Lineage is the vital link to this wisdom tradition. Below is our local history. To learn more about our connection to our teachers, the international organization and for Frequently-Asked Questions, visit the links to the right, under "Learn more."

A Brief History of the
Milwaukee Shambhala Center

The Milwaukee Shambhala Center was established in 1993 with the consolidation of the existing Dharmadhatu Buddhists' Center, Shambhala Training and Nalanda Arts programs. The Dharmadhatu was founded in 1978 as an affiliate of Vajradhatu International, a Western Buddhist organization founded by the late Tibetan meditation master, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. In 1981 Shambhala Training began secular meditation programs in Milwaukee following a distinct tradition also taught by Chögyam Trungpa, but based on the ancient tradition of gentle warriorship found in many world cultures. Nalanda contemplative arts have also been practiced in Milwaukee since the early 1980's. These traditions include Ikebana (flower arranging), Kyudo (contemplative archery), calligraphy and others.

In its formative years, the local Dharmadhatu Buddhist meditation and study center was housed in a store front on East North Avenue and later expanded to North Hackett Avenue. Under the gentle guidance of Dr. David Shapiro, MD, the Center sponsored many seminars and programs on Tibetan Buddhist meditation and teachings. Shambhala Training began programs by sharing space with its sister organization, Dharmadhatu, under the guidance of another senior practitioner, Ms. Terry Nelson.

Shambhala Training continued to grow with Bill Hebbert's inspired efforts. His weekly Café Shambhala, every Saturday, has given numerous visitors a pleasant and engaging introduction to the Shambhala teachings.

Nalanda Arts began as Shambhala Arts and were practiced by members of both the Dharmadhatu and Shambhala Training communities. The initial participants of Nalanda and Shambhala Training were mostly Buddhist students of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, but their secular nature have attracted a wide variety of participants from all religions and walks of life.

By the 1990's it became increasingly apparent that the community had outgrown its Hackett Avenue location and a task force was formed to find a suitable property to follow the larger vision of the membership. With the move to 2344 N. Oakland Avenue, the Shambhala Center was born. It embodies all three member organizations, Dharmadhatu, Shambhala Training and Nalanda. As such it is affiliated with the greater organization, Shambhala International.

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