Enlightened Society Assembly
Assembly for students engaged in the Way of Shambhala, emphazing the intrinsic goodness of all beings and society and focusing on how we can create enlightened society. Taught in French. Translation upon request.
The Enlightened Society Assembly is a Shambhala mahayana programme that emphasizes the intrinsic goodness of all beings and society, practices that rouse bodhicitta and compassionate openness, and confident activity that engages fully in the world. In particular, living up to its name, this French Assembly will focus on how we can create enlightened society on the spot, at home, in our city and nation, and wherever we go. Students will deepen their commitment and intention to manifest basic goodness by taking the Enlightened Society Vow.
Participants in the Enlightened Society Assembly also receive and practice the Shambhala Sadhana written by the Sakyong. This powerful practice helps us contemplate these commitments and deepen them over time. The Enlightened Society Assembly brings this sadhana practice together with our previous Shambhala practices. This Assembly will integrate study, practice, and community, and will expand our inquisitiveness and understanding of the Shambhala Buddhist teachings.
Prerequisites: Students applying to Enlightened Society Assembly should have completed the following before the programme (please note that these are new requirements):
Shambhala Levels I through V
Everyday Life Series: Meditation, Contentment, Joy, Fearlessness and Wisdom
Rigden Weekend
One Weekthün
One recommendation from your Meditation Instructor, a Shastri, or your Centre Director
Membership in your local Shambhala meditation centre/group or membership in Shambhala for those not affiliated with a local centre.
The Basic Goodness Series is highly recommended – as this material is directly relevant to Enlightened Society Assembly – but it is not required.
Applying & Registering for ESA
Attending Regional Enlightened Society Assembly is a two-part process that includes applying to the programme (prerequisites to be checked) and registering with the Dechen Chöling centre hosting it.
1. Application – deadline September 23
To apply to the programme, please click here.
2 – Registration – deadline September 30
Registering with Dechen Chöling Center allows you to pay for the programme and secure your place. Importantly, registration with Dechen Chöling alone does not guarantee your attendance at Enlightened Society Assembly.
Please do not make airplane reservations until you have received your full acceptance from the Office of Practice and Education.
Staffing the 2018 ESA
Staffing a programme represents a unique opportunity to deepen one’s practice, discover or revisit teachings, while helping to make the dharma available to others.
Staffing an Enlightened Assembly can thus be an incredibly rewarding and rich experience. However it requires an important engagement. If you want to know more about the various staff roles and apply, please follow this link (to come).
Practical Information
Arrival day (Oct 23): Orientation talk at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 3 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.
End of program (Nov 2): Closing circle and Banquet in the evening.
Departure day (Nov 3): You may leave anytime (no program). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.
This programme is taught in French. Free translation in English or other languages needs to be confirmed. Important: translation services are possible only if you register your request at least two months in advance of the programme
Extra fees: to be completed.
