée et enseignée au Centre Shambhala d’Ottawa. Ils peuvent être commandés dans votre librairie locale ou en ligne.

Support Your Centre

The Ottawa Shambhala Centre relies entirely on member fees, revenue from courses and donations for all operating expenses.  If you feel inspired to give please see the donation page.  Donations are tax deductible.

Featured Programs

Learn to Meditate (In Person Only)

November 1st—June 5th (2024)

Taught by our qualified instructors, this basic meditation class is for beginners, as well as anyone who would like to refresh their understanding of the meditation technique. Continue »

Primordial Stroke: Opening the Heart of Ashe

November 5th—February 4th (2024)

This four-session monthly course, led by John Rockwell, will help Shambhala practitioners deepen their understanding and experience of Ashe, or “primordial confidence,” and the practice of raising windhorse. Continue »

Heart of Recovery

December 19th—December 31st (2024)

The Heart of Recovery is a group meeting focused on sharing support while bringing together contemplative practice and a commitment to sobriety. Newcomers will learn basic meditation techniques to enhance, not replace, their own recovery program in a fami Continue »

The Foundations of Buddhism: Meeting Suffering with Unconditional Friendliness (hybrid)

January 5th—February 2nd (2024)

This hybrid (online & in-person) course is the first in a five-part series. It offers an exploration of the nature of suffering and teaches Mindfulness of Body, the first of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Continue »

Tame the Magic of Life with Meditation - Introduction to Shambhala Meditation Practice

with Catherine Eveillard

February 9th—February 11th (2024)

The practice of meditation is about appreciating our own goodness, which enables us to appreciate reality, the earth, the rivers, the colours, other beings and everything else that makes up our world. This appreciation of what we have is the starting poin Continue »