Teachers at Shambhala Mountain
Ronald Alexander
Ronald A. Alexander, PhD, is a licensed psychotherapist, leadership consultant, international trainer, and the author of the widely acclaimed book, Wise Mind, Open Mind. His unique work combines ancient wisdom teachings with positive psychology and creative thinking into more →Upcoming Programs: Wise Mind Open Mind: Finding Purpose and Meaning in Uncertain Times,
Gary Allen
Gary Allen leads meditation groups for the Veterans Peace of Mind Project and regularly teaches Shambhala Training meditation programs around the U.S.Upcoming Programs: Outer War, Inner Peace: A Mindfulness Retreat for Veterans and their Families,
Lama Tsultrim Allione
Lama Tsultrim Allione is a former nun in the Tibetan tradition and one of the first Western Buddhist teachers. Known as a profound and lucid teacher who skillfully combines both psychological and spiritual insights, she has more →
Joan Anderson
Joan Anderson is an artist, a meditator and an educator—her triumvirate of enjoyment, inquiry, and revelation. She was an adjunct professor at Naropa University for many years and now teaches privately, mainly in Boulder, Colorado.
Anyen Rinpoche
Anyen Rinpoche is the heart son of Kyabje Tsara Dharmakirti Rinpoche and holder of the Longchen Nyingthig lineage. Born in Tibet, he is the author of The Union of Dzogchen and Bodhicitta, Momentary Buddhahood and Dying more →
Susan Aposhyan
Susan Aposhyan, MA, LPC, maintains a private practice and trains professionals internationally in her work, Body-Mind Psychotherapy. She developed and directed one of the first graduate degree programs in Somatic Psychology at Naropa University and was more →
Acharya Dale Asrael
Acharya Dale Asrael is an associate professor at Naropa University in the Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Education departments. She is the Dean of Meditation Instructors for Shambhala International. Dale studies qigong with, and more →Upcoming Programs: Taming the Wild Horse: Riding the Energy of Emotions: Housing Registration for Naropa Students, Taming the Wild Horse: Riding the Energy of Emotions, Traditional Chinese Qigong: Levels I-II, Traditional Chinese Qigong: Levels I-V, Traditional Chinese Qigong: Level III, Qigong Practice and Study Retreat,
Zoe Avstreih
Zoe Avstreih, MS, LPC, BC-DMT, NCC, professor in the Graduate School of Psychology at Naropa University and founder/director of the Center for the Study of Authentic Movement, spent many years studying dreamwork with Dr. Gerald Epstein and more →
Michael Baime
Michael Baime, MD, is director of the Penn Program for Mindfulness at the University of Pennsylvania. He has taught mindfulness and meditation since 1981, and practiced meditation since age eight. Trained as a primary care physician, his more →
James Baraz
James Baraz has been teaching since 1978 and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. He leads retreats, workshops and classes around the U.S. and abroad. He also has led an online Awakening Joy course since 2003. He is the co-author of Awakening more →
Adana Barbieri
Adana Barbieri is a teacher and a student of Shambhala Buddhism, now studying under Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. She is currently developing and promoting Courageous Living, Fearless Living, an annual retreat for women touched by cancer. Adana more →Upcoming Programs: Courageous Women: Fearless Living Gathering for Women Touched by Cancer – Boulder, Courageous Women: Fearless Living Gathering for Women Touched by Cancer – Denver,
Jonathan Barbieri
Jonathan Barbieri was part of the first Shambhala Directors Training with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in the late 1970′s. Since then, he has taught extensively throughout North America. Jon has been engaged in several livelihood pursuits including more →Upcoming Programs: Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human,
Barbara Bash
Barbara Bash is a longtime Shambhala artist, working with the practices of calligraphy, writing, drawing and Big Brush performance painting. She studied Dharma Art with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Chinese pictograms with Ed Young. She has more →
Lori Batcheller
Lori Batcheller, MA, MPT, CYT-500, is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher, author and journal-writing instructor. She began practicing yoga in 1998 and spent four years working and studying with world-renowned teachers at Kripalu Center for Yoga more →
Frank Berliner
Frank Berliner is an associate professor of Contemplative Psychology at Naropa University. He became a student of the Vidyadhara in 1974 and later served as the national director of Shambhala Training, and executive director and resident more →
Amanda Betzen
Amanda Betzen teaches children at the Boulder Shambhala Center and the Bodhi School, and through Shambhala Rites of Passage programs. An occupational therapist working with children with special needs for the Boulder Valley School District, she more →Upcoming Programs: Family Camp and Rites of Passage,
Tessa Bielecki
Tessa Bielecki co-founded the Spiritual Life Institute and live there as monk and Mother Abbess for almost 40 years. In 2005, she co-founded The Desert Foundation with Fr. Dave Denny, an informal circle of friends who explore the wisdom of more →
Jenny Bondurant
A student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, Jenny Bondurant has been practicing meditation since 1980, and has completed the traditional three-year retreat. A senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, she began her more →
Joan Borysenko, PhD
Joan Borysenko, PhD, is a medical scientist, psychologist, spiritual guide and one of the pioneering voices in the global mind/body/spirit movement. Author of fourteen books and numerous audio programs and guided meditation CD’s, she is also more →
Acharya Emily Bower
Acharya Emily Bower has studied closely with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche since 1991. She has served as his editor for projects such as Turning the Mind into an Ally, along with many poems and practice texts. Emily more →
Karen Bowles
Karen Bowles, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at University of Pennsylvania and a primary care physician. She trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn and has taught in the Penn Program for Mindfulness since 2004.
Wendy Bramlett
Wendy Bramlett is the founder of Studio Be Yoga in Boulder, Colorado. A yoga teacher since 1981, her style reflects a deep understanding of the body, and emphasizes the dynamic interplay of focused action and receptive more →
Andra Brill
Andra Brill, PhD, has over 20 years of experience as a professional educator in urban public schools. Inspired by many years of meditation, she brings ta passion for creating compassionate, reflective classrooms to her work.
Marlow Brooks
Marlow Brooks has been directing all Shambhala Levels for over twenty-nine years. She has taught at Naropa University for many years and is also a healer in the Chinese Five Element tradition. She is an artist more →
Ginger Brooks
Ginger began meditation practice under the direction of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1975. She is an active meditation instructor in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, occasionally teaches Shambhala Training weekends, studies Iyengar yoga, and works full time more →Upcoming Programs: Open House,
Ty Burhoe
Ty Burhoe has been a disciple of Ustad Zakir Hussain since 1990. Known for his accompaniment and uplifting presence in both classical and fusion settings, he has created collaborations that weave tabla with other world traditions. He has been featured on many soundtracks for film and DVD, including the academy more →
LLoyd Burton
Lloyd Burton, PhD, is a former Navy Hospital Corpsman who served in Vietnam. A co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, he has practiced and taught Buddhism for over 30 years.
Dominie Cappadonna
Dominie Cappadonna, PhD, CT, is a transpersonal psychotherapist, mentor, death awareness educator and contemplative chaplain. Dominie’s work, Radiant Living~Luminous Dying: Guiding Midlife~Elder Passages and Beyond, facilitates life and death transitions. As a Buddhist practitioner, she co-guides more →
Michael Carroll
Michael has been studying Tibetan Buddhism since 1976 and is an authorized Shambhala teacher. He held executive positions for 28 years with Fortune 500 companies and now maintains an active coaching consultancy. Michael is the author more →
Acharya Christie Cashman
Acharya Christie Cashman began studying the Shambhala Buddhist teachings in 1971. She teaches a full range of courses—from introductory meditation intensives at Naropa University to Vajrayana sadhana classes and Shambhala Training levels. For many years, her more →
Ann Cason
Ann Cason, author of Circles of Care: How to Create Quality Home Care for Our Elders, has spent over thirty years as a practitioner of Shambhala Buddhism. The former co-founder and director of Dana Home Care, more →
Tarah Cech
Tarah Michelle Cech is a naturopath, Anasura Yoga instructor, Lomi Lomi practioner and wellness educator. She has run 13 marathons and received All-American honors in track events. Her personal practice, Island Girls Naturals, is located on Maui, more →Upcoming Programs: Running with the Mind of Meditation,
Acharya Susan Chapman
Acharya Susan Chapman, MA, author of The Five Keys To Mindful Communication, is a family therapist, contemplative psychologist and meditation teacher. She completed Gampo Abbey’s three year retreat and served as Druppon, retreat leader, for six more →
Pema Chodron
Pema Chödrön is a leading exponent of teachings on meditation and how they apply to everyday life. Widely known for her charming and down-to-earth interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism for Western audiences, Pema studied under the meditation master more →
Bayard Cobb
Bayard Cobb, MA, joined the Fearless Victory project in 2010. An adjunct faculty member of Naropa University, she has practiced and taught meditation and mindfulness for over 30 years.Upcoming Programs: Outer War, Inner Peace: A Mindfulness Retreat for Veterans and their Families,
Roland Cohen
Roland Cohen has been a student of Buddhism and Shambhala since 1973. Mr. Cohen served as the Resident Senior Teacher for Shambhala in Auckland New Zealand from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that, he was the more →Jim Colosi
Jim Colosi is a Certified MBSR teacher who taught at the Center for Mindfulness at the UMass Medical School 2006 – 2011 and has been a meditation instructor in the Shambhala tradition for 30 years.Upcoming Programs: Mindfulness Meditation Retreat: A 7-Day, Teacher-Led, Silent Retreat,
Shannon Connell
Shannon Connell is a certified Power, Hot and Jivamukti yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor who supports her students through a passion for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.
Eliot Cowan
Eliot Cowan, author of Plant Spirit Medicine, was initiated as a Tsaurirrikame (shaman) in the Huichol Indian tradition by Don Guadalupe Gonzalez Rios in 2000. he began the study and practice of herbalism in the 1960's more →
Carol Crutchlow
Carol Crutchlow has been a student and practitioner of Buddhism since 1970. She was a student of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, and now studies with Sakyong Mipham, Rinpoche. In addition to directing Shambhala Training, she teaches regularly more →
River Cummings
River Cummings has been a dedicated student and teacher in the yoga tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar and T. Krishnamacharya since 1990. She holds Yoga Instructor and Yoga Therapist certifications from the American Viniyoga Institute, and offers more →
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk, scholar, and the temporal and religious leader of the Tibetan people. Since 1959, when the Communist Chinese invaded Tibet, forcing the Dalai Lama into exile, he more →
Yogi Amrit Desai
Yogi Amrit Desai is an internationally renowned yoga master and one of the earliest pioneers of yoga int he United States. For more than 40 years, he has offered authentic teachings of yoga and Vedic culture more →
Sofia Diaz
Sofia Diaz offers a unique approach to Hatha Yoga, sacred movement and feminine spiritual practice, deriving her style of teaching and body philosophy from the South Indian temple arts. She lectures at Naropa University and teaches more →
Joe Dispenza, DC
Joe Dispenza, DC, is a doctor of chiropractic with a background in biochemistry and postgraduate training in neuroscience, functional brain imaging and neuroplasticity. Featured in the movie What the BLEEP Do We Know!?, he is the bestselling more →
Cynthia Drake
Cynthia Drake has been a meditator and member of the Shambhala community since 1985. For over two decades, she has taught English as a foreign language, college composition and literature. She currently teaches literature at the more →
Margaret Drescher
Margaret Drescher lives and works with her husband Jim, at Windhorse Farm in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Shambhala Principle is expressed there through “The Windhorse Way of caring for the land, hosting the community, and training leaders in meditative/contemplative/conversational more →Upcoming Programs: Enlightened Society Assembly,
H. E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche
His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche is the supreme head of the Ripa lineage of Nyingma Vajrayana Buddhism and a living Tertön. The Ripa Lineage has its historical roots in the supreme head, Glorious Master Ripa more →
Julie DuBose
Julie DuBose has studied and practiced Miksang Contemplative Photography since 1998, and is a principal Miksang instructor. She has been a student of Chögyam Trungpa since 1975.
