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The Path of Awakened Life
Throughout history, people have aspired to create societies that express the dignity of human existence within a wise, flourishing culture. This is the vision of Shambhala - a legendary enlightened society. The first king of Shambhala is said to have received teachings directly from the Buddha; teachings on the inseparability of spirituality and everyday life.
The Tibetan meditation master, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche carried this tradition into the modern world. He writes,
The Shambhala teachings are founded on the premise that there is a basic human wisdom that can help to solve the world's problems. This wisdom does not belong to any one culture or religion, not does it come only from the West or the East. Rather it is a tradition of human warriorship that has existed in many cultures at many times throughout history.
Warriorship is a path of bravery, gentleness, and genuineness. At the heart of the Shambhala warrior tradition is the view that a brilliant life is accessible to everyone. Contemplative practices bring a natural sense of goodness, fearlessness, and humor into our ordinary lives.
The “Path of Awakened Life” is a complete introduction to the foundations of Shambhala Buddhism. This series of workshops and classes is an experiential overview of meditation practices, wisdom teachings, contemplative arts, and physical disciplines rooted in the ancient traditions of Shambhala and Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. The programs are presented by experienced teachers under the guidance of the current Shambhala lineage holder, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Designed for people living in the modern world, the teachings unfold through four stages: Tiger, Lion, Garuda, Dragon. These stages represent the natural progression of awakening in our life and correspond to the journey of developing skillful action and wisdom through the practice and study of the buddhadharma. The Maitri weekend requires no previous training, and the Shambhala Training Levels I-V can be practiced separately from the overall path.
Tiger 
The Tiger module is a thorough exploration of mindfulness meditation, the foundational views of the Hinayana Buddhist teachings, and meditation in action for daily life. By acknowledging and understanding the reality of suffering we can open to our inherent goodness and express the qualities of the Tiger: gentleness, appreciation, and fearlessness. Pre-requisite: Shambhala Training Level I
Shambhala Training Level II: Birth of the Warrior
Tiger class: 5 Thursdays at 7:00 PM
 Lion
The Lion module expands the meditation experience by delving into the Mahayana teachings, opening the path to the virtue and celebration of compassion. The Lion is the dignity of cheerfulness, health, and freedom from doubt. Pre-requisite: Tiger module
Shambhala Training Level III: Warrior in the World
Lion class: 5 Thursdays at 7:00 PM
Garuda 
The Garuda module mixes meditation with the vastness of space beyond concept. Through an exploration of the Buddhist teachings of emptiness, the meditator opens to groundlessness and uncertainty, learning to soar fearlessly like the mythical bird known as the Garuda. Pre-requisite: Lion module
Shambhala Training Level IV: Awakened Heart
Garuda class: 5 Thursdays at 7:00 PM
 Dragon
The Path culminates with a study of the Dragon, the unwavering warrior whose confidence is unconditional and playful. Here the practitioner is introduced to the Vajrayana teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Pre-requisite: Garuda module
Shambhala Training Level V: Open Sky
Dragon class: 5 Thursdays at 7:00 PM
The Path of Awakened Life also includes the Maitri weekend (optional) and culminates in the Rigden weekend.
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