The guiding principle of Shambhala meditation is an ancient belief that humans possess innate wisdom to conquer world challenges. Although these meditation techniques are historically attributed to Buddhists, practitioners invite all spiritual sojourners to learn and reap the benefits of Shambhala meditation. The beginning practitioner embarks upon a two-year supervised journey, or path of the warrior, consisting of 12 levels. The end goal is successful attainment of heightened consciousness and objective goodness.
Levels 1-5 focus on awakening the student to live in the moment. The warrior, an impartial observer, is creatively visualized to guide the student in seeing beyond ego. Ideally, by Level 5, innate curiosity leads toward unbounded mind, accelerated energy and awakening inner-wisdom.
During the second year of Shambhala meditation practice, adherents believe that integrity is cultivated, spiritual gifts are revealed to the practitioner, and compassionate inner-vision expands to include the entire world. With new eyes, the warrior sees elemental energy, which is the source of all that is. As the student grows out of ego and into wisdom, the warrior's path opens to reveal humbleness, gentleness and benevolence.
In doing this type of meditation, two techniques are co-mingled. Primary is mindfulness meditation, where the student sits with stillness of the present moment. With prolonged practice, the mind begins to remember its instinctive awareness and non-judgment concerning all things. Sitting meditation is the second technique, which postures a mind discipline that can develop clarity and, eventually, awakening consciousness. When the mind is stilled, it is more peaceful, yet it remains a trainable, thinking mind.
It is important for the practitioner to sit upright and keep the spine straight. The spine is like a tunnel where consciousness can ascend via the crown chakra to enlightenment. A supine position induces a passive mind, which might go to sleep.
When learning Shambhala meditation techniques, instructors suggest doing meditation often but in short increments. Otherwise, it becomes more of a chore than a simple journey of self-discovery. By pushing the limits, one would also miss the slow pleasure and prospective insights, which are considered to be among the prime benefits of mediation.
Practitioners claim that the potential benefits of Shambhala meditation include stress relief, lowered blood pressure, deep relaxation and connection with the divine. As one becomes more conscious of living in a world of energy and vibration, it is within the range of possibility to attain bliss absolute and love eternal. Even many beginners have reported being happier, being more at peace and sleeping better.