Gordon Dveirin, EdD
Gordon Dveirin, EdD, is an organization and human development consultant, spiritual educator and co-founder of the Claritas Institute of Interspiritual Inquiry. He is co-author of two books, Saying Yes to Change and Your Soul's Compass: What is Spiritual Guidance?
Ravi Dykema
Ravi Dykema, Yogiraj, was an adjunct professor of Yoga at Naropa University for 16 years and is author of a college textbook, Yoga for Fitness and Wellness. He was given the title Yogiraj by his guru more →
Sherry Ellms
Sherry Ellms, MA, brings a unique blend of contemplative practice and passion for the outdoors to her work in opening people to the power and insight nature provides. She has led nature-based programs, including wilderness solos more →
Viviane Ephraimson-Abt
Viviane Ephraimson-Abt, MsEd, is an interculturalist, educator and counselor who is committed to sharing transformational and mindfulness-based practices. She is co-director of the Center for Council Training (CTCC) and has co-facilitated trainings with John McCluskey since 2002. Vivian has more →
Jaimie Epstein
Jaimie Epstein is a certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher who infuses her love of Sanskrit and the dharma into her teaching of Jivamukti, a devotional practice designed to raise consciousness.
Maria Espinosa
Maria Espinosa is a novelist, poet, translator and teacher. Her publications include four novels and two collections of poems. Her novel Longing won an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation and her novel Dying more →Upcoming Programs: Finding Your Voice: A Mindful Writing Retreat,
Kate and Joel Feldman
Kate Feldman, MSW, LCSW and Joel Feldman, CPCC, have been co-couple's therapists since 1985. Founding members of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, they have trained in Imago Relationship, Gestalt and Internal Family Systems therapies. Kate more →
Acharya Gaylon Ferguson
Acharya Gaylon Ferguson, PhD, is a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition who has been leading meditation retreats since 1976. He is a member of Naropa University's core faculty and the author of Natural Wakefulness: Discovering more →Upcoming Programs: Warrior Assembly,
Camilla Figueroa
Camilla Figueroa, MSW, is founder of Dharma Yoga Therapy and is certified in Thai Yoga Massage, Dharma Yoga and Phoenix Rising Therapy.Upcoming Programs: Loving Your Way to Enlightenment: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Couple,
Tirzah Firestone
Tirzah Firestone is a rabbi, Jungian therapist, and author of The Receiving: Reclaiming Jewish Women's Wisdom, (hailed as the non-fiction companion to The Red Tent); With Roots in Heaven, and The Woman's Kabbalah: Ecstatic Practices for more →
Linda Fitch
Linda Fitch is the executive director of The Four Winds Society and Dean of the Light Body School. A passionate teacher, she works at the level of the soul, looking at the larger mythic patterns that shape more →
Sue Frederick
Sue Frederick is the author of Bridges to Heaven: True Stories of Loved Ones on the Other Side; I See Your Soul Mate and I See Your Dream Job. An intuitive since childhood, Sue has trained more than 200 more →Upcoming Programs: Bridges to Heaven: A Grief Healing Retreat,
Shastri Holly Gayley
Shastri Holly Gayley teaches courses on Buddhism in the Religious Studies department at the University of Colorado in Boulder. She has been a practitioner of meditation in the Shambhala community since 1992 and regularly presents meditation to more →
Billy Goldman
Bill began studying yoga in 1981 with Richard Freeman and has been teaching since 1994. He continued to study with Richard Freeman, K. Pattabhi Jois, senior Iyengar instructor Gabriella Giubilaro, and others. His classes are a more →
Erick Gonzalez
OmeAkaEhekatl Erick Gonzalez is an Aj Q'ij (Mayan Spiritual Guide and Day Keeper), teacher and healer from Guatemala. He was initiated into Native sacred rites over a 35 year period with spiritual elders throughout the Americas. more →
Jerry Granelli
Jerry Granelli, a renowned jazz percussionist and teacher of meditation, became a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1970. He has taught with the Authentic Leadership in Action Institute since 2001.
