Beloved Buddhist teacher, author, nun and mother, Pema Chödrön has inspired millions of people from around the world who have been touched by her example and message of practicing peace in these turbulent times.

Join us as we explore the teachings and practices that she presents in 4 recorded talks, paired with her book Practicing Peace in Times of War. In these recorded talks, Pema draws on Buddhist teachings to explore the origins of aggression, hatred and war, explaining that they lie nowhere but within our own hearts and minds. She teaches that remarkably, exploring the way we as individuals respond to turmoil in our everyday lives can either perpetuate a culture of violence or create a new culture of compassion.

To help us sow the seeds of a new culture, these audio teachings paired with meditation practice and group discussions will help us open our hearts and nourish these seeds of peace in our lives.

The class structure will involve listening to teachings from Pema Chödrön (audio recordings), meditation practice with meditation instruction, contemplation and discussion. The first 10 registrants who sign up for the entire series will receive a free copy of the book.

While we recommend attending all the classes as the theme builds through the course, it is possible to attend individual evenings

Full Program Fee: $100
This price covers Burlington Shambhala Center’s actual operating cost for the program (including ongoing costs of running the Center).

Sponsor Program Fee: $160
This price, in addition to covering BSC’s cost for the program, extends generosity to other participants.  Thanks to you, we will be able to make more scholarships available to support people on the Shambhala path.

Individual Class Fee: $25.00                                                                              While we recommend attending all the classes as the theme builds through the course, it is possible to attend individual evenings. 

Generosity Policy:
Our generosity policy supports individuals who are undergoing financial hardship.  Please contemplate how much you can truly offer at this time (more, less, or the suggested full program fee) based on your circumstances.  The full program fee reflects the minimum operating cost of offering this program.  Please contact Melissa Scanlon or Kendra Smith with any questions.  No one will be turned away for financial reasons.

Facilitators

   Co-facilitator Melissa Scanlon

Melissa has been practicing in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition for many years and took refuge in 2019.  She enjoys talking and learning with others about the vast body of teachings which continue to help make the world a better place for all beings.    

    Co-facilitator Kendra Smith

Kendra first encountered the practice of mindfulness meditation in 2012, and was inspired to use the tools of meditation to explore the patterns and habits of her mind that she hadn’t realized were causing her to suffer. In 2016, looking to deepen her practice and understanding of Buddhist teachings, she started going to the Burlington Shambhala center, where she found a spiritual home and fellow practitioners to walk the path alongside her. She and Melissa recently had the opportunity to participate in a meditation instructor training under the mentorship of all of the meditation instructors at the center. Kendra is grateful for this opportunity to explore Pema’s teachings as a way of cultivating peace in her heart, mind, and in the world.