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The Boulder Shambhala Meditation Center offers ongoing programs and special events for parents, families, and children throughout the year.
Ongoing Programs for Children and Teenagers
Dharmic Warriors
Bodhi School Bodhi School 2009-2010 10am-noon September 13, October 4, November 8, December 13, January 17, February 7, March 14, April 11, and Closing Ceremony: May 16 Member Price: $145 ($120 plus $25 materials fee), Non-Member Price: $170 ($145 plus $25 materials fee) Bodhi School provides children and young teenagers with a spiritual education in the tradition of Shambhala Buddhism. Teachers introduce meditative principles as a way to work with the heart and mind. We explore the idea of basic goodness as a way to instill confidence, bravery and kindness, and discover how the principles of compassion and loving-kindness can be vehicles for working with oneself and others in the world. All classes include experiential as well as didactic learning. Bodhi School is open to 4- to 14-year-olds from the Shambhala community as well as from the general public. Classes follow a three-year curriculum and meet once a month. Bodhi School begins September 13th in the main shrine room. Parents are asked to attend the entire first meeting.
Download Bodhi School Registration Forms: 1. Bodhi School Registration (.pdf) 2. Bodhi School Release (.pdf) 3. Please copy and paste registration and release info into an email and send to: admin@boulder.shambhala.org or Fax to 303-444-0190 Attn. Jill Cohen or mail to: Boulder Shambhala Center Att. Jill Cohen 1345 Spruce St. Boulder, CO 80302
4. COMPLETE REGISTRATON ONLINE VIA PAYPAL .....................................................................
Special Events for Families and Children Family Meditative Arts Day This day of creative exploration begins with a family meditation talk followed by a potluck feast before we launch into an afternoon of meditative arts suitable for the whole family. We experiment with brief sitting meditation, flower arranging (finger-safe, take-home containers provided), yoga, free style calligraphy, and a haiku hike. Rites of Passage Rites of Passage is a secular ritual acknowledging the eight-year-old child’s first major step towards adulthood and the first assumptions of responsibility in the family and beyond. Mature seven-year-olds and nine-year-olds who have not had the opportunity to engage in the Rites are also welcome. In the intensive one-month course, the child is introduced to his or her potential as a warrior—one who faces the events of life, big and small, with an open heart, inquisitiveness, dignity, and fearlessness. Children discover these qualities through stories and discussions with the core teacher as well as meditation and mindfulness practices. Children work with meditative art forms such as ikebana flower arranging, calligraphy, and spontaneous poetry and physical disciplines such as marching drill, kyudo (contemplative archery), and serving one another. The week culminates in a ceremony based on the three stages of traditional rites of passage: the symbolic separation of the children from their familiar society (home and parents), a transition period of receiving sacred teachings, and re-emergence of the children in a changed form. Children’s Blessings When visiting teachers come to our center, we invite children to spend time with them at Children's Blessings. Our rich family of Buddhist lamas provide opportunities for children to experience their own wakefulness in a powerful and playful setting. These audiences are a precious opportunity for families and children to make a connection with teachers and fully enjoy their presence.
Children’s Day, which falls on the winter solstice, December 20, 5 - 6:30 pm, is an opportunity to express appreciation for and with our children. Holidays such as this have their origin as “holy days.” They are the way human beings mark the sacred times in the yearly cycle of life. Children’s Day is a strong counter-experience to the materialism and chaos of the holiday season. It is hoped that everyone, especially the children, feel as if they are within the enlightened society of Shambhala for a night and truly experience the richness of Shambhala culture. Our community gathering includes a lhasang ceremony, and children's blessing. The children enjoy entertainment and performances including song, storytelling, and theatrical productions with Shambhalian themes, followed by a reception. Additional Resources for Parents ..................................................................... “Parenting as Path” Lecture Series Presented by the Family Council, the "Parenting as Path" lecture series addresses a broad range of issues under the umbrella of "Parenting with Shambhala Vision." We explore questions such as “How do we bring up our children as spiritual warriors?” and “How do we balance formal meditation practice with the practicalities of daily life as parents?” Together we share our experiences, explore these challenging but workable issues, and cultivate the view that parenting is a part of meditation practice. Speakers include resident Acharyas as well as visiting teachers and invited guests. Childcare The center provides free childcare during major teaching visits and other special events. Children play and have quiet time and snacks together with a professional caregiver. To pre-register for childcare, please contact Jill Cohen at 303-444-0190 x106 or admin@boulder.shambhala.org. |
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Families and Children 
Winter Solstice/Children’s DayLearn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org |
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