Kevin Griffin
Kevin Griffin is the author of the seminal recovery book, One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps, and A Burning Desire: Dharma God and the Path of Recovery. A longtime Buddhist practitioner and 12-Step more →
Peter Grossenbacher
Peter Grossenbacher, PhD, teaches at Naropa University and directs Shambhala Training levels. His research on attention, awareness, synesthesia, meditation, instruction and the brain has been reported in the New York Times. Peter has been an active meditator more →
Kim Hansen
Kim Hansen, MFA, is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, a massage therapist, and a long-time movement teacher. She was on the dance faculty at The University of Colorado, Regis College and Running River Elementary School, and more →Upcoming Programs: Awareness Through Moving and Stillness: Feldenkrais and Meditation,
Alice Haspray
Shastri Alice Haspray began practicing meditation in 1967 with the renowned Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Following his death in 1971, she continued her path with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and now studies with his son, Sakyong more →
Acharya Arawana Hayashi
Acharya Arawana Hayashi is a dancer, choreographer and senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. Chair of the Shambhala Arts Council and faculty member of the Shambhala Institute for Authentic Leadership, she also offers Presence workshops more →
Jeremy Hayward
Acharya Jeremy Hayward, PhD, has been studying and practicing Buddhism since 1967. He became of student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1970 and helped found Naropa University, where he served as vice president and later as more →
Greg Heffron
Greg Heffron, MFA, teaches Mudra Space Awareness and is co-director of Mudra Institute. In 2007, he assisted Craig Smith, one of the original western teachers of the discipline, in teaching Mudra to senior dancers at The more →
Kathlyn Hendricks
Kathlyn Hendricks, PhD, BC-DMT, has been a pioneer in body-mind integration since 1971. She has taught in numerous university graduate programs and worked with thousands of individuals and couples. Her various books include: Conscious Loving, At the Speed more →
Acharya Daniel Hessey
Acharya Daniel Hessey has been a student of Shambhala Buddhism since 1971 and has taught extensively throughout the U.S. and South America. Since 2004, he has studied the I Ching with Eva Wong, a Taoist Qigong more →
Andrew Holecek
Andrew Holecek is the founder of The Forum of Living and Dying, which offers seminars internationally on death, dying and beyond. A columnist for Bodhi Magazine, he has written for many periodicals related to spirituality and Buddhism. more →
Cheri Huber
Cheri Huber is founder and resident teacher at the Zen Monastery Peace Center and the Mountain View Zen Center in California. In 1997, she founded Living Compassion, a nonprofit dedicated to peace and service. She is more →
Arthur Hull
Rhythm ambassador Arthur Hull’s work has touched the lives of thousands world-wide, instigating the growing profession of the Community Drum Circle Facilitator. Bringing Village Music Circles experiences to communities and organizations worldwide, Arthur has inspired a grass-roots movement more →
Mark Hyman, MD
Dr. Mark Hyman is editor-in-chief of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, the most prestigious journal in the field of integrative medicine, and the medical editor of Alternative Medicine, the Art and Science of Healthy Living. His more →
Rick Jarow
Rick Jarow, PhD, professor of Religious Studies at Vassar College, is a pioneer of the contemporary consciousness movement and founder of the “Anti-Career” process. He is the author of many books, including Creating the Work You more →
Giovannina Jobson
Giovannina Jobson is a senior student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and experienced maitri instructor. She is a Buddhist minister (upadhyaya) and teaches Buddhism, contemplative arts and spirituality at Naropa University.
Acharya Richard John
Acharya Richard John's teachings focus on the union of Buddhist and Shambhala traditions. He has directed all levels of Shambhala Training, several Warrior Assemblies, Sutrayana Seminary and weekend programs at Shambhala Centers worldwide. He completed the more →
Kathy Johnson
Kathy Johnson is the executive director of the Medicine Horse Program, a Boulder-based non-profit that specializes in equine-assisted psychotherapy and serves over 500 clients a year. A Fearless Victory Project collaborator, Medicine Horse employs mindfulness practices more →
Sonya Jones
Sonya Jones, PhD, dubbed a "female Huston Smith" for her work in comparative world religions, teaches comparative religions in the Honors Program at the University of Kentucky. She serves as Retreat Master at Slate Branch Ashram, more →
Keith Kachtick
Keith Kachtick, founder of Dharma Yoga, has taught meditation and yoga worldwide since 1999. Keith writes for Yoga Journal and is author of You Are Not Here & Other Works of Buddhist Fiction and Hungry Ghost.Upcoming Programs: Loving Your Way to Enlightenment: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Couple,
Katharine Kaufman
Katharine Kaufman is a senior yoga teacher in Boulder Colorado. She taught and practiced for many years with Wendy Bramlett and Richard Freeman, and studied in South India. She holds an MFA degree in Performance and more →Upcoming Programs: Meditation and Yoga Retreat for Women, Awareness Through Moving and Stillness: Feldenkrais and Meditation,
Erica Kaufman
Erica Kaufman, MFA, E-RYT500+, is the founder of Lîla Yoga™ and a faculty member at Pennsylvania State University. She has earned Yoga Journal’s signature “karma credit” and teaches in the U.S., Europe, India and Israel. Influenced more →Upcoming Programs: Lila Yoga Retreat: Accessing the Brilliance Within,
Marybeth Keigher
Marybeth Keigher, a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche since 1970, received Vajrayogini abhisheka in 1979. Now a student of both Sakyong Mipham and Dzigar Kontrul Rinpoche, she has led numerous Vajrayogini Amending the Mantra and Four more →
Patricia Kelly
Patricia was introduced to meditation practice by a Zen/Episcopal priest in 1986. She holds a masters degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University and has been in private practice in Boulder since 1992. She is student of more →
Sally Kempton
Sally Durgananda Kempton was a monk and teacher in the Vedic tradition for nearly 30 years. In 2002, with her teacher's blessing, she put aside her monastic robes to begin teaching independently. Sally now travels extensively more →
Paul Kendel
Paul M. Kendel (SSG Ret), MA, is the author of Walking the Tiger’s Path: A Soldier’s Spiritual Journey in Iraq, which chronicles his military deployment in Iraq, experiences of doubt and disillusionment, and eventual introduction to more →Upcoming Programs: Outer War, Inner Peace: A Mindfulness Retreat for Veterans and their Families,
Venerable Khandro Rinpoche
Venerable Khandro Rinpoche is the daughter of His Holiness Mindrolling Trichen, who is head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most renowned Tibetan Lamas currently living. Born into the Mindrolling lineage, more →
Marty Kibiloski
Marty Kibiloski is an Ironman veteran. Through meditation and yoga, he has discovered a deeper sense of richness that brings fullness to all aspects of his life.Upcoming Programs: Running with the Mind of Meditation,
Tama Kieves
Tama Kieves is the bestselling author of This Time I Dance! Creating the Work You Love and Inspired and Unstoppable: Wildly Succeeding in Your Life’s Work. A sought-after speaker, career and success coach, she has helped thousands world-wide more →
Lindy King
Lindy King became a student of Chögyam Trungpa in 1970 and Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche in 1985. She received Vajrayogini abhisheka in 1981, and has led and chopponed many fire pujas. A choppon instructor, Lindy teaches The more →
Melanie Klein
Melanie Klein has taught Shambhala programs and meditation since 2003, and served as Co-Director of the Los Angeles Shambhala Center. She is completing her Masters in Divinity at Naropa University.
