Shambhala Europe Shambhala Europe Jan 2012
|
News from the Sakyong News from Dechen Choling News from Centres News from the Community European Programme Schedule | |
 News from the Sakyong | |
Rigden Weekend and Public Address by Sakyong in California Everyone who has completed the pre-requisites for this weekend programme is warmly welcome to attend -- the Northern California Shambhala community would be delighted to welcome Shambhalians from all over North America and beyond. In his letter to the mandala, sent from retreat in 2005, the Sakyong wrote: "Each member of Shambhala is in fact a Rigden. The Shambhala terma of the Druk Sakyong clearly states that those who are awake to the fact that they have basic goodness are those who have The Great Eastern Sun. The
word great means that we are no longer mired in doubt, cowardice, and fear about our true nature. We have awakened to our basic goodness. East means that we can perpetually recognize it. This is what we are designed to do, and we can do it." | |
A Leader for Our Times: Interview with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche Many of the borders between cultures have blurred in today's world. Sherpas on Himalayan peaks can watch pop stars on iPhones and teenagers in Michigan read ancient Buddhist texts on the internet. Yet as modernity and the information age bring forth exciting new possibilities for insight, communication, and connection, they also bring new potential for confusion, isolation, and aggression. These times demand teachers who understand them. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, son of revered teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who founded the Shambhala lineage that the Sakyong now heads, is not only a teacher that is adept at making the dharma accessible in these rapidly changing times: He was born of them. Raised throughout Europe and North America, as well as Asia,
he is also very much a product of the West, a hardworking family man seeking to navigate all the vagaries of the modern world. It is no surprise that tens of thousands of practitioners across the globe are drawn to the Sakyong as they too work to practice the dharma amid all the challenges and uncertainties of this age. The single defining
quality is that Shambhala has, as its main principle, a social vision of creating a wakeful good society, using the wisdom traditions of the world. That was my father's wish and intention. When he left Tibet, I think he came to a crossroads, and his inspiration to continue on as a teacher, and to start Shambhala, was for the express purpose of trying to create a lineage and a culture of social
transformation. All the elements that are involved within the Shambhala tradition now, are for that express purpose. The basis of Buddhism is essentially the notion that Dharma can alleviate suffering on a personal level, and in the case of the Shambhala teachings, on a societal level. Alleviating suffering was Buddha's intention. The notion of Shambhala is, how do you take this wisdom and
make it applicable to what's going on in the modern tradition. | |
Message from the Sakyong Wangmo in Nepal Greetings from a sunny but chilly Nepal.
I'm happy to say that the Kama abhishekas and lungs were completed successfully, after which we had some family time. The Sakyong then entered retreat. After such a busy year, I was happy that he could have some time for himself; however, we really look forward to his return in the next few days. Soon after that we'll be returning to the west. These last few months have been an important time for me. It was the first time that Jetsun Drukmo could meet many of her relatives here, and it was an opportunity for me to be with my family; as well, it felt very precious receiving the abhishekas from my father, His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche. Receiving such powerful ancient teachings made me realize how important the vision of Shambhala is, and the work that my husband is doing. Now, more than ever, it seems like the world needs this dharma of goodness. I certainly hope that all of you are doing very well. I send my best wishes and prayers to all of you. I look forward to the next opportunity for us to meet; and hopefully you will have the opportunity to see our Shambhala Princess. Many Tashi Deleks. With love and respect, The Sakyong Wangmo | |
| News from Dechen Choling | |
Acharya Mathias Pongracz to leave Dechen Chöling after almost 6 years | |
Transition Acharya Mathias Pongracz, who for over five years, and with great energy, spontaneity and devotion, has been the resident teacher of Dechen Chöling, will be leaving us this month of January. For all of this, and everything else that spontaneously arose, we want to share our appreciation and gratitude to Acharya Pongracz. If this is the end of his specific responsibilities in Dechen Chöling, it is not the end of Mathias'
teaching manifestation, as he is now going back to Vienna and will continue his teaching activities and exploration of how we can benefit others with the precious wisdom of Shambhala. We are looking forward seeing you from Budapest to Malaga via the Mas Marvent; E MA OH! | |
Staff Changes | |
Please Donate for Dechen Chöling! For 5 Euro we can bake a cake for 25 people. You
can find more information about donations, our financial report and ways to support on our website. Thanks everyone for your ongoing support! | |
Online Payment and New Price System 2012 Dechen Chöling is happy to announce online payment. You can conveniently pay online via your credit card in a safe and secure way now. Soon, also donating will work the same way. As a reminder, be aware of our new price system, particularly the Early Bird option which expires 2 months before a programme begins. 1. Regular Price: this price includes the programme fee and the costs for full board per night (basic accommodation). 2. Early Bird option: this price contains a 10% discount of the regular price and applies if you register and pay the full amount at least 2 months before the programme begins. 3. Discounted price: this price contains a 25% discount of the regular price and reflