(c) Sean Raggett 2014

“It is going to happen!”

Right from the magical moment the word was out (about the looming visit of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche), a transformation of the place and the people began.

For most Polish sangha members the day started early. Whether that meant getting onto a train, plane, car or tram, the journey brought us to the local Shambhala Center in Szczecin to help with the final details for the visit.

Szczecin is in the north-western corner of Poland and only a few hours drive from Berlin, Germany. The day dawned warm, bright and sunny. The home of the Szczecin Shambhala Group has for a couple of years been located in a large three-room apartment in the very heart of the city. Early in the morning, hands were busy cleaning and putting the final touches on the preparation and renovations that had been in process for many months.

Through a true labor of generosity, love and devotion, the old stately apartment had been shined up for this event, an occasion that had been talked about, planned, and longed for – for years. The shrine room was transformed and given a lustrous shine of Japanese lacquer with the kind help of the local Polish Zen Abbot. Platforms and shelves had been built and skillfully painted, while chairs and sofas were refurbished and sacred pictures framed and hung in appropriate places. Cupboards were bought, assembled and installed. Every nook and cranny was meticulously cleaned.

(c) Sean Raggett 2014

There were students of all levels present – both the seasoned and the green, the old and the young. For everyone this was a very special occasion. Many attendees expressed how amazing it felt that this was actually happening in their country and for some even in their own city, their own center.

Finally, people found their seats and began meditating in the shrine room. For this occasion, overflow practitioners were invited to sit in the suite and the adjoining community room. A hushed silence fell over the whole place. Most of the 60 – 70 people were sitting on black folding chairs, with only two rows of dark blue meditation cushions in the front, reserved for dignitaries, local leaders and a few for the Sakyong’s retinue. Members of the Dorje Kasung, the Sakyong’s ‘Vajra Guard’, were present at their posts as everyone waited, eagerly anticipating the almost unbelievable arrival of the leader of Shambhala.

Just like the sun breaking through the clouds, the Sakyong entered the center and was smilingly led into the green room.

Arriving directly from Berlin, the Sakyong had already been in Europe for a couple of weeks. After briefly meeting with local leadership, Rinpoche entered the shrine room and took his seat in order to give his first ever address in Poland.

After kindly ensuring that everyone could hear him, the Sakyong talked about the importance of timing. He spoke about how sometimes one can try and try while nothing happens, and how at other times, there is a natural flow, allowing people and circumstances to come together almost effortlessly. He pointed out how the present situation was an example of the latter – a manifestation of auspicious coincidence or tendrel. Tendrel being the natural expression of interdependence, of auspicious circumstances coming together at just the right time.

Generously the Sakyong shared his love and wisdom with us, as if we were all his close family. In conclusion, the Sakyong led us in a short meditation and a Shambhala bow. The ceremony in the shrine room concluded with a blessing line, allowing each person present to receive a blessing from Rinpoche as well as a yellow protection chord.

(c) Sean Raggett 2014

After returning to the green room, the Sakyong generously hosted an audience for the leadership of all the Polish Shambhala groups.

When the Sakyong eventually left the Szczecin Shambhala Center to join the Polish leadership for lunch in a nearby restaurant there was a very tender, memorable moment. The people who were left in the center all gathered on the balcony, waving, swinging paper Shambhala flags while loudly exclaiming the warriors cry: “Ki Ki So So … ” As the Sakyong walked along the street with his retinue he turned several times to wave and look up at us and the last time he did, with a broad smile he flamboyantly sent us a blown kiss. We were moved to tears by this unexpected blessing.

(c) Sean Raggett 2014

While all of us were more or less drunk with joy, Szczecin itself seemed to have transformed, suddenly reflecting the possibility and potential for creating a culture of kindness, generosity and courage to a degree that so far had been obscured.

As the Sakyong kindly emphasized in his talk, this was “only the beginning” and we are looking forward to sharing many more such highlights with you all in the golden years to come.

~~
To learn more about the Sakyong’s upcoming visit to Berlin, please click here.

article and photos by Katja Aßmann

The Berlin sangha is happy to be welcoming Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for the first time in Berlin, the capital of Germany. He arrived about 10 days ago and spent some time with his family and sightseeing after an intense summer when he taught various retreats and programs.

Today he was invited to visit the Bundestag, the German Parliament, a building in the heart of Berlin with a lot of history. Monika Jantsch, who works at the Bundestag and who is an active member of the Berlin sangha, had organized this tour. After security of our group we were guided to the old “Reichstag” where Nazi Germany, Russia and other politic players/parties have written history. Today it is the place where the German Bundestag, which stands at the center of the country’s political life and is its supreme democratic organ of state, has its seat. At the same time the building holds much worth since it keeps and presents memories of its history.

The Sakyong was also guided to the “Andachtsraum” which is a room of sanctuary for politicians when the discussions and decisions get tough. It is decorated by an artist who tried to include the openness for all religions and offer flexibility to the person who is seeking its quiet solitude. Thus one can exchange the christian cross placed on a square rock in the center of the room with one’s own symbols.

The highlight was the visit of the roof terrace with its dome, where we enjoyed a great view over the city and a beautiful sunny time. Sakyong Mipham said one can definitely feel a strong energy of this very special place.

This coming weekend the Sakyong assisted by Acharya David Schneider, will guide a Shambhala Training Level 1: The Art of Being Human in Berlin. We expect about 250 visitors for this event.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche teaches in Berlin

article and photos by Katja Aßmann

Preparations for this special night in Berlin were running hot: Setting up furniture, decorum, registration, book sales, and of course flower arrangements, which were done beautifully by the Kado Europe Team. A lot of volunteer helpers, all equipped with basically good t-shirts, were busy bees and welcomed visitors and participants from Berlin and all over Europe just in time.

We were lucky to be able to host this event. The Sakyong’s first public talk in Berlin was held in a magical place, the Church St. Elisabeth at the heart of Berlin.

When about 300 guests had gathered, the Sakyong greeted us and informed us that the topic of his talk would fit very well with how he had experienced Berlin during his stay. He would be talking about human society and transformation, and Berlin is definitely a city which is continuously in an active transformational phase and still digests a lot of history while developing for the future.

The Sakyong introduced the notion of basic goodness and emphasized the utterly basic questions: How does humanity regard itself? Have we as humanity given up on ourselves? Is humanity basically good? He explained that meditation is like an inner dialogue of how we think about ourselves and that this notion is crucial for the future of humanity.

“It has an effect if people think about themselves based on fear or aggression, or on strength and dignity. Kindness and compassion have to become something practical for us as human beings.”

Furthermore, Rinpoche said, if we cannot relax because we feel inadequate, incomplete or guilty, then it becomes difficult to engage with life and society in a helpful way. When we have aggression in the inner, it is difficult to cultivate peace in the outer.

The Sakyong invited us all to spend some minutes of meditation and contemplate these fundamental questions and notions. Even if there is silence during meditation, there is important communication of our thoughts and emotions, he explained.

