The teacher and the students are never alone at Shambhala Online! We are very fortunate to have a bevy of volunteers to call upon to help ensure the smooth running of our programs and classes. These are the people you meet when you arrive in the virtual classroom; our online moderators or hosts. They are there to help you with your technical set up as well as to familiarize you with the interface before the teacher arrives. The moderator also supports the teacher and can be in communication with them throughout the program.

If you are interested in knowing more about the opportunities to volunteer with Shambhala Online, please email heather@shambhalaonline.org

In 2008, Shambhala Online initiated an online program called “Ask an Acharya”. These live, interactive programs provided an opportunity for students to connect with a senior Shambhala teacher on a variety of subjects ranging from shamatha and contemplation, to the vajrayana path and solitary retreats. Since that time, we have grown into a “virtual centre”, offering dozens of online programs at all practice levels.

Please see our full program schedule for 2010/2011.

You can register to view the recording of any of our Ask an Acharya programs by going to the Program Library.

In the first post in the new monthly “Ask an Acharya” feature on Wake Up Boston! (the Boston Shambhala Center’s blog), Acharya Emily Bower replies to the question, “What is an acharya?”

Click here to view the post

Each Wednesday, between February 27th and April 30th, 2008, we offered a 30 minute real-time contemplation led by a Shambhala Acharya. We are pleased to now offer the recordings of these popular contemplations.

Please click here to select your contemplation!

There is no fee for the recordings. However, after viewing them, you are invited to offer a teaching gift to the Acharya.

Our first online “social time” with President Reoch

Shambhala Online Survey Summary

Since our initial, groundbreaking broadcast in November 2007, we have invited participants to complete a survey following each event. The information gathered has been very informative and we are very grateful to those of you who have responded.

Here is a brief compilation of the past surveys for public talks with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, for your information:

General
Total # of surveys completed: 215
Total # of countries represented in survey: 21
Canada, Australia, USA, England, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, Greece, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, China, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovenia, Iran.
Percentage of participants attended as part of a group: 60%

Practice History
1 – 5 years: 24%
More than 10 years: 54%
Attended Vajrayana Seminary: 51%

Technical
PC users: 75%
Watched on computer screen: 69%
Used camera and/or mic during social time: 36%

Comments
This was extremely beneficial & I’m so grateful because I’m somewhat geographically isolated, and travel to programs is expensive. This is a wonderful way for me to maintain a connection to a teacher I have not seen in 2 years. Thank you so much!

What a brilliant idea, it seemed to work beautifully and was extremely valuable. Thanks to all for arranging this.