The Ottawa Shambhala Centre has updated its COVID-19 protocols. Masking is now optional.

We will continue to offer online, hybrid and in person programming to ensure anyone and everyone can participate according to their comfort level. We will now resume using our kitchen and offering hospitality. If you are someone in need of special accommodation in order to participate in our in-person courses, please consult our COVID masking accommodation policy and get in touch!

  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 again!

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

White Tara Sadhana Practice (online)

March 7th—June 3rd

Sadhanas are visualization meditations meant to help evoke a sense of our own basic goodness and compassion. White Tara visualization practice is particularly relied upon in times of turmoil and disharmony, when personal or family health is threatened. Continue »

Spectacular Spring - Online Morning Meditation Sittings

May 31st

Come sit with us during our group meditation sessions offered virtually via Zoom, with meditation practice Wednesday and Friday mornings 8-8:30 am April 12 to June 9. Continue »

Spectacular Spring - Online Morning Meditation Sittings

June 2nd

Come sit with us during our group meditation sessions offered virtually via Zoom, with meditation practice Wednesday and Friday mornings 8-8:30 am April 12 to June 9. Continue »

Saka Dawa: Celebrating the Buddha's Enlightenment

June 4th

Join us for our annual practice in commemoration and celebration of the Buddha's life, teaching, and enlightenment! Continue »

Tonglen – Compassion in Action (In Person)

with Mark Frutkin

June 6th

Tonglen, an ancient Tibetan practice, means ‘sending and receiving’. The fundamental practice is a radical twist on the way that ego usually thinks and acts. This class is also for those who are new to Tonglen, but have at least some experience in medi Continue »