At the end he encouraged the audience to rise up and gain strength, even when things seem overwhelming.

The evening ended with a book signing and eventually some wine at the bar, meeting old and new friends. We are looking forward to the weekend program!

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche teaches a Shambhala Training Level I in Berlin, Germany

article and photos by Katja Aßmann

An international group – about 150 people from Germany, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Norway, England, Croatia, United States and Switzerland registered for this weekend with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in Berlin.

After a wonderful Friday night talk with a book signing we all gathered on Saturday morning when Acharya David Schneider introduced the notion of basic goodness again and offered meditation instruction. The meditation hall, which was the newly renovated villa of the St. Elisabeth Church, provided the perfect place to learn and practice meditation and contemplate what was being presented.

In the afternoon, Rinpoche joined us to give a long, deep talk. He emphasized the importance of view and intention. “Meditation is the act of orienting and being proactive for the direction of our life,” he said. “Without intention, your meditation is like a rock in a lake. After some years the rock is still a rock.”

The Sakyong then invited us to contemplate basic goodness with him. Contemplating and thinking about the possibility of basic goodness includes working with doubt, hesitation and inspiration, it turns out.

“There is something mysterious about a human being just sitting,” Rinpoche continued. “What happens? Meditation is about becoming familiar with and getting used to something. Meditation is the theme, the element, a principle, that you are getting used to. And what we are looking at is whether basic goodness is real, if it is worthwhile.”

The Sakyong encouraged the group (which consisted of complete beginners and quite experienced people) to ask yourself every time you sit down: “Do I want to be here, do I want to be present in my life?” Encouraging us to reengage every time we practice and set our intentions. Furthermore, Rinpoche asked us, “Do we want to meditate because something is wrong with us? Or is our view based on there being something basically good and intact about us? Can meditation foster that?”

Eventually Rinpoche focused on the quality of feeling. He explained that in our society we don’t allow ourselves to feel. Then feelings get hurt and not acknowledged. Violence and tragedy might follow. When we block our feelings out, we block out our life. “Meditation is a ceremony where we connect with our feelings. Through feeling we connect with our humanity.”

On Sunday the group came together again for meditation in the morning and to listen to the final talk by the Sakyong around noon. He finished at the end with best wishes and the encouragement to again and again reengage our intentions. “Contemplate on and make it clear what your intention is,” the Sakyong encouraged, “clarify what your aspiration is, then make your decision and act with gentleness and determination, without any regrets.”

In speaking with some of the participants, a very young practitioner shared how surprised she was how down-to-earth and practical the Sakyong’s teachings were, saying that she could perfectly connect what he said with her own experiences in daily life. A more experienced mindfulness practitioner said he understood the notion of basic goodness much better and feels more equipped to carry it into his life now. Some people felt deeply touched, while others also felt a bit overwhelmed by the intensity of the program.

After the weekend event, the Berlin sangha was received by the Sakyong who expressed his appreciation for the organization of the weekend and his interest in the city of Berlin. He promised us he would come back.

After leaving on Wednesday, the Sakyong will be traveling to Amsterdam for the Bright Now Festival.

photo by Helen Vink

article by Klemen Kokelj of Knowmads, partner in the organization of the festival

photos by BHH Studios and Helen Vink

It is Friday evening, 7pm. I enter the Royal Tropical Institute. A luxurious marble hall with a flavor of historic sea adventures greets me. The staff are relaxed and have a look of love in their eyes, which gives me the feeling that the event is going to be powerful. People are gathering and the evening buzz is exciting. I head for the Great Hall where the honorable Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is giving a lecture about the future and challenges of our society. This is another amazing hall. The event opens up with two lovely opera songs that touch my heart and shortly afterwards the Sakyong is on the stage.

Opera singer, photo by BHH Studios

I was intrigued by his remark that Tibetans are practical people and that meditation wouldn’t have survived if it was impractical. “Meditation is understanding the power of the human mind,” says the Sakyong. It turns out that meditation is not just the act of sitting down, but is about truly connecting with yourself and then staying in the same frame of mind when you get up and dive into your life. By directing our thoughts we influence our psycho-somatic state, and it affects the way we raise up our children and even how we manage our economy.

How do you connect to yourself? By truly being present to who you are and what are you doing. By asking yourself every morning: “How am I holding myself? How is society holding itself?”

Sakyong Mipham at Bright Now, photo by BHH Studios

What a powerful talk! I am so grateful to be in this place. The talk ends and I am standing in the marble hall again, drinking wine and listening to a mesmerizing jazz band and enjoying the atmosphere. I already feel a different level of presence.

photo by Helen Vink

Stay tuned for more reflections on the Bright Now Festival….coming soon to the Shambhala Times!

Dharma Teaching

by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Throughout history, the deepest minds have come to the conclusion that there is something profoundly worthy about being human. In the Shambhala tradition, we call this the sun of basic goodness. The sun is a symbol of life, warmth, and wholeness, like the wisdom that is naturally within the mind. When we practice the view of basic goodness, we enter the heart of being human by connecting to our inherent dignity.

Right now there seems to be a not-so-subtle feeling that humanity is bad. The tragic stories we read in the news are often a sign that people are not connecting with their own and other people’s goodness. The moment we do not respect ourselves or others, we have bought into a system that destabilizes our dignity as individuals and as a society. For what is society but a network of relationships among people?

How we conduct our lives is based on our values and understanding of ourselves. Through the ceremony of daily life humans collectively perform, we contextualize our existence and come up with a sense of self-identity. At the same time, our environment has a tremendous influence on our sense of who we are. Based on this feeling of self-identity, we determine how life will proceed. This is what the Buddha called interdependence.

When we consider the basic goodness of ourselves and others, we are exploring a very big question — emotionally, ethically, and philosophically. Could it really be that humanity is basically good, kind, wise, and strong? In a materialistic society, we know the outer elements of what it means to be successful, but we are becoming less familiar with the inner elements that lead to deep happiness and positive social connectivity. Through meditation, we practice reawakening those qualities by feeling our own worthiness. Yet when we sit down to meditate, we might not even understand what we are trying to awaken. We need to go on a journey to figure out what’s real.

Basic goodness is intangible. On one hand, you could say it is the highest transmission in Buddhist tantra, which would be not untrue. On the other hand, you can see it in a baby. Basic goodness is the unconditional foundation of every experience. It is always available in the present moment, healthy, whole, and without fault.

When we practice meditation, we strip away the words and discover how it feels to be human. We come to an inexpressible experience of our own being that can happen only when we let ourselves relax — when we are not afraid of ourselves, others, or the environment. Especially in a time when there is so much self-loathing, aggression, and mistrust — not just of the world but of our own inherent strength and sanity — there has to be a point where we allow ourselves to rest and feel who we are. That’s a very important moment, because when we feel who we are, we have the confidence of goodness no matter what experiences we are having. This is connected to nonattachment. Relatively we are having a lot of experiences, but ultimately we see that there really is no good day or bad day if you are thoroughly there to experience it. There is just basic goodness, beyond relative good and bad.

