Contemplative Arts and Disciplines

Nalanda: Culture and Art in Everyday Life

As a community, Shambhala embraces a variety of contemplative arts and practices. These disciplines are inspired by Nalanda, an eleventh-century Indian university that welcomed teachings from many different traditions. Contemplative arts and practices bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and environment.

Some of our community members specialise in bringing a contemplative approach into arts, including writing, Miksang photography and Ikebana floral arranging.

In the year ahead, the Wellington Shambhala Centre is planning to offer some Contemplative Arts programmes that all can attend. Contact us now if you wish to register an interest.

Shambhala Art

Shambhala Art is art that springs from the meditative state of mind. As a process, it brings wakefulness and awareness to the creative and viewing processes through the integration of contemplation and meditation. It is based on a collection of teachings by Chögyam Trungpa that appreciate the uniqueness of everyday sensory experience, the art of everyday life. Seeing the simplicity of things as they are provides the ground for genuine creative expression.

See www.shambhalaart.org for more information.