Cynthia Kneen
Cynthia Kneen is author of the award-winning book Awake Mind, Open Heart and the best-selling CDs Shambhala Warrior Training. She has been a management consultant and meditation instructor for many years.
Shastri Samten Kobelt
Shastri Samten Kobelt is a senior Shambhala teacher and a gigong instructor trained by Taoist lineage holder, Eva Wong. He has been a meditation practitioner since 1986 and a teacher since 2002. Samten is co-director of Marpa more →
Martin Lassoff
Martin Lassoff is a certified leader for the Mankind Project and teaches Shadow Work® in different venues nationwide. His extensive knowledge of yoga and meditation facilitates a well-rounded Shadow Work® container embracing the four archetypes. His intuitive natur more →
Anthony Lawlor
Anthony Lawlor is an architect and the author of A Home for the Soul, The Temple in the House, 24 Patterns of Wisdom, and a film, The Living Temple. He has received awards from the American more →Cyndi Lee
Cyndi Lee was the first Western yoga teacher to fully integrate yoga asana and Tibetan Buddhist in her practice and teaching. One of the most influential yoga teachers in the US, Cyndi founded OM Yoga Center in more →Upcoming Programs: May I Be Happy: Talk and Book Signing • Boulder, May I Be Happy: A Yoga and Meditation Workshop for Women,
Shar Lee
Shar Lee, CYI, has been teaching yoga and Buddhist meditation internationally since 1966. After studying Zen Buddhism in the United States, she studied Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal with several esteemed lamas. In 1987, she began training more →Upcoming Programs: Advanced Tibetan Cranial Apprentice Program, Advanced Tibetan Cranial Apprentice Program,
Noah Levine
Noah Levine is a Buddhist teacher, counselor and author of Dharma Punx: A Memoir and Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries. Trained to teach by Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in more →
Jules Levinson, PhD
Jules Levinson, PhD, earned a doctoral degree in Buddhist Studies at the University of Virginia, where he studied under the guidance of Jeffrey Hopkins. He has served as an oral translator for Khenchen Trangu Rinpoché, Khen more →
Acharya Judith Lief
Acharya Judith Lief is a contemplative hospice pioneer, a senior meditation instructor, the former dean of Naropa University and author of Making Friends With Death, among others.Upcoming Programs: Courageous Women: Fearless Living Gathering for Women Touched by Cancer – Boulder, Courageous Women: Fearless Living Gathering for Women Touched by Cancer – Denver, 7th Annual Courageous Women: Retreat for Women Touched by Cancer,
Judy Lief
Judy Lief is a close student of Chogyam Trungpa and served for many years as the Executive Editor of Vajradhatu Publications. She has edited a number of books by Trungpa Rinpoche as well as being a more →
Acharya Adam Lobel
Acharya Adam Lobel, MDiv, is a Shambhala teacher, Buddhist minister and Acharya for the Mipham Academy at Karme Choling in Vermont. He has studied Buddhism with masters in Tibet, Nepal, and India and holds a master’s more →Upcoming Programs: Shastri Training, Shastri Leadership Training, Shastri Training Registration in conjunction with 3 Pillar Leadership,
Valerie Lorig
Valerie Lorig, M.Ed, NCC, has been a practitioner of Buddhism and Shambhala since the 1970s and teaches nationally at Shambhala Centers. She is influenced by Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche's contemporary presentation of Buddhism in the West. A teacher more →Upcoming Programs: Golden Key,
David Loy
David Loy is a professor, write and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism. He is the author of Money, Sex, War, Karma: Notes for a Buddhist Revolution.Upcoming Programs: The Karma of Money, Fame and Sex,
Acharya Allyn Lyon
Acharya Allyn Lyon is a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. She has served as director of Shambhala Mountain Center and has taught at Vajradhatu Seminary. Allyn has traveled and taught extensively in Europe, the more →
Kerry Lee MacLean
Kerry Lee MacLean has directed the Shambhala Children's Rites of Passage program since 1998. The mother of five meditators, and author of Peaceful Piggy Meditation and The Family Meditation Book, she helps Buddhist communities develop high-quality programs more →
Victoria Maizes
Victoria Maizes, MD, is executive director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, founded by Dr. Andrew Weil and Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona. She is an internationally more →Upcoming Programs: 7th Annual Courageous Women: Retreat for Women Touched by Cancer,
Jeanie Manchester
Jeanie Manchester, an avid student and teacher of yoga since 1990, has studied closely with Richard Freeman and John Friend. She is a certified Anusara teacher as well as a devoted student of The Rajanaka Tantra more →
Hope Martin
Hope Martin has taught the Alexander Technique for 25 years and trains teachers at the American Center for the Alexander Technique. A certified Focusing trainer, she operates Hope Martin Studio in New York City.
Acharya Fleet Maull
Acharya Fleet Maull, MA, PhD candidate, is an author, meditation teacher, management consultant, end-of-life care educator and social activist working for peace, prison reform and social transformation. Founder of the Prison Dharma Network and the Colorado more →
John McCluskey
John McCluskey, MS, has facilitated council since 1991. He is the co-founder and co-director of the Center for Council Training (CTCC) in Colorado. John has worked as a schoolteacher and administrator since 1989.Dr. Bernard McGrane
Bernard McGrane did his undergraduate work at Fairfield University and Die Freie Universitat Berlin, and received his PhD from New York University. His principle fields of study have been sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and intellectual history. Prior more →
Acharya Larry Mermelstein
Acharya Larry Mermelstein became a close student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1971 and he was later empowered as a senior teacher, or “acharya,” by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He has been the executive director of the more →Byron Metcalf
Byron Metcalf, Ph.D. is the creator of The Shaman’s Heart Program and is an award-winning professional musician and shamanic practitioner. For nearly 3 decades, Byron has been involved in consciousness research, specializing in the transformative potential more →Upcoming Programs: The Shaman’s Heart: An Awakening of Compassion, Healing and Vision,
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is the head of the Shambhala lineage. An incarnation of Mipham the Great, he is the dharma heir and son of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Shambhala Mountain Center’s founder. Sakyong Mipham is the spiritual director more →Upcoming Programs: Engaging with Shambhala Vision: Three Pillars Leadership Gathering, , Scorpion Seal Assembly Repeater Rate, Scorpion Seal Assemblies III, IV, V Garchen, Scorpion Seal Assembly V, Scorpion Seal Assembly IV, Scorpion Seal Assembly III,
Oscar Miro-Quesada
Oscar Miro-Quesada, originator of the Pachakuti Mesa tradition of cross-cultural shamanism, is the visionary founder of The Heart of the Healer Foundation, as well as an invited United Nations Observer for the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He more →Upcoming Programs: The Shaman’s Heart: An Awakening of Compassion, Healing and Vision,
Cynthia Moku
Cynthia Moku is an accomplished artist in Japanese brushwork and Buddhist Scroll painting. A student of Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche, she continues her meditation training with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Cynthia is the founder of Naropa University’s Visual more →Upcoming Programs: Taming the Wild Horse: Riding the Energy of Emotions: Housing Registration for Naropa Students, Taming the Wild Horse: Riding the Energy of Emotions,
Robert Moss
Robert Moss is the creator of Active Dreaming, an original synthesis of modern dreamwork and ancient shamanic techniques, which he teaches all over the world. A former ancient history professor, and bestselling novelist, his 21 books include Conscious more →
Theresa Murphy
Theresa Murphy, ERYT500, is a senior Prajna Yoga instructor under Tias Little. Her teaching style blends classical alignment in poses, multiple yoga traditions and meditation. She actively studies under Sarah Powers, Erich Schiffmann and others. Theresa has more →
Jerome T. Murphy
Jerome T. Murphy, EdD, Harold Howe ll Research Professor of Education and former Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, currently focuses on the inner lives of leaders to enhance their inner strengths, performance and more →
Margot Neuman
Margot Neuman is Executive Director of Veteran’s Peace of Mind Project, providing mindfulness training for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. Together with the Medicine Horse Program, she developed ‘Fearless Victory’, a program for veterans.Upcoming Programs: Outer War, Inner Peace: A Mindfulness Retreat for Veterans and their Families,
David Nichtern
David Nichtern, a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, is director of Buddhist Studies and Practice at OM Yoga in New York City and former director of Karmê Chöling. He is also an Emmy/Grammy Award–winning more →
Shastri Ethan Nichtern
Shastri Ethan Nichtern is the founding director of The Interdependence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Buddhist-inspired meditation and philosophy, integral activism, mindful arts and meaningful media. He is the author of One City: A Declaration of more →
Joshua Onysko
Joshua Onysko founded Pangea Organics in 2000, sparked by a personal devotion and commitment to social responsibility. He thinks outside the landfill and it shows in the company he runs, the products he makes and the more →
Pieter Oosthuizen
Pieter Oosthuizen is a senior student of Lama Tsultrim Allione and has been teaching Feeding your Demons, Prajna Paramita and meditation for the last five years. He is committed to integrating the vast view offered by these teachings with practical applications to daily life. A long-time student more →
John Perkins
John Perkins has been gilding since 1992. He worked as museum conservator for the National Historic Parks Service in Canada and the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles. In 1999, John worked on gilding in the more →Upcoming Programs: Gold Leaf Guilding and the Dignity of Craftsmanship,
Kay Peterson
Kay Peterson, MA, MFT Intern, is a pshychotherapist, wilderness guide and Shambhala meditation instructor. She has been facilitating nature-inspired programs focused on individual transformation, creative group processes and mindfulness since 1996. Kay teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction more →Upcoming Programs: Waking-up to the Wild: Hiking as Meditation, Waking-up to the Wild: Mindful Hiking,
Susan Piver
Susan Piver is a New York Times bestselling author of five books and a frequent contributor to Shambhala Sun. Her latest book is The Wisdom of a Broken Heart. Susan has been authorized to teach meditation more →
Jon Pratt
Jon Pratt ran his first marathon in 1980 and continues to run with his teacher Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He has been practicing meditation since 1992 and has led the running program at Shambhala Mountain Center since more →Upcoming Programs: Running with the Mind of Meditation,
Catherina Pressman
Catherina Pressman began studying with Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche in 1975. She has been teaching Shambhala Training for over 25 years, in addition to teaching meditation throughout the country, working with different contemplative organizations and individuals.
Max Regan
Max Regan, MFA, is a teacher, an internationally published poet and writer, and the founder of Hollowdeck Press LLC. He has taught and lectured at the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Naropa University and Rose Medical Center. Published in numerous literary journals, magazines and anthologies, his work has more →
Richard Reoch
Richard Reoch is the president of Shambhala. Born into a Buddhist family in Canada, he has devoted his working life to defending human rights, protecting the environment and promoting peace. Formerly global media chief of Amnesty more →
Melissa Robinson
Melissa began practicing in New York City in the early 1970’s. She and her family moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1978 and she has been teaching in the Buddhist and Shambhala traditions since the 1980s. She more →
Ashe Acharya John Rockwell
Ashe Acharya John Rockwell first met Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1975 and entered the Buddhist and the Shambhala path. Over the many years of his journey, he taught Buddhist Studies at Naropa University, was co-director of Karme more →Upcoming Programs: Enlightened Society Assembly,
Nina Rolle
Nina Rolle is a voiceover artist, cabaret performer, and avid thrower of holiday dinners. She was first introduced to Shambhala meditation in 1989 at Naropa University, and her practice path and artistic career path have been more →
David Rome
David Rome has practiced Buddhism since 1971. He served as private secretary to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and was a senior teacher of Shambhala Training. He now teaches Mindful Focusing, as a certified Focusing trainer.