Meditation begins with taking your posture: open in the front, straight and upright in the back, legs crossed, hands on the thighs. The balanced container we create allows us to rest in our own vulnerability and strength. A moment of calm and openness at the beginning allows for space in which experience can occur.

As we practice, we maintain our mindfulness of the body and its language, which is the breath, and awareness of how we hold our mind, which is thought and emotion. Otherwise, obstacles arise — both spiritual and mundane — and instead of experiencing the confidence of goodness, we slowly withdraw.

When we lose connection with feeling, life become discombobulated. We dive into our speedy routine and become myopic and self-effacing, just trying to get by. Before we know it, we are participating in the creation of a world where there’s more and more paranoia and less and less security for the human mind and heart. We’ve got to be very determined people in order to carry our openness and compassion into daily life. As well as kindness, we need to develop wisdom and strength.

We do this by training in equanimity. In meditation we train in letting thoughts go. In addition, we discover that though a good meditation experience can be valuable, it can also be distracting. If you overvalue a good experience, you’re increasing the chances that a bad experience will disable you. Equanimity increases the ability of the mind to go forward when encountering the obstacles and vicissitudes of life. Without such freshness and fluidity, we are prone either to depression that cripples our ability to act or to elation that burns us out. Equanimity toward what is happening engenders a quality of steadiness, and at the same time frees us to continually move forward out of our comfort zone.

In meditation, you’re engaging in something powerful — the ability to actually experience your goodness and engender a deep sense of security in it. The process of allowing your consciousness to waken and rise is symbolized by the sun, which represents the absence of ignorance. It is the luminosity within your own consciousness.

This wisdom is the source of all happiness, because it has the potency to overcome suffering. Even momentarily reflecting on it brings dignity because its brilliance overcomes doubts and hesitations about our own worthiness. When we can rest in its self-generating, all-inclusive quality, our mind is no longer ravenous with desire, which only leads to more consumption. We can release ourselves from the trap of materialism and bask in the confidence of goodness. This is not a belief, but a feeling that we know and embody by practicing repeatedly in order to fold what we’re experiencing into our being until we make it our own.

Our journey trains us in the skills of mindfulness and awareness, which lead to equanimity and wisdom. This is where basic goodness begins to manifest as we recognize the potent quality of the human mind and spirit. If we understand and appreciate our worthiness, our life becomes a truly spiritual path, for when we manifest human dignity, our society has a natural predisposition to manifest it also.

If enough of us take this view, the fabric of our society will be completely interlaced with the sun of goodness, which allows the dignity of wisdom, kindness, and strength to arise naturally. The message of interdependence is that we are in the matrix of life, and there are no commercial breaks. By strengthening our own humanity, we engender confidence in the worthiness of humanity itself.

~~
Learn more about the Sakyong and connect with his teachings online at: www.sakyong.com

The Kalapa Court is delighted to announce that the Kongma Sakyong, Jampal Trinley Dradul, and the Sakyong Wangmo, Dechen Choying Sangmo are expecting the birth of their third child in the Spring of 2015. The Sakyong Wangmo is in good health and shares the delight of the Sakyong and the Princesses in this auspicious news.

Shambhalians are warmly invited to include a celebratory lhasang in their daily practice, using the lhasang chant below. Shambhala centers that would like to incorporate a celebratory lhasang into an appropriate community event during the next week or so, in conjunction with the Sakyong’s birthday, are welcome.

May joy in the expansion of our lineage pervade all of our practices and may all beings enjoy Profound, Brilliant Glory. KI KI SO SO!

Arrange a lhasang and chant:

HRIH
The virtuous mark, the great banner of inspiring windhorse,
And these clouds of offerings of all desirable things
We offer to you, great being Gesar with your retinue.
Fulfill all our wishes; be victorious in all directions.

(Copyright Nalanda Translation Committee. All rights reserved.)

Circle the lhasang smoke while chanting:

KI KI SO SO ASHE LHA GYE LO TAK SENG KHUNG DRUK DI YAR KYE!

Click here to see more photos of the family.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, photo courtesy of BHH Studios

We are all leaders, in that each of us is leading our life. We have no choice. We are making decisions moment-to-moment, even if it’s to butter our toast. To lead our lives well, we need to be intimately involved with our own journey.

It’s healthy to meditate because it’s a way to move forward and have vision. We can take the proper posture, let ourselves be, and get in touch with the unconditional health of the mind. That is meditation. Even in the beginning, as we struggle less with thoughts, emotions, and sense perceptions, we experience a glimmer of inherent nonaggression that allows us to be at peace. When we feel upset, depressed, or frustrated, this feeling of space and accommodation is challenged, and our relationship to it shifts. Meditating is an unbiased way to strengthen our confidence in it.

Such confidence in our inherent nonaggression cannot be acquired, but only uncovered. If you feel that you have to create it, you are experiencing a tinge of aggression. We’re talking about aggression that manifests as an innate feeling of disharmony and uneasiness. It is a dualistic root that requires us to struggle. We are somehow not content with what we are experiencing.

The notion of gentleness in the Shambhala tradition is that we do not have to manufacture an aggressive state of confidence. In this case, confidence is something we already have. The Tibetan word is ziji. Zi means “glory, brilliance.” Ji is “splendor.” This word describes the inherent radiance of the human heart. Although having confidence in yourself can be helpful, ziji is different. This confidence embodies our natural radiance and naturally extends to others.

Ziji is a sign that we trust our own being, which allows us to embrace life fully. It dissolves the veil between the spiritual and the genuine. That means we’re willing to put our nose a little bit further into the wind of complete non-knowing. The Shambhala teachings call this “living in the challenge.” People who are comfortable with that sense of not-knowing are able to do heroic things. When they look at challenges, solutions arise.

From the Buddhist point of view, nirvana is attained through suffering, but for that to happen, we have to develop our minds, and we have to connect with others. Both are challenging for different reasons. It’s challenging to connect to our own emotions because they can be destabilizing. The mind is a vast place, easy to get lost. Relating with others provokes us, and sometimes people are just difficult. We have to connect with how they feel. In order to do that, we have to know how we feel. To suffer is unavoidable, but it is hard to lead when you’re trying not to get hurt. Great lives are led fearlessly by applying the loving kindness of an open heart and mind. That’s how we can be both resilient and helpful.

Living in the challenge means that it is easier to accept making relative mistakes. If we are able to keep a little bit of psychological distance and accept a mistake as a healthy part of the journey, we are able to learn from it and move on. Those mistakes are like the sharpening stone of the sword. If we want the sword to be sharp, we always need a sense of what it’s rubbing against. That’s where self-reflection comes in. We use it to establish our intention. When you awaken, you take time to reflect on areas in your life to develop or improve, including relationships with friends and family: How will I lead my life today? The more you can appreciate your fortunate existence, the fresher each day will be.

