Contemplative Arts

 

Kailua Shambhala Meditation Center uses the contemplative art of ikebana (flower arranging) to create an uplifted environment.  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.  Shambhala Art does not teach a particular skill or technique such as painting, sculpture, or dance.  It is about the source of inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to to us.  Seeing the simplicity of things as they are provides the ground for genuine creative expression.  See Shambhala Art.

 

The Shambhala Arts Festival is an international event during which the community of artists and Shambhalians on the Spring Equinox created a beautiful and on-the-dot weekend, arising from a ground of meditation.  See Shambhala Arts Festival

Contemplative Arts comprise a number of secular disciplines and activities, that integrate art and culture with everyday life.  Each of these disciplines represents a genuine contemplative path; together they bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and culture.  The following contemplative arts are practiced in the Shambhala community.

Kalapa Ikebana

In 1982, Chögyam 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.  See Sogetsu Ikebana for general information about ikebana.

 

Kyudo

Kyudo means the way of the bow and can be described as a form of standing meditation. Under the direction of Shibata Kanjuro, Sensei and senior instructors, students learn an ancient form of archery using traditional Japanese bows. 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.

Miksang

When we synchronize eye and mind, we abandon all concepts and predispositions and become completely present in the moment.  The world becomes a magical display of vivid perception.  We can develop the ability to experience and express these experiences precisely through the practice of contemplative photography.  Miksang, at its most basic level, is concerned with uncovering the truth of pure perception.  See www.miksang.com.

 

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. See www.maitripractice-international.org.  

 

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.

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org


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Kailua Shambhala Meditation Center
Aikahi Park Shopping Center, 25 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Suite #205, Kailua,  HI 96734
Tel. 808 342 6298    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