With the sound of a metal singing bowl, the cushion-filled room at the Shambhala Center of Milwaukee fell silent and still. The deep sound resonated in the ears of each cross-legged guest. Eyes rested slightly closed. Hands held knees. Meditation began.

The sitting meditation draws the mind to the breath. Practitioners focus on their breathing and relinquish their minds of thoughts and feelings.

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At 9 on Saturday mornings, the center, 2344 N. Oakland Ave., hosts Café Shambhala. The weekly instruction in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Shambhala encompasses half an hour of meditation, a reading, a discussion and a time to socialize with pastries and coffee.

The Shambhala Center of Milwaukee is part of an international network of centers founded by Shambhala leader Ch