Acharya Eve Rosenthal
Acharya Eve Rosenthal has been part of the Shambhala community since 1973. The resident director of Shambhala Training in New York City in the mid-'80s, she has taught many Shambhala and Buddhist programs in North America more →
Charlie Rosicky
Charley Rosicky, BA, has a degree in Comparative Religions and studied Tibetan in Nepal. Prior to finding his spiritual home in Shambhala, he was a Zen practitioner. A student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Charlie has been more →
Charlotte Rotterdam
Charlotte Rotterdam is a senior student of Lama Tsultrim Allione and has been teaching Feeding your Demons, Prajna Paramita and meditation for the last five years. She is committed to integrating the vast view offered by these teachings with practical applications to daily life. more →
Steve Sachs
Steve Sachs has been an educator for the past 30 years. He taught in Montessori schools for 22 years before co-founding Eastern Sun Academy, a private school in contemplative education. He now teaches at both Alaya more →Upcoming Programs: Family Camp and Rites of Passage,
Sharon Salzberg
Sharon Salzberg has been a student of Buddhism since 1971 and has been leading meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. She teaches both intensive awareness practice (vipassana or insight meditation) and the profound cultivation of lovingkindness and more →
Andrea Schweitzer
Andrea Schweitzer, PhD, is an astronomer with the Little Thompson Observatory in Berthoud, Colorado. She has collaborated with NASA on programs such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Voyager missions.
Brant Secunda
Brant Secunda is a shaman and healer in the Huichol tradition of Mexico. He completed a 12-year apprenticeship and was designation by Don José Matsuwa to help carry on ancient Huichol teachings. Since 1979, Brant has more →
Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Rabbi Rami Shapiro, PHD, is an adjunct professor of religion at Middle Tennessee State University, and the director of Wisdom House, an interfaith center in Nashville. He is the author of more than 20 books and more →
Alexandra Shenpen
Alexandra Shenpen, PhD, Sensei, has studied Ikebana/Kado through Kalapa Ikebana and the Sogetsu School of Japan over the last 25 years. She teaches extensively at Naropa University, meditation centers and public venues locally and abroad, and more →
Kanjuro Shibata XX
Kanjuro Shibata XX is a 20th generation master of the meditative discipline of kyudo. Upon the invitation of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, he came to the West to transmit teachings on etiquette and dignity through the way more →Upcoming Programs: Kyudo Retreat,
Paul Shippee
Paul Shippee, MA Psychology, studied Nonviolent Communication (NVC) intensively with founder Marshall Rosenberg and other NVC trainers. He has facilitated NVC groups continuously for the past 8 years and teaches NVC workshops around the country.Upcoming Programs: Nonviolent Communication as a Spiritual Path, Compassionate Communication as a Spiritual Path,
David Shlim, MD
David R. Shlim, MD, is the co-author, with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, of Medicine and Compassion: A Tibetan Lama’s Guidance for Caregivers. Dr. Shlim directed the world’s busiest destination travel medicine clinic in Kathmandu for fifteen years, more →
Acharya Judith Simmer-Brown
Acharya Judith Simmer-Brown, PhD, is a professor of Buddhist studies at Naropa University and director of the Ngedon School of Higher Studies. She is also author of Dakini's Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism. more →Upcoming Programs: Shastri Training, Shastri Leadership Training, Shastri Training Registration in conjunction with 3 Pillar Leadership,
Greg Smith
Greg Smith, a well known sangha artist and thangka painter, has lived and painted at Shambhala Mountain Center for many years. He has been a student of mediation since 1976, first with Chögyam Trungpa and later more →
Janet Solyntjes
Janet Solyntjes, MA, is a Shastri / senior teacher in the Shambhala tradition and has offered mindfulness courses at Naropa University, Omega Institute, Hollyhock, Shambhala Mountain Center, and in corporate and non-profit workplaces. She completed the more →Upcoming Programs: Mindful Living: Teachings and Practices from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Living the Full Catastrophe: A Day of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction • Denver, Mindfulness Meditation Retreat: A 7-Day, Teacher-Led, Silent Retreat,
Shastri Janet Solyntjes
Shastri Janet Solyntjes has been a member of the Shambhala community since 1984 and teaches at Shambhala centers in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. As an Adjunct Professor at Naropa University she has taught meditation courses in more →Upcoming Programs: Open House, Warrior Assembly,
Janet Solyntjes
Janet Solyntjes, MA, is a senior teacher in the Shambhala-Buddhist tradition and has offered mindfulness courses at Naropa University, Omega Institute, Hollyhock, and in workplaces. She completed the MBSR professional training and attended the Teacher Development more →
Sobonfu Somé
Sobonfu Somé has made it her life's mission to share the ancient wisdom of her ancestors—the Dagara of Burkina Faso, West Africa—with Westerners. She is the author of several books, including The Spirit of Intimacy, Welcoming more →
Linda Sparrowe
Linda Sparrowe is a writer, yoga instructor, mentor and practitioner with deep roots in the Vedas, Sanskrit and women’s health. She is editor-in-chief of Yoga International magazine and author of several books, including The Woman’s Book of more →Upcoming Programs: 7th Annual Courageous Women: Retreat for Women Touched by Cancer,
Robert Spellman
Robert Spellman is on the faculty of Naropa University’s visual arts and religious studies programs. He is an ardent proponent of artistic practice as a powerful means of awakening, an aspect of Buddha nature itself.Rachel Steele
Rachel Steele is a graduate of Naropa University’s Early Childhood program and has been involved in Shambhala children’s programs for over 10 years. She has directed the Bodhi School program at the Boulder Shambhala Center, co-directed more →Upcoming Programs: Family Camp and Rites of Passage,
Christine Stevens
Christine Stevens is the founder of UpBeat Drum Circles and author of the Sounds True books Music Medicine and the Healing Drum Kit. She has appeared on PBS, NBC, and led the first drum circle training more →Upcoming Programs: Rhythm of Your Soul: A Healing Drum Retreat, One Inspired Rhythm: Saturday Night Drum Circle,
Michael Stone
Shôken Michael Stone leads Centre of Gravity Sangha in Toronto. He is a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, Buddhist teacher, author and activist, committed to the integration of traditional teachings with contemporary psychological and philosophical understanding. Michael is the more →
Sara Avant Stover
Sara Avant Stover is the best-selling author of The Way of the Happy Woman. She is a speaker and mentor to women all over the world. Her online business, The Way of the Happy Woman, has more →Upcoming Programs: The Way of the Happy Woman®: Heeding the Sultry and Sensual Call of Summer • Boulder,
Lynn Sutherland
Lynn Sutherland is a senior student of Dzogchen master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, a member of the International Dzogchen Community and an authorized teacher of Yantra Yoga. She teaches Yantra Yoga in retreats and public courses throughout more →
Kazuaki Tanahashi
Kazuaki Tanahashi is a painter, calligrapher, writer and peace worker. Born and trained in Japan, he is known for creating a genre of one-stroke paintings and multi-colored Zen circles. A fellow of the World Academy of more →
Walter Taylor
Walter Taylor came to Boulder, Colorado in 1967 to teach mathematics at CU. In the late seventies, he met various students of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and soon after began to actively participate in the Shambhala Training more →
Bruce Tift
Bruce Tift, MA, LMFT, has been in private practice since 1979, taught at Naropa University for 25 years, and given presentations in the U.S., Mexico and Japan. His new CD, Already Free: Buddhism Meets Psychotherapy on more →
Jim Tolstrup
Jim Tolstrup directs Shambhala Trainings and is the president of Cankatola Ti Ospaye, a non-profit that supports Native American elders. He is also executive director of the High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland, Colorado.
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Meditation master, scholar, best-selling author and artist, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche founded Shambhala Mountain Center in 1971. One of the most dynamic teachers of Buddhism in the 20th century, he was a pioneer in bringing the Buddhist more →
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche was born in east Tibet and fled to India in 1959. He studied with many outstanding masters, including Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoche and the Gyalwang Karmapa, and was awarded the titles of Khenpo and more →
Alberto Villoldo
Dr. Alberto Villoldo, has spent the last 30 years investigating the mythology and religious practices of the shamans of the America’s. He is the author of Courageous Dreaming, Shaman Healer Sage, The Four Insights, Journey to more →
Stephen Vosper
Stephen Vosper has been practicing and studying the Shambhala and Buddhist paths for over three decades, and has been teaching in those traditions for more than 25 years. Stephen is the chair of the Sakyong’s Advisory more →
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche is the founding director of Ligmincha Institute. In his more than 20 years of living and teaching in the West, Rinpoche has become renowned for his ability to convey the ancient wisdom of more →Upcoming Programs: Awakening the Luminous Mind,
Larry Welsh
Larry Welsh, MAc, MA, has trained in the Yang-style short form, listening hands and sword form of Tai Chi Ch’uan since 1977. He practices Japanese classical acupuncture, herbal medicine and whole-food nutrition in Boulder, Colorado. Larry more →
Sue West
Sue Hammond West is a painter and mixed media artist who explores consciousness, quantum physics and the phenomenology of being. Her exhibitions include Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art; Beacon Street Gallery, Chicago; and the University of Notre more →
Ron West
An ecologist and planner, Ron West has lived on Colorado’s Front Range for 40 years, and wrote SMC’s Land Stewardship Plan. He has worked in environmental arenas from the national to local levels, from Alaska to Arizona, more →
Margaret (Meg) Wheatley
Margaret (Meg) Wheatley, EdD, teaches how we can accomplish our work, sustain our relationships and willingly step forward to serve in this troubled time. She is co-founder and president emerita of The Berkana Institute, an organizational more →
Shastri Chuck Whetsell
Shastri Chuck Whetsell has been a student of the Shambhala lineage since 1975. He received his MA in Buddhist and Western psychology from Naropa Institute (now Naropa University) in 1979, and later obtained his PhD in more →
Elysabeth Williamson
Elysabeth Williamson, ERYT-500, is the foremost authority on Principle-Based Partner Yoga, a style she founded and has developed since 1991. She is known for articulating and transmitting esoteric teachings in ways that are accessible and practical more →Upcoming Programs: Principle-Based Partner Yoga™: Teacher Training,
Eva Wong
Eva Wong, author and translator of 13 books on the Taoist arts of health, meditation and qigong, is the 19th-generation lineage carrier of Xiantianwujimen Taoism and 3rd-generation student of Wang Xiangzhai, founder of the Yiquan martial more →Upcoming Programs: Traditional Chinese Qigong: Levels I-V, Traditional Chinese Qigong: Level IV, Traditional Chinese Qigong: Level V, Qigong Practice and Study Retreat,
Michael Wood
Michael Wood, an award-winning photographer, developed the Miksang curriculum by combining his photographic work and meditation training with the Dharma Art teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. He co-authored The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World more →
Denise Wuensch
Denise Wuensch began practicing Buddhism in the tradition of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, in 1975. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an adjunct faculty for Naropa University’s Contemplative Psychotherapy Master’s Degree program. Denise currently teaches more →
