Overview of the Disciplines

Overview

Ikebana

OVERVIEW

Many of the artistic disciplines are woven into and manifest in our practice and study programs, and individual arts programs have been offered over the years at the Minneapolis Shambhala Center. We have a genuine interest in the arts and many artists in our community. But we are just a little too short staffed to offer Nalanda programs on a predictably ongoing basis. Check www.shambhalaart.org for program offerings and more information on Shambhala Arts worldwide.

Bugaku

Bugaku, the ancient dance and music of the Japanese Imperial Court, is more than fourteen hundred years old. This stately dance is performed in richly brocaded and highly stylized costumes, expressing contemplative mind in a cultural context.

There are several active bugaku groups within Nalanda studying with master musician and dancer Togi Sensei, a living national treatsure of Japan. Togi's family has been part of the Janpanese Imperial Music Department for 1000 years. He is presently a priest-musician at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. Minneapolis sangha member, Karen Swenson, was lucky enough to study with Togi Sensei in the early 80s, under Acharya Arawana Hayashi's tutelage.

Calligraphy

The simple act of putting ink on paper can be a direct way to see our mind. Fear, hesitation, confusion, our state of mind manifests on the page as we move the brush in our hand. The creative process of calligraphy enables us to see our obstacles and work with them, through the synchronizing of mind and body.

The sign in front of our Minneapolis Center dons the calligraphy of Bob Brown, a long-time sangha member.

Cha

Chanoyu literally means hot water for tea. This is a meditation in action that was developed in Japan alongside the practice of Zen Buddhism. The art of Chanoyu, preparing and serving a bowl of tea, has been presented to the Minneapolis sangha by Center member Karen Sontag-Sattel. Karen lived and studied Chanoyu in Japan, and now studies with a tea master in the Twin Cities.

In 1980, some of Chogyam Trungpa's students began to study this centuries old contemplative practice. Rinpoche named the group Kalapa Cha. The Halifax Shambhala Center has an inerior tea room that the Sakyong has named Yukoan, which means Abode of the Equable Tiger.

Flower Arranging

In 1982, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche formed a new school of Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) inspired by his own training and vision. Kalapa Ikebana, as this school is called, promotes the study and practice of flower arranging, often working closely with masters of other schools of ikebana.

Please see the Ikebana page for more details about this contemplative practice at the Minneapolis Shambhala Center.

Kyudo Archery

Kyudo means the way of the bow and can be described as a form of standing meditation. Kyudo is a form of meditation practice, not sport, and hitting the target is not considered important. The purpose of kyudo is to purify one's heart and mind to awaken the natural dignity of being human, beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion.

Maitri Five Wisdoms Practice

This practice is based on the principles of the five Buddha families, each of which expresses a particular style and attitude of openness. Maintaining a posture associated with each family in five specifically designed rooms heightens the characteristic patterns of energy of each family, so that both the neurotic and sane aspects of the student's personal style becomes apparent.

Irini Rockwell, a senior student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's, is currently conducting two year training programs based on the five wisdoms teachings, in Europe and North America. She completed a one year training in the Twin Cities area in the fall of 2007.

See www.fivewisdomsinstitute.com for the 2009 schedule.

Miksang: Contemplative Photography

Miksang is a Tibetan word that translates as "good eye."

The Miksang Society was established by

Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin as a non-profit organization

for the cultivation and presentation of

contemplative photography in light of the dharma art teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and other wisdom teachings.

See also www.miksung.net.

Photo by Nina Mudita

Mudra Space Awareness

This awareness practice is based on postures and movement from traditional Tibetan monastic dance. Simple yet demanding, these techniques train students in synchronizing body and mind, in relating with space, in maintaining awareness during intense activity, and in communication.

Shambhala Art

Shambhala Art is art that springs from clear perception and pure expression. The program consisting of sequential weekends or "levels," is based on the dharma art teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The creative process is explored, as is the product we call art from the point of view of clear perception and pure expression. It is about the source of inspiration, how the creative process manifests and finally how what we create communicates that inspiration. Shambhala Art Parts Four and Five are planned for the upcoming Minneapolis Center schedule. Check the Programs page for details. See also www.shambhalaart.org.

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org

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Shambhala Center of Minneapolis
2931 Grand Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Tel. (612) 331 7737 Email:

Shambhala, Shambhala Meditation Center, Shambhala Training and Shambhala Center are registered service marks of Shambhala International (Vajradhatu). Way of Shambhala is a service mark of Shambhala International (Vajradhatu). Website by Blue Mandala