About Our Fees

Why does Shambhala Online charge money?

Shambhala Online depends on income from its online events to continue to offer this service to the mandala.  We have a small, paid part-time team that handles all of the details of making online programs happen.  Each time there is a teacher who is teaching online for the first time, each time there is a new broadcast site, a new piece of equipment, another location, new participants, a new program facilitator, a new format (Sakyong Wangmo Enthronement, Shambhala Day etc.)—each of these variables requires knowledgeable support. Shambhala Online will never arrive at a point where all variables will remain constant.  Continual growth will require continual research and additional support for teachers, facilitators and participants.  For these reasons we require a paid staff, which is large enough to also support the increasing number of non-income generating events that we feel are so necessary. Examples of these are: 1) teachings to developing countries, 2) training in using the new database for Shambhala centres worldwide 3) mandala meetings where some members cannot attend in person and so on.

What about people who cannot afford the fees?

"Generosity is the virtue that produces peace."

—from the Sutra of the Recollection of the Three Jewels

We want every individual and group, regardless of financial resources, to feel welcome to receive the teachings in this way. No one should feel that they cannot participate because of limited income. At the same time, Shambhala Online needs those who benefit from it to do what they can to help it develop and grow.

There is a suggested fee for most courses and talks offered online. If you can pay the full amount (or more), please do so. If you can't, we ask you to pay what you can afford at the time of registration. We appreciate your contributions to the development of this service.

Contributing time and energy.

Please also consider contributing your time and energy. It's a wonderful opportunity to practice the teachings and to really feel part of the international Shambhala community. We have very few paid staff and most of the work is done by volunteers . If you would like to help, please contact Shambhala Online about what you might be able to do. heather@shambhalaonline.org

We are glad that you are interested in Shambhala Online, and hope that you take advantage of all it has to offer!