Confidence in our forward movement infuses life with curiosity, wonder, and play. Such splendidness comes from a mind that is doubtless about its inherent peace and strength. Such trust transforms selfish tendencies into selflessness, which is naturally expressed through a light-hearted attitude, a sign of an open mind, a spacious and gentle environment in which we can see more clearly. That is the meaning of the word enlightenment: “full illumination.” When something is fully illuminated, we see everything. Partial illumination is essentially ignorance.

When our confidence is obscured, engaging in life is a process of hope and fear. If we can release ourselves from this claustrophobic trap, we have vision. We can imagine success. We become fearless warriors who see where they are going. When we believe in human dignity, we can imagine a good human existence. Imagining success, we are riding the tip of the arrow for all humanity. Not only can we lead our own life in an uplifted way, we can also uplift the lives of others. This is windhorse — inherent trust in the fundamental goodness of what’s happening, as opposed to the attitude that things are only going to get worse. It is hard to have vision when we’re afraid to look up. In that case, instead of radiating confidence, we tend to spread anxiety, hesitation, and fear.

In order for fearless vision to occur, we are not afraid to acknowledge space. First, in meditation, we experience a sense of complete fathomlessness that is always available. This space by which everything can be accommodated is saturated with nonaggression, a natural part of our being. When we accommodate everything, we appreciate everything; no detail is inconsequential. Familiarity with that space gives us precision and power in leading our life.
Sometimes we become too myopic to allow ourselves to experience our own vastness. That is how we create prefabricated tunnels through which we run around endlessly. These psychological tunnels are what we call habitual patterns, and they have no jail-keeper but ourselves. When we “think vast,” they disintegrate in the face of compassion and brilliance.

Our space and radiance are happening all the time, but habitual patterns are usually obscuring them. Meditation and self-reflection are the keys to revealing them. Whether you feel inspired, uplifted, or in the dumps — just look at the quality of your mind and heart. Recall the moment when someone inspired your decision not to escape from life, but to lead it genuinely. Then relax, and allow your brilliance to occur.

As meditators, we cannot simply hide away in our own realization. That inward personal experience is sacred, but just by being human, we have a responsibility to lead. Whatever the phase of our life and practice, we can perpetually develop our leadership skills, the ability to genuinely engage with our lives and inspire others. If we can open our minds, we can open up to what is happening right in front of us. That’s how we gain knowledge and realization.

As genuine leaders of life, we are able to uplift any environment by connecting to our own magnanimity and letting other people into our field of experience. We need to be humble and bite off what we can, and at the same time allow ourselves to think bigger. Whenever we are able to contact our own confidence, we are also creating a sense of community: we are touching that timeless quality in everyone.

~~
Learn more about the Sakyong and see some of his teachings visit: www.sakyong.com

The Shambhala Times is delighted to wish a Cheerful Birthday to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche today!

Shambhalians are warmly invited to include a celebratory lhasang in their daily practice, using the lhasang chant below. Shambhala centers that would like to incorporate a celebratory lhasang into an appropriate community event during the next week or so, in conjunction with the Sakyong’s birthday, are welcome.

In honor of the Sakyong’s birthday, the Kalapa Court is delighted to share this poem, written by the Sakyong in 2000.

Good Morning, Destiny

The sun danced as I slid my hand
Across the illusion of life,
Washing this blessed face, this body,
Immortal memories of childhood,
Reflections of mother and father.
Gliding across my face,
The water drips, collecting on my nose.
I cup my hand to catch this precious liquid.

The sun strikes my gaze.
I can still see my mother, my father.
I shake my head and wonder,
What has happened to me?
Who have I become?
Why do I feel the need to cleanse?

My childhood, my mistakes, my whole life
Is reflected in this clear water.
I let it caress my sun-drenched skin,
Hoping it will soothe my heart.
My mind and heart reflect each other.
I cannot shake the memories.

Who am I?
What have I become?
What is this elixir,
This moisture,
This rock, this cactus,
This leaf of life,
This dance, this dream?
Why am I deprived?
Why am I a lucky star,
A silver in the boot?

All this simmers behind my eyelids as I wash my face.
A thousand times I have washed this face,
A thousand times I have looked through these eyes
And felt with this heart, good morning.
Good morning, me.
Good morning, life.
Good morning, destiny.

20 February 2000
Halifax, Nova Scotia

From Snow Lion’s Delight. To view this & other poetry offerings by the Sakyong, please click here.

To include a lhasang in your daily or center practice, arrange a lhasang and chant:

HRIH
The virtuous mark, the great banner of inspiring windhorse,
And these clouds of offerings of all desirable things
We offer to you, great being Gesar with your retinue.
Fulfill all our wishes; be victorious in all directions.

(Copyright Nalanda Translation Committee. All rights reserved.)

Circle the lhasang smoke while chanting:

KI KI SO SO ASHE LHA GYE LO TAK SENG KHUNG DRUK DI YAR KYE!

~~
And, just because Karme Choling was on top of it, we are delighted to share this cheerful message to the Sakyong!

Sakyong Mipham Ripoche, photo BHH Studios

It was a message about basic goodness in each one of us, and about how we can conduct our lives with genuine confidence – that unconditional trust and feeling in one’s innate goodness that can be infectious and become building blocks for an enlightened society.

A year after he visited New York and gave his first public talk since 2008 to a crowd of 800, the Sakyong’s return to Manhattan on November 1st was more intimate this time around – it was meant specifically for the New York Shambhala Center members.

And his message did pack that extra punch and came at a critical time as the New York sangha, Shambhala’s largest metropolitan center with over 500 members, is moving to a yet-to-be finalized location early next year after a 19-plus-year history in the current Chelsea neighborhood.

“It’s a historical testament to where we are,” the Sakyong spoke at the New York center to about 200 members, including some who came from other centers and became New York members just so they could hear the Sakyong’s words in person. “New York being so strong is an interesting cultural shift.”

And the importance of how New York moves forward next wasn’t lost on the Sakyong.

He spoke about having a vision and intention for the new center, where it would be a place for conversations to take place; where “human connectivity can be the foundation of human dignity;” and where it would be a testing ground that allows the messages of genuine confidence and basic goodness to flourish and expand from the individual level to the broader society.

“It’s important to think how this culture can manifest,” he said. “It doesn’t cost anything to have imagination. The notion of building a community is the most difficult but also the most important.”

The Sakyong continued saying, “Nothing arises without a level of struggle and some pain. We are trying to rise up to a sense of vision. If we do it in a way that’s genuine and strong, we’ll have lots of friends.”

As he travels around the world and engages with other communities, the Sakyong said the notion of “Who am I?” is a “global and societal question” as “the principles we are all looking for” share common themes. He gave the example of hearing the following words from a different community when he visited Amsterdam: “I think people are good.”

“We have ideas that we as a community are trying to act on, a community that can embody it,” the Sakyong said. “We are a culture in believing life is worth living….The trick is to work with the multi-layered color of human confidence, to say ‘We are going to live this way.’ If we do, there’s going to be energy.

