Shambhala Guide Training: Part I in Fort Collins, CO with Samten Kobelt and Cal Aston

A Shambhala Guide is a practitioner committed to assisting others in understanding the Shambhala view and travelling the Shambhala Buddhist path.

The Fort Collins Shambhala Meditation Center and Shambhala Mountain Center are jointly hosting the two weekend Shambhala Guide Training program in February and March, 2009. The first weekend of the training will be held at the Fort Collins Shambhala Meditation Center February 6 to 8, and the second weekend will be held at Shambhala Mountain Center March 27 to 29.

Shambhala Guides are authorized to give initial and follow-up meditation instruction. In addition to being trained to give initial instruction, a Shambhala Guide is a resource, friend, and host to newcomers within the context of Shambhala Center educational programs and events. The emphasis is not merely on delivering the meditation instruction but also on offering information on our Shambhala and Buddhist lineages, the programs, the practice paths, the shrines, Shambhala forms, chants, ceremonies, events and so on. The Guides will therefore be trained in the principles of engagement and friendship—listening, inquiry, and speaking from the heart— so they can assist each new student individually and appropriately. These skills are then practiced in small groups with a senior Meditation Instructor. Completion of Shambhala Guide Training is a prerequisite for taking Meditation Instructor or Assistant Director Training.

Prerequisites for the program include the following:
1) Completion of a weekthün,
2) Completion of Shambhala Training Levels I-V,
3) Completion of Shambhala Buddhist path Cycles 1 and 2 (or one year of Buddhist classes,
4) Center membership and active volunteerism at Center,
5) Strong ongoing practice, and
6) Completion of application, and three positive letters of recommendation from your meditation instructor, the Center Director, and a Shambhala Training Resident Director or senior teacher.

Additionally, accepted students must complete required readings, and practice 30 hours per month (weekthün hours not included) in the three months leading up to the March 27 to 29 weekend.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $25. Tuition is $75 for each of the two weekends. Shambhala Mountain is offering discounted lodging and meal rates for the March 27 to 29 weekend.

The deadline for submission of the completed application, recommendations, and deposit is December 31, 2008.

For more information on this training including application and recommendation forms, go to http://fortcollins.shambhala.org/community_guide_training.php.

The first weekend of this training will be held at the Fort Collins Shambhala Center 126A West Mountain Avenue in Fort Collins, CO. View Detailed Program Information.