Shala Mandala
The name Shala Mandala comes from the meeting of two Sanskrit words that express the essence of our path: śālā and maṇḍala.
In Sanskrit, śālā (शाला) refers to a hall, dwelling, or place dedicated to a particular activity. In the contemporary language of Yoga, the shala has come to be understood as a space where people gather to practise and study: not simply a physical room, but a place of discipline, transmission, and the sharing of knowledge.
Maṇḍala (मण्डल) literally means circle, sphere, field, or assembly. In Buddhist traditions, and particularly in Vajrayāna Buddhism, the mandala is a symbolic representation of a universe ordered around a centre. Through forms, directions, colours, and geometry, it represents a sacred space and, at the same time, a map of the inner journey: a movement from ordinary experience towards a deeper understanding of reality and the nature of mind.
Shala Mandala arises from the union of these two meanings.
A shala as a tangible space in which to enter, practise, study, and come together.
A mandala as a field of connection, where different disciplines and traditions can gather around a shared centre: the pursuit of knowledge and awareness.
Founded in Calabria in 2016 and now also present in Venice, Shala Mandala is a space dedicated to the practice of Yoga, meditation, and the study of contemplative traditions and ancient civilisations, creating a dialogue between traditional transmission, academic research, and contemporary life.
Not simply a place to practise, but a space where practice and study become part of the same path.
Location – CALABRIA
Sellia Marina, Calabria
Shala Mandala Calabria is located in Sellia Marina, along the Ionian coast of Southern Italy, in the ancient lands of Magna Graecia.
The shala is set within Borgo degli Ulivi Natural Resort, surrounded by olive trees and Mediterranean nature, just a short walk from the sea. It is a place where daily yoga and meditation practice naturally meet outdoor living, hospitality and the slower rhythm of Southern Italy.
The surrounding area reflects the cultural and natural heritage of Calabria, a land shaped by ancient Greek settlements, archaeology, agricultural traditions and a deep relationship with the Mediterranean.
Shala Mandala was founded here in 2016, within a family property, and Sellia Marina remains the original home of the project—a place for practice, retreats, study and international community.
Getting here: approximately 60 km from Lamezia Terme International Airport, 39 km from Crotone Airport, and 5 km from Cropani railway station.
📍 Shala Mandala · Calabria
Borgo degli Ulivi Natural Resort
Sellia Marina (CZ), Calabria, Italy
Mysore Venezia
Location – VENETO
Shala Mandala Venezia is located in Cannaregio, one of Venice’s most authentic and historically layered neighbourhoods.
Away from the busiest tourist routes, Cannaregio still preserves a strong sense of everyday Venetian life: quiet calli, small bridges, campi, artisan workshops, local markets and long fondamente running alongside the canals.
The district is also home to the Venetian Ghetto, established in the sixteenth century, and reflects the extraordinary history of Venice as a meeting point between different peoples, religions and cultures.
Our shala is located on Fondamenta de Ca’ Vendramin, in a part of the city where it is still possible to experience a quieter rhythm of Venice.
For Shala Mandala, Cannaregio feels like a natural home: a place shaped by history, cultural exchange and community, where contemplative practice can become part of the everyday life of the city.
📍 Shala Mandala · Mysore Venezia
Fondamenta de Ca’ Vendramin, 2417
Cannaregio, 30121 Venezia, Italy