“In New York, is this something strong enough for us to manifest and not to convince someone? How can we participate in a non-aggressive way?” the Sakyong asked.

How the New York center manifests itself next was also a central theme of Acharya Eric Spiegel’s talk earlier in the day to set the stage for the Sakyong’s teaching that afternoon.

The Acharya gave a brief history of Shambhala and the New York center and encouraged the community to see the move and the change, “as part of the evolution of the dharma.” He also led sangha members to contemplate “richness” in their lives, instead of the habitual pattern of focusing on negativity.

The sangha also participated in group contemplations to answer the following questions: What led you to Shambhala? How does Shambhala enrich your life? What vision do you have for Shambhala?

Some members spoke about being agents of change and doing more outreach, while others talked about engaging with other communities or working more closely to bring Shambhala principles to the corporate world.

And some of those visions may well play a role in the new center’s blueprint.

“This isn’t the time to think just about the next five years, but the next 50 years,” the Sakyong said later in the day. “We might be here for good. To think that way, it takes courage. From that, there’s a spark and energy released. People like to gift wrap their spirituality, but it needs to be engaged. By creating strong intention, a seed is planted. Through action the seed can be watered.”

~~
A special thanks to Andria Cheng for guest reporting again for the Shambhala Times!

The Sakyong gives his blessings to Melanie Klein, who will be assuming the role of center director in Boulder when the current director, Ulrike Halpern, steps down on Shambhala Day. photo by Mike Levy

On the first Sunday of 2015, the Boulder sangha gathered for a day of community practice, conversation, celebration and an address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. “I’m happy that our Sundays happened to match up,” smiled the Sakyong, whose unexpected visit to Boulder brought warmth to an otherwise frigid start to the year.

For the Sakyong — who will soon be reuniting with the Sakyong Wangmo, Jetsun Drukmo and Jetsun Yudra — family, relationships and community are important themes, which he wove throughout his talk.

Noting the leadership transition at the Boulder center, the Sakyong commented that it marked a growing process in which individual practice has shifted to a sense of community — the heart of Shambhala vision. In a gesture of building community (which the Sakyong deemed “the hardest thing you can do”) everyone had been invited to practice the Shambhala Sadhana earlier that afternoon, regardless of their level of training.

“The Shambhala Sadhana is an opportunity to connect with something innate — basic goodness — and an opportunity to come together,” he said. “It’s one thing to read it, it’s another to say it,” he continued. “A community that says it has lungta.”

Acknowledging issues such as inequality and race, Rinpoche remarked that it is an intense time to be a human being. “Around the world, the fabric of family and community is being challenged,” he said. He noted that so much pain stems from people not feeling worthy or respected. Yet when we look at the fundamental elements of society from the point of view of basic goodness, it is an excellent time to be who we are. “The tools and qualities we’ve developed are needed more than ever in the world,” he explained. “We can be part of the solution. We can contribute to the future.”

How? By facing outward rather than inward, and by making the teachings and wisdom part of the fabric of society. The Sakyong believes we can play a role in the direction of our world by having the confidence to connect with what he called the family of basic goodness and the family of dignity. “With relationships, we’re able to relax and express our sense of love, of family. Bravery and warriorship are about feeling those things and unlocking them.” For the Sakyong, this practice of feeling and connecting is the foundation of transforming society.

“The most important moment in any social movement is to have a sense of being worthy,” he said. “It’s difficult to know the future, but we do know we can work with what we have now.”

From the Sakyong’s point of view, mindfulness is the tip of the arrow. “I have hopes and dreams that our meditation tradition is about to become a social tradition.”

Changing Directors
On a day full of food, conversation and meditation at the Boulder Shambhala Center, the Sakyong shined a spotlight on center director Ulrike Halpern, who is stepping down after six years of “splendid” service. With an emphatic “Danke schon!” the Sakyong thanked Ulrike for persevering with elegance, grace, tenacity and optimism. He also expressed his gratitude to her for having made his family feel so welcomed. He offered her a khata as a sign of victory and said with a smile, “Thank you for taking care of our place.”

The Sakyong also welcomed and offered his blessings to incoming center director Melanie Klein. “I’m so pleased that you came forward with such interest and heart,” he said. “Welcome to the family!” The Sakyong described her role as “balancing fearlessness and gentleness mixed with the drala of nowness” and offered her much love and luck.

On 16 March, the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo conducted ceremonies to purify and bless the new Kalapa Centre offices in Halifax. In the Sakyong’s new office at Sovereign Place overlooking Halifax Harbour — surrounded by the staff of the Sakyong Potrang, Shambhala, the Kalapa Court, Centre East Media, and Kalapa Media — the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo led a lhasang which was then carried to offices throughout two floors of the building.

Following the ceremony, all re-gathered in the Sakyong’s office where the Sakyong Wangmo presented him with a magnificent Gesar thangka she had carried from Nepal, to protect and gather energy for the expansion of Shambhala everywhere. Then all enjoyed sparkling wine, toasts and warm conversation.

The Sakyong spoke of the importance of this new space to Shambhala with its vast views, how it would energize the expansion of not only the international offices it houses, but the Halifax Shambhala Centre and all our centres throughout the world. All present were reminded of his encouragement to us in his recent Shambhala Day address:

As we take this moment globally, letting the sun of Shambhala extend out, let us make an aspiration to be of benefit: to strengthen those who need to be strengthened, to help those who are suffering, and to create a culture based on the principles of strength, kindness, and intelligence.

To view some video highlights of this event, please visit this site. Please note that Shambhala is now at the following address:

Shambhala
Sovereign Place
5121 Sackville Street Suite 601
Halifax, N.S. B3J 1K1
Canada
(902) 425-4275
email: shambhalaint@shambhala.org

The Sakyong Wangmo of Shambhala gave birth to her third daughter at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax this morning at 4:49 a.m. local time.

“With her usual dignity and strength, The Sakyong Wangmo, Khandro Tseyang gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Mother, father, and the newest addition to the Mukpo family are all doing well,” reported Dr. Mitchell Levy, personal physician to the family.

Translations into Italian, Spanish, Polish, French, Dutch, German, Slovenian, and Danish follow.

Italian:

La famiglia reale di Shambhala dà il benvenuto alla terza figlia.

La Sakyong Wangmo di Shambhala ha dato alla luce le terza figlia al IWK Health Centre di Halifax questa mattina alle 4:49 ora locale.

“Con la sua consueta dignità e forza la Sakyong Wangmo Khandro Tseyang a dato alla luce una bellissima e sana bambina. La madre, il padre e la nuova arrivata della famiglia Mukpo stanno tutti bene,” riferisce il dott. Mitchell Levy, dottore personale della famiglia.

Spanish:

La familia real de Shambhala da la bienvenida a su tercera hija

La Sakyong Wangmo de Shambhala dio a luz a su tercera hija esta manana a las 04:49 (hora local) en el centro sanitario IWK de Halifax (Nueva Escocia, Canada).

“Con su dignidad y fortaleza habituales, la Sakyong Wangmo, Khandro Tseyang, dio a luz a una hija hermosa y sana. La madre, el padre y la nueva componente de la familia Mukpo se encuentran bien”, segun informa el Dr. Mitchell Levy, medico personal de la familia.

Polish:

Królewska Rodzina Shambhali wita swoje trzecie dziecko!

W centrum zdrowia IWK w Halifaxie, o godzinie 04.49 lokalnego czasu, Sakyong Wangmo Shambhali, urodziła trzecią córkę.

“Sakyong Wangmo Shambhali, Khandro Tseyang, z typową dla Niej godnością i siłą urodziła piekną i zdrową córeczkę. Mama,Tata i najmłodsza czlonkini Rodziny Mukpo czują się bardzo dobrze” wiadomość od dr Michela Levy, osobistego lekarza Rodziny

French:

La famille royale de Shambhala accueille son troisième enfant

La Sakyong Wangmo de Shambhala a donnée naissance à sa troisième fille au IWK Health Centre d’Halifax ce matin à 4h49 heure locale.

“Avec sa dignité et sa grace habituelle, la Sakyong Wangmo Khandro Tseyang a donné naissance à une magnifique petite fille . Le père, la mère et les neombreux membres de la famille Mukpo se portent très bien.” Citation de Mitchell Levy, medicin personnel de la famille

Dutch:

De koninklijke familie van Shambhala verwelkomt hun derale kind

De Sakyong Wangmo van Shambhala is vanmorgen om 4.49 a.m. lokale tijd bevallen van haar derde dochter in het IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

“Met haar gebruikelijke waardigheid en kracht is de Sakyong Wangmo, Khandro Tseyang, van een prachtige en gezonde dochter bevallen. Moeder, vader, en de nieuwste aanwinst voor de Mukpo familie maken het allemaal goed.” Citaat van de dr. Mitchell Levy, lijfarts van de Mukpo familie.

German:

Die Königliche Familie von Shambhala heißt ihr drittes Kind willkommen!

Heute morgen um 4:49 Uhr lokaler Zeit gebar die Sakyong Wangmo von Shambhala im IWK Health Center in Halifax ihr dritte Tochter.

“In gewohnter Würde und Stärke brachte die Sakyong Wangmo von Shambhala, Khandro Tseyang, ein hübsches, gesundes Mädchen zur Welt. Mutter, Vater und der dritte Nachkömmling sind wohlauf.” Zitat Dr. Mitchell Levy, Arzt der Familie

Slowenian:

Title: Shambhala krajeva družina sprejme tretjega otroka

Sakyong Wangmo je rodila tretjo hčerko v IWK zdravstvenem domu v Halifaxu to jutro ob 4:49 po našem času.

“Z njenim običajnim dostojanstvom in močjo je Sakyong Wangmo Khandro Tseyang rodila čudovito in zdravo hčerko. Mati, Oče in najnovejša članica Mukpo družine se počutijo dobro.”

Michael Levy osebni zdravnik družine.

Danish:

Shambhala Konge familien byder deres tredje barn velkommen.

Sakyong Wangmo af Shambhala, fødte sin tredje datter i IWK Sundhedscenteret i Halifax, hertil morgen, kl. 04.49, lokal tid.

“Med sin sædvanlige værdighed og styrke, fødte Sakyong Wangmo, Khandro Tseyang, en smuk og sund pige. Både moderen, faderen og Mukpo familiens nye medlem, har det godt.” Dr. Mitchel Levy, familiens livlæge.

The Sakyong Wangmo and Jetsun Dzedron returned to the Kalapa Court yesterday, radiating joy and good health.

Dzedron Okar Yangchen Ziji Mukpo was born at 4:49 am on April 10th at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, weighing 7 lbs 15 ounces. The child will be known as Jetsun Dzedron — Princess Lamp of Beauty.

The Royal Family was greeted by family and friends, and a welcome home banner made by Jetsun Drukmo and Jetsun Yudra, both born at the same hospital in 2010 and 2013.

A registry may be found at this site where greetings may be sent to the family, and contributions offered to an education fund or for family travel around the birth.

Please include your full name and city so that the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo know of every visitor to the registry site. They are so appreciative of kind thoughts for their family at this time.

You may also send cards to:

The Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo
Office of the Sakyong
Sovereign Place
5121 Sackville Street Suite 601
Halifax, N.S. B3J 1K1
Canada
or email Secretary Jeanne Cain at goldenbirth@gmail.com

The Enthronement of Sakyong Mipham, photo © Marvin Moore

The Mipham Proclamation

This proclamation, composed and sealed by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, is the formal recognition of the Sakyong as the incarnation of Mipham Rinpoche. It was composed by His Holiness on the occasion of the Sakyong’s visit to Namdroling monastery, His Holiness’ seat in India, in the fall of 1994. This was prior to the Sakyong receiving the abhisheka of The Blazing Jewel of Sovereignty from His Holiness in May of 1995 during the Joining Heaven and Earth celebration.

His Holiness Penor Rinpoche explained that when a tulku is enthroned it is customary to perform three different ceremonies, those of confirming, naming, and enthroning. When asked how this recognition related to the Sakyong Enthronement, His Holiness added, “I’ve recognized the Sawang as the mind emanation of Mipham Rinpoche.” Mipham is recognized as the bodhisattva Manjushri (the embodiment of wisdom) in a human form.

At first, His Holiness was perplexed with his own revelation, because the original Mipham (1846-1912) said that he would not return to this earth, but would instead go to join the Rigdens in Shambhala. Upon reflecting on Trungpa Rinpoche’s manifestation of Shambhala, His Holiness saw the harmony between the first Mipham’s prediction for himself and his own revelation.

The first Mipham Rinpoche, Jamyang Namgyal Gyatso, is of supreme importance to the Nyingma lineage. He was one of the most important teachers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, having composed thirty-two volumes of writings. His works range broadly from buddhist liturgy and philosophy, to medicine, astrology, politics, and much more. The quality of his compositions is unsurpassed. Although he wrote voluminously, he did so only during certain periods, devoting most of his time to intense meditative retreat.

Proclamation to All Students of the Shambhala Tradition
Who Live in This Great World

In accordance with the special transmission and prophecy of the Rigden kings, which arose through the radiance of space, the wisdom of the father Trungpa Chokyi Gyatso, I recognize his eldest son, Osel Rangdrol Mukpo, as the incarnation of Mipham Jampal Gyepe Dorje, who was Manjushri in person.

I confer upon him the name Jampal Trinley Dradul − Manjushri Buddha Activity Enemy Subjugator − and the sovereignty of the Sakyong king.

I exhort him never to waver from his determination to uphold the precious teachings of the Victorious One and especially the tradition of Shambhala, so that every connection he makes with beings will be meaningful.

I, Palyul Drubwang Pema Norbu, Supreme Head of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, the Early Translation School, make this proclamation on the excellent fifteenth day of the third month of the Wood Sow year, the fourteenth of May, 1995.

Translated by Matthieu Ricard and the Nalanda Translation Committee.

The Sakyong will be appearing in a documentary this Sunday June 28. CBS News Religion & Culture covered the Sakyong’s visit to Chicago as a part of a program looking at mindfulness and meditation in today’s society.

Three years ago, the Sakyong challenged Chicago Shambhala Meditation Center to bring peace, hope and empowerment to their surrounding community. In May, the Sakyong visited Chicago again and spoke about making peace possible at Fourth Presbyterian Church, checked in with community members and faith leaders, and delivered a community talk at Shambhala Chicago. Follow this link Facebook.com/CBSReligion to see when the broadcast might air locally or cbsnews.com/religion-and-culture to watch online starting the June 28.

The Sakyong, having just emerged from leading a deep retreat at Shambhala Mountain Center, wants to share with the Shambhala community the following letter he has written to Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Letter to Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church

To the congregation of Mother Emanuel, and to the families and loved ones of the recently deceased, I write to you from deep meditation retreat in Colorado, with sadness and compassion in my heart.

Accidents can strike suddenly. Sickness can slowly wither our body and spirit. Natural disasters leave us in a state of panic at the elemental power of the world. But in facing terrorism arising through the poison of racism, we are shocked into a state of horror — personally experiencing humanity at its most violent.

In this time of instability and extreme challenge, where can we find refuge? What can transcend these illusory boundaries of race, ethnic origin, personal background, or orientation of any sort?

Our only reliable source of strength is the goodness of our hearts. Our only foundation for coming to terms with the suffering of the times is our innate need to be decent human beings.

All of humanity has this worthiness, locked deep beneath the layers of hope and fear. I write to you today from that fundamental place, in the midst of our loved ones being taken from us, and our very identity being stripped away. Underneath the bewilderment, grief, and anger, we find ourselves questioning the whole thing — our ground has been shaken.

However, when we come this close to senseless terror, we begin to glimpse our true nature — goodness — and we remember the goodness of those we have lost. We see this kind of bravery in the profound forgiveness voiced by the families of those who were killed in South Carolina. This is such an example of basic goodness and the power of forgiveness, right in the midst of the most ruthless violence and pain.

We must find and reside on that innate ground of human goodness in order to move through the darkness of this age. We must take refuge in the warmth of human decency in order to weather the pain and confusion that assaults the sanctuary of our very heart. We must join together in wisdom and kindness to combat the senseless terror we see all around us.

With profound love,

The Sakyong
June 28, 2015

Sakyong Wangmo, photo by Ian Bascetta

The day dawned crisp and blue, not too hot, and finally not too cold on a recent Vermont June morning. The Sakyong Wangmo would be coming to Karme Choling for an auspicious regional gathering of Shambhalians.

Karme Choling staff busied themselves to set up, making huge amounts of the special desil – Tibetan sweet rice (a delicious combination of white rice, cashews, raisins, sugar and butter) and the special milky-sweet Tibetan tea. The invitation went out to the regional community around Vermont. Clothes were ironed, pins put on, the garden prepped and even one small baby gussied up to meet the Sakyong Wangmo.

At a quarter to four in the afternoon, the entire Karme Choling staff and visitors from St. Johnsbury, White River Junction and even Montpelier lined the driveway leading to Karme Choling. It had been three years since the Sakyong Wangmo had visited, and needless to say, everyone was very excited.

The very first visit of the Sakyong Wangmo to Karme Choling was a delightful and elegant picnic in the upper meadow, named Togal Ridge. As Acharya Suzanne Duquette recalls, “the Sakyong, Sakyong Wangmo and two of her sisters attended that gathering. There was a white tent and formal picnic service. All this happened on a beautiful fall day.” In 2012, there was a visit to Karme Choling as well as an appearance at the St. Johnsbury Shambhala Center for a tea and rice ceremony.

On this recent occasion, arriving to the melodious call of five conches, the Sakyong Wangmo was greeted by all present, and then ushered inside to be welcomed by the Acharyas and Assistant Directors of Karme Choling. Everyone else filed down the hall to take their seats in the beautiful main shrine room for the traditional tea and rice ceremony, performed to rouse auspiciousness.

Hosting the Sakyong Wangmo in this way, for a tea and rice ceremony, provokes auspiciousness in a variety of ways. The opportunity to share space with the Sakyong Wangmo, which does not arise very often, as she herself pointed out, she is a busy mother with three daughters, is a rare gift. Being in her presence, one is confronted with incredible elegance, grace, warmth and love. Partaking of the traditional ceremony also allows her to enjoy everyone’s presence and greet the community.

During the gathering, the Sakyong Wangmo engaged with those present, asking where everyone was from, what programs were happening at the moment and how many staff are currently working at Karme Choling. Tara Bass, Assistant Director, also introduced the Sakyong Wangmo to each person as people passed to offer her a kata. It was very touching for everyone to greet her personally and offered many moments of delightful interaction. With one person who was a musician for example, the Sakyong Wangmo said, “Oh, you’ll have to perform next time,” referring to the previous visit the Sakyong Wangmo had made to the St. Johnsbury Shambhala Center a few years ago at which live music had been offered (read more about that here). In response, Sal the musician said, “You, too!” There was much laughter.

Joyful too, was the introduction of this author’s baby daughter, Odessa Rose, to the Sakyong Wangmo. Both were clearly delighted to meet each other. Baby Odessa reaching out with a kata in her hands, the Sakyong Wangmo took it and tied it nice and snug back around Odessa. We parents could not have been more overjoyed!

Once the delightful gathering was finished, the Sakyong Wangmo very much enjoyed a Karme Choling garden tour in the beautiful afternoon light. She asked a number of questions about what was planted and in particular said that she was so happy that the garden has many of her favorite foods, including potatoes, tomatoes, leeks, and strawberries. The garden staff sent over a box of the favorites she mentioned to the Sakyong Wangmo that very night. The Sakyong Wangmo also loves hot peppers and Emily and Gary, who run the garden, were delighted and smiled when they promised to send a good sized shipment of their best hot peppers as soon as they become ripe, in late July or early August.

As Acharya Duquette shares, “the Sakyong Wangmo expressed such tremendous curiosity and interest throughout her visit to Karme Choling. She was very relaxed and engaging, exuding a warmth that helped everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. It was a totally delightful afternoon for all who attended.”

photo by Mike Levy

His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche (Penor Rinpoche), then the Supreme Head of the Nyingma lineage, conferred the enthronement in the midst of the Shambhala Celebration known as Joining Heaven & Earth. This festive celebration, held at Pier 23 in Halifax, lasted nine days and had thousands of Shambhalians in attendance. As part of the celebration, Penor Rinpoche auspiciously conferred the Kalachakra Empowerment for Enlightened Society.

The title of Sakyong means “earth protector.” It was previously conferred on the Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche on May 24, 1982 by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The Sakyong’s enthronement was only the second time that this rare ceremony has been conferred in the West and, at the time, marked a milestone in the then 25-year history of Shambhala International.

The Shambhala community celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Sakyong’s Enthronement in a gathering in Boulder, CO on July 5th which was broadcast internationally to Shambhala Centers around the world. The morning began with the practice of the Shambhala Sadhana, a liturgy composed by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in 2011 to illuminate basic goodness. Following that, Acharya Judith Simmer-Brown provided the context for the celebration with a brief account of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s journey to the west and the establishment of the Shambhala lineage.

Once the Sakyong arrived, there were a series of mandala offerings, one from the Sakyong’s family, offered by the Sakyong Wangmo, Khandro Tseyang, assisted by Lama Pegyal and Gyurme Dorje, and another from the Shambhala community, offered by Acharya Susan Skjei, assisted by the Kasung Ki Khyap Jesse Grimes and Melanie Klein, Center Director of the Boulder Shambhala Center.

The Sakyong donned the cloak and crown that he wore during his enthronement as Sakyong to receive these offerings (shown in the photograph above).

ANNIVERSARY

You have performed goodness and genuineness.
You have lived up to the standard of genuine son.
Your chuckle has turned out to be great humor.
Your bravery is better than Garuda’s cry.
I appreciate your being a real person.

As much as we celebrate,
You should join the Tiger Lion Garuda Dragon Dignities.
Your icicle is good and your fire is magnificent.
Your meaningful smiled have turned out to be chariots
Which will bring along the Great Eastern Sun.

~ The Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

March 22, 1978
Dixville Notch, New Hampshire

Excerpted from Royal Songs, a collection of poetry published on the occasion of the Sakyong’s enthronement in 1995.

Shastri Holly Gayley read the poem, “Anniversary,” composed by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on the occasion of his son’s coming of age, one year prior to his empowerment as Sawang in Boulder in 1979, thirty-six years ago. As if to herald the occasion, church bells sounded throughout the reading. To cap off these offerings, Julia Emory offered a stunning cello solo.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche addressed the community on this occasion. Below is an edited excerpt from the address:

I very much feel the blessing, humor and timing of my father, the Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the Dorje Dradul of Mukpo, who thirty-six years ago in this very room planted a seed of human goodness and continuity in my empowerment [as Sawang] and sixteen years later that came to fruition in the enthronement of myself [as Sakyong]. Even though this day marks that occasion, I really think what happened is that it was essentially the enthronement of Shambhala, the enthronement of all of us. So I see this not just for myself personally, but all of us.

The notion of enthronement is a ceremony of taking our seat, of taking our principle. And, in a sense, on that day, we all took our seat of basic goodness. So you could say that what was enthroned was basic goodness. What was enthroned was human dignity. What was enthroned was the notion of good human society. So that is something that occurred.

At the same time, I feel like what we are celebrating today is not just the past. But really, we are on the precipice of the future. On the one hand, I feel like what has happened over the last twenty years is that we have ourselves worked with this notion: are we worthy to be here? It feels like there is a sense of strength and kindness and good confidence that has developed. Right now we are at this interesting crossroads where, in a sense by taking our seat, we can take our seat at the table of global society. We have the opportunity to take our seat and also to determine and participate in how the future unfolds.

So this is very much a time when all of us have to gather our strength, gather that sense of who we are, personally and communally, and look towards the future. People have plans, but society has to have a vision. In many ways, the focus over the last twenty years has been myself. Right now, the transition is that it is on all of you, all of us. We must manifest as a community. And, If we are to embody these teachings, which have so much power and possibility, we have a community and we’ve worked hard…

Building community is not easy, but we have somehow persevered and succeeded. Yet I feel like there is more to do. So it is important to take this moment in the continuum of our community to reflect on what we would like to see in the future. What can our community be in the future? Can we participate in a world that is right now in a very fragile situation?

So on the one hand, this has been my responsibility. The word sakyong means “earth protector.” On this day, when you are supposedly celebrating myself, I’m going to do a big switcheroo. I’m going to make all of you earth protectors. I’m going to need some help. So, on the one hand, I am delighted and honored by this responsibility. But this notion of how a human being can wake up to their potential and wake up to who they are is so powerful.

If we can create a community where this becomes the norm, this becomes the community, then we are all protecting wakefulness, dignity, human culture, ethics, all these elements.

So we have to become not only protectors of humanity, we have to become protectors of the environment, and we have to become protectors of society. How do we do that? It is us all realizing that we have this precious human life.

On this day, I would encourage all of you to reconnect to your own sense of journey and warriorship. It’s so easy right now to loose our way in life. So on a personal level, please connect with your own particular practice, your our own sense of journey, meditation. But not just leave it here, also connect with what we can do for others, for society. If we as a community can do this, there is so much that is possible.

As a community, can we have the courageousness to raise our gaze and look out?

Just by that gesture of looking up, it create possibilities for future generations. So it is no longer about the past, it’s not even about the present. It’s about how we can evolve. On this day, we are now enthroning and acknowledging future generations who will be in this space and around the world in the Shambhala Centers and having the opportunity to look up.

So I would like to ask that we bring this sense of vision to our homes, to our Centers, and to all those activities that we are doing in trying to help the world. When we do this, it gives such power.

This is something that’s beyond us. In many ways, the sun is just rising. So I would like to celebrate this golden dawn of Shambhala vision of human dignity and goodness.

~~
You can watch the full recording of the Sakyong’s address and the celebration in Boulder on Livestream via Shambhala Online.

article by Kelly MacLean
photo by BHH Studios

Our beloved Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo are overjoyed to announce that their eldest daughter, Princess Jetsun Drukmo will begin kindergarten this very month of August.

Just days after the Princess’s fifth birthday she will attend her first lessons at Ziji Early Elementary in Boulder, Colorado. The parents are thrilled (and a tad nervous) for their treasured daughter to make this great transition.

Entering her new classroom will be one small step for Jetsun Drukmo and one big step for Shambhala kind, marking the beginning of a significant new phase for the Shambhala Lineage.

Ziji is the beginning of an educational process which will include many different components. It is a petite elementary school with twenty children aged 4 to 9 years, run by Norah Murray and Marti Holley who both have extensive backgrounds in Shambhala education and met while serving together on the board of Shotoku Children’s Center at Shambhala Mountain Center. They state that “Ziji’s mission is to create a rich, meaningful and embodied educational journey. Our teaching practice cuts conventional speed and nurtures an appreciation for the simple joy, wonder and limitless possibility inherent in each and every school day.”

Ziji is thrilled and honored to shepherd Jetsun Drukmo along the rewarding and, (let’s face it, probably very long), path of education that lies ahead for her, since her education will reflect her heritage both in the east and the west.

Jetsun Drukmo is personally very excited, too! Cheers to her step forward for the Shambhala lineage. LHA GYAL LO!