Welcome to the Shambhala Center of Albany
A Fresh Start with SMCA
If you feel you need a fresh start, please join us as we dedicate ourselves to living in the present moment with open, gentle and courageous hearts. Let’s reconnect to the joy, beauty and magic within and around us. Ki Ki So So!!!
Where to Begin?
We offer a wealth of classes and retreats. Here are a few to start with:
Learn to Meditate: 1st Wednesday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Public Sitting Meditation: Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Heart of Recovery: Mondays 7:00-8:00 pm.
Updated COVID Protocols
At this date, our center is mask optional. Because we want everyone to feel safe and protected in our space, please continue to consider other’s well being while at the Center, particularly with COVID still quite prevalent. To see the complete update: Updated Covid Protocols.
Featured Programs
December Ikebana (Morning)
with Ellen White Rook
December 9th
Explore ikebana--Japanese flower arranging. Monthly class for new and returning students. All welcome. Continue »
Exploring Foundational Buddhist Teachings - Class Three
December 9th - Date postponed or cancelled
During this nine-month (one live session monthly) in-depth, hybrid course on foundational Buddhist teachings, Khenpo Gawang will guide participants through his book, Your Mind Is Your Teacher. This is strongly recommended for new students but will be offe Continue »
Saturday and the Three Jewels: Dharma and Practice- Together
December 16th
Saturday Sits is a monthly morning class for those of us who find it easier to come to a meditation center to support our mindfulness practices in community than to figure them out alone. Continue »
Open Sitting with Compassionate Action by Pema Chödrön
December 26th—December 30th
As a sangha we will be holding space to allow for an in-person 5 day retreat, or extended sitting. Offering up to 4 hours of open sitting mornings and afternoons on Tuesday December 26th thru Friday December 30th 2023. Continue »
January Ikebana
with Ellen White Rook
January 20th (2024)
Explore ikebana--Japanese flower arranging. Monthly class for new and returning students. All welcome. Continue »
Winter Contemplative Writing Retreat
with Ellen White Rook
February 17th (2024)
Inspired by Natalia Goldberg's 'The True Secret of Writing: Connecting Life with Language, join us for a morning meditation, movement, and writing retreat. All welcome, Instruction will be provided Continue »
February Ikebana
with Ellen White Rook
February 24th (2024)
Explore ikebana--Japanese flower arranging. Monthly class for new and returning students. All welcome. Continue »
March Ikebana
with Ellen White Rook
March 23rd (2024)
Explore ikebana--Japanese flower arranging. Monthly class for new and returning students. All welcome. Continue »
After the Eclipse Writing Retreat
with Ellen White Rook
April 13th (2024)
How can we respond in language to the ordinary and extraordinary events of our lives? Join us for a morning of meditation, mindful movement and writing. All welcome. Continue »
April Ikebana
with Ellen White Rook
April 20th (2024)
Tulip time! Explore ikebana--Japanese flower arranging. Monthly class for new and returning students. All welcome. Continue »
