The Shala Buddhist Studies

OCTOBER-APRIL 2025-2026 

OVERVIEW

The Shala Buddhist Studies program focuses on:

  • Immersive study of Buddhist history, lineage, and The Buddha's teachings.
  • Deepening your own meditation practice and applying Buddhist principles to everyday life.
  • Group sits.


Teachers' Track

  • The Teachers' Track is offered for those interested in leading meditation or teaching others.
  • The teachers’ track is suitable for therapists, social workers, yoga teachers, educators, health care professionals, householders, and anyone seeking to integrate teaching meditation into their lives and/or professions. 


FACULTY 

Dr. Constance Kassor, Sharon Salzberg, Jacquie Brown, Kate Johnson, Barbara Verrochi, Kristin Leigh + Shala Teachers

COURSE OUTLINE + SCHEDULE  for 2024-2025  - Drop ins welcome.

History of Buddhism, Philosophy & Discussion | Connie Kassor
Philosophy & Meditation | Sharon Salzberg, Kate Johnson, Jacquie Brown
Philosophy, Meditation, Teacher Track & Group Discussions | Barbara Verrochi, Kristin Leigh + Shala Teachers

Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 8:00pm; Saturday Jan 10 9:30-11:30am and 12:30-3:00pm

  • Wednesday, Oct 22: Constance Kassor 6:30 to 8pm online
  • Wednesday, Nov 5: Constance Kassor 6:30 to 8pm online
  • Wednesday, Nov 19: Barbara & Kristin 5:15 to 6:00pm instudio/onine
  • Wednesday, Dec 3: Constance Kassor 6:30 to 8pm online
  • Sunday, Dec 21: Jacquie Brown 1:45 to 5:00pm in studio/online
  • Saturday Jan 10: Kate Johnson 12:15 to 3:30pm in studio/online
  • Wednesday, Jan 21: Shala Teacher 5:15 to 6:00pm instudio/online
  • Wednesday, Feb 4: Constance Kassor 6:30 to 8pm online
  • Wednesday, Feb 18: Shala Teacher 5:15 to 6:00pm in studio/online
  • Wednesday, March 4: Constance Kassor 6:30 to 8pm online
  • Wednesday, March 18: Sharon Salzberg 6:30 to 8pm online
  • Wednesday, April 1: Constance Kassor 6:30 to 8pm online

 

LINEAGE AND ORIENTATION

The Shala’s orientation toward meditation is informed by the teachings of preeminent teachers Sharon Salzberg, Pema Chodron, Joseph Goldstein, and Sebene Selassie.

TUITION for 2025-2026 

Full Course: $635
Full Course + Teachers' Track: $1535
Drop-in: $35 Wednesday Evenings (sign up from our website schedule)
Drop-in $110: Saturday January 10th (sign up from our website schedule)
Recordings will be available.
Scholarships offered | inquire info@theshala.com
Write info@theshala.com with any questions.

TEACHERS’ TRACK IN MORE DETAIL: 

  • Experiential learning
    • Study and interpret texts
    • Write and deliver dharma talks
    • Lead sitting groups 
    • Meet in small groups for practice, practice teaching, community involvement, and home study between monthly group meetings
  • Practical skill-building
    • Apply Buddhist philosophy and practices in developing meditations for field of study or profession 
    • Develop confidence, voice, and an authentic approach to teaching 
    • Learn adaptive methods for facilitating classes for a variety of audiences
  • Flexible application
    • Explore how to bring the dharma into everyday life at work, at home, and in community
    • Expand access to underserved populations 
  •  Includes once monthly:
    • Meetings with lead teachers
    • Meetings with peers
    • Scripted meditations based on teachings from Wednesday evenings
  • Time commitment: Daily meditation practice, attending Buddhist Studies classes, one monthly meeting with teachers, and one monthly meeting with peers.