The purpose of dharma art is to try to overcome aggression. ~Chogyam Trungpa

In Shambhala Art, we learn mostly through experiential exercises that make us aware and help us explore and discover the creative process. Art has long been an expression of the very best society has to offer. Shambhala Art provides an opportunity for everyone to see their life as 'art in everyday life'. In many traditions, artists have trained not only in their discipline, but they also have trained their minds in awareness, confidence, and compassion. Shambhala Art allows us to experience the profound teachings on art developed by the great Tibetan meditation teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

These teachings unlock a non-conceptual sense of expression that is available to all. Experiential exercises bring us a deeper understanding of ourselves as powerfully creative beings. Trungpa Rinpoche says of artists, "You could play a tremendous role in developing peace throughout the world." This workshop, the first of a five-part series, builds our capacity to do so. We'll focus on truly coming to our senses, both literally and figuratively. No prior art or meditation experience is necessary. 

About the teacher:

Ellen Rook has been teaching Shambhala Art workshops for over ten years. She lives in upstate New York and is a member of the Shambhala Meditation Center of Albany. Ellen teaches Japanese flower arranging in the Sogetsu Ikebana tradition. She also writes poetry and short fiction and is working on a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. She has been a member of the Shambhala community for almost 40 years.