In this clip from the “Smile at Fear” weekend Pema Chodron led in Richmond, California in October 2010, Ani Pema speaks of trusting that the universe will never stop communicating with us.

Remember the reality of impermanence. And if you feel so inspired, help others remember it too, while supporting the work of the Interdependence Project.

The phrase “This body will be a corpse” is part of a traditional Buddhist teaching known as The Four Reminders.

In this weekend’s sold-out “Smile at Fear: Finding a True Heart of Bravery” retreat in Richmond, California, Pema Chödrön presented teachings on how to approach the things that scare us in a radically different way than we’re accustomed to, how astonishingly insignificant fear really is, and how surprisingly simple it is to access the heart of fearlessness.

To watch videos from the retreat go to Shambhala Publications’ Online Weekend Retreat with Pema Chödrön webpage.

If you don’t already know about Shambhala Online―“a ‘virtual centre’, offering dozens of online programs at all practice levels”―now is a good time to check it out.

Earlier today Shambhala Online Director Heather Scott reactivated the Shambhala Online News Magazine with a number of posts that help give a sense of the incredible wealth of resources Shambhala Online provides.

See for yourself:
• Blog: Shambhala Online News Magazine
• Website: Shambhala Online
• YouTube Channel: Shambhala Online

In this video, scheduled for tonight’s Open House (Monday, September 27th), Pema Chodron suggests that we could come to appreciate those who provoke us.

Whether you attend in person or not, you’re welcome to express your thoughts and feelings on the topic in the comments section below.

For all Open House Online posts click here.

The video “Body Mind” with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is scheduled for our Open House on Monday, September 20th.

Whether or not you plan to attend or do attend, we invite you to join us in contemplating and discussing this video in the comments section below.

For all Open House Online posts click here.

At last night’s Open House (September 13, 2010), senior teacher Russell Rodgers spoke about motivation, scheduling, ritual, culture and a number of other things that can help us make meditation practice part of our daily lives.

Click on the icon below to listen to the recording.

Download “Getting a Regular Practice,” with Russell Rodgers (MP3: 30 MB; 33 min)

RUSSELL RODGERS has been a student of Buddhism for 35 years and has taught at the Kootenay Shambhala Centre for most of that time. He has three children and one grandchild. He is the author of Essays on the Shambhala Buddhist Chants (PDF).

To access other Open House resources go to our Open House Online Participation Options section.

Senior teacher Russell Rodgers discussed the main aspects of meditation practice at tonight’s Open House (September 6, 2010).

Click on the icon below to listen to the recording. To hear the discussion participants adequately, listen with headphones.

Download “Exploring Meditation,” with Russell Rodgers (MP3: 40 MB; 43 min)

RUSSELL RODGERS has been a student of Buddhism for 35 years and has taught at the Kootenay Shambhala Centre for most of that time. He has three children and one grandchild. He is the author of Essays on the Shambhala Buddhist Chants (PDF).

Learn about integrating meditation and everyday life.

Here is a short excerpt from a talk that Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche gave in Boulder, Colorado on August 14th.