Membership

Shambhala is a global network of people who have confidence in the fundamental goodness and worthiness of humanity, and the power of that goodness to shift the social and environmental dynamics of our planet.

Everyone is welcome to attend community events and programs – there is no requirement to become a member in order to participate, though advanced classes and trainings do have prerequisites. Meditation instruction, public meditation, and some introductory offerings are available without charge, though donations are certainly appreciated.

As we become more involved, membership offers a way to practice generosity. It is a gesture of support to Shambhala principles and practices, and is expressed in the following four areas:

  1. The Practice of Community/Society: Shambhala is a community that practices the teachings on basic goodness, and explores and develops a culture within our communities that embodies that profound principle. Membership offers active engagement in contemplating and building a different kind of society together.
  2. Meditation Practice: A member of Shambhala makes a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice, and works to integrate that practice into daily life in order to create a foundation for healthy social relationships and an enlightened society. This connection may also be made through contemplative practices based on mindfulness-awareness.
  3. Volunteer Service: Most of Shambhala activities are conducted by volunteers, and there are many ways to help. Members donate time to the local center based on their interests and personal availability.
  4. Financial Support: Shambhala is sustained through dues and donations with the help of program fees. When you become a member, your financial contribution supports the maintenance and growth of our center. Our members have diverse means and so they can offer a wide range of monthly dues. No one is excluded from membership because of money. However, making a financial commitment is a very important step along the Shambhala path; it’s a gesture of support to the rest of your Shambhala community, and a clear acknowledgement of the value that you feel Shambhala has in your life. At this time the average donation to the Atlanta Shambhala Center is $35/month. Please consider your financial circumstances and decide what is the right amount for you to offer. Visit the Financial subpage to view a chart of Giving by % of Income to help you in your decision.

Membership is open to anyone from any background, culture, faith or walk of life – all are welcome!

If you have questions about membership in Shambhala please contact Liz DeSimone, our membership chair, at [email protected]. If you want to become a member, please fill out our membership form online, and Liz will be in touch with you.

If you are a member and want to increase your monthly contribution, please contact Lisa Federico, our bookkeeper, at [email protected].

Why does membership matter?

Although membership is not required to participate in much of what the Center has to offer, without our community’s financial and volunteer support, we would not be able to offer all the wonderful programs, practice sessions, and events that we do.  It is because of our members that the profound tradition of meditation is able to survive and flourish. Payment of membership dues is the financial backbone of our Shambhala Center.

What are the benefits of membership?

Connection with our community by becoming a member helps support your practice and strengthen your understanding of Shambhala Buddhism in many ways:

  • Members receive ongoing meditation instruction with a personal meditation instructor
  • Members are invited to community events, programs, and classes.
  • Automatic membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network
  • Access to member resources at www.shambhala.org