The Three Gates~ An Overview

Shambhala Training: The sacred path of the warrior brings the discipine of meditative awareness into every aspect of our lives. Seeing the underlying quality of basic goodness in existence allows a combination of tender openess and forthright courage to pervade our relationships and activities. Dignity, confidence and caring for other's well-being are the attributes that mark this gentle style of warriorship.

This is fully presented and manifested experientially in five levels of introductory weekends and then embellished further in a series of graduate programs. For more detailed information click here or visit our links page for additional readings and references.

The pursuit of awakened mind as the Buddha Shakyamuni experienced it and that has been passed on to us unadulterated through the lineages of realized masters to the present day. A religious path in three parts.

Hinayana ~ The Foundation

A grounding in the facts of life. An examination into the insubstantial and impermanent nature of all things. Revulsion for worldly attachments arises from seeing that suffering is constantly produced from our illusory understanding of daily life situations. From there, possibilities can arise for calm abiding in the equanimity and wisdom that ensues from meditative discipline.

Mahayana ~ Extending Outward

On the basis of that meditation which looks at the perceptions of the mind, one begins to see that there has never been any such solid thing as a "self" or an "other". Such a realization brings about a degree of freedom from self-centered anxieties that allows the awakening of an unbridled energy of compassionate action on behalf of all sentient beings. This is the path of skilfull means and wisdom which creates enlightened society.

Vajrayana ~ Unobstucted Activity

Having been able to find a firm internal grounding in the Hinayana and then being able to turn one's gaze clearly outward in the Mahayana way, further opportunities arise for working with the raw energies of the world. An ordinary sort of magic becomes available in the view of a sacred world, free of distortion. Events and people are profoundly and effortlessly affected by a direct contact with the fundamental truths of existence.

Under the umbrella of Nalanda are gathered the diverse disciplines that constitute the felicitous functioning of an enlightened society. Various organizations, programs, institutes and groups deal with such topics as education, business protocols,social structures, artistic pursuits and cultural themes. The aim of all these is to permeate society with an elegant, pertinent and profound response to the gamut of worldly concerns. Further elaboration can be found at www.shambhala.org/arts.