Portland Shambhala Meditation Center

"This review is more directed to people of color or anyone who tends to "stand out" wherever they go. This is my own account of MY OWN EXPERIENCE. If you disagree with my perception, I would ask you if you have ever walked in my shoes in order to have such an opinion. I have been a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner for several years and had many teachers, lamas and guides along my path. I attended other Shambhala Centers around the country for classes but this particular center was unlike any other center (Shambhala and other Dharma centers) I've attended. After attending this center for 6+ months, being bullied and made to feel unwelcome, I let the powers that be know of my experience. Despite a tearful account of my encounters with several teachers and people given power at the center, the response was that I was "seeing things that weren't there" and that I was wrong about what was occurring at their center. Some people were interested in hearing what I had to say but many simply tried false platitudes of kindness in a way to make up for their own insensitivities perpetrated at the beginning of my attendance at the center. My time at this center was truly traumatic. There were a few (and I mean a few that I can count on one hand) people who were extremely kind and were a practice of the Dharma incarnate. Many however seemed self-absorbed and almost caustic to my own practice. The excuse given for this was that, this was normal for a sangha. I have never been in a part of a Sangha that look to bring me down and make me feel less than. This center in a way is a perfect metaphor for the state of race in the city of Portland. Too bad it could not be a beacon of hope or an example for people to emulate. I truly hope that the 2019 weekend of teaching is a start to the long awaited education on the needs of your POC populations and other marginalized groups in Shambhala, that should have occurred years ago. Kudos Michaela! Much Love to my Sista in the Struggle! I won’t be there physically but you will be in my thoughts always! Best of luck. Keep speaking truth for us whose voices are silenced by those who refuse to listen. Thank you."

"My experience of Portland Shambhala is positive. As the Sakyong mentions "the sangha are our brothers and sisters on the path of dharma." They help me "to realize that all beings are buddha". I have experienced this in other Shambhala sanghas in USA and Canada."

"I had a warm welcome from the group. Thank you for inviting me to join your community!"

"Great place for meditation, meditation instruction, and meeting kind people."

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• 📍 3439 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
• 📞 +1 503-862-6501
• 🌐 https://portland.shambhala.org/

Opening Hours

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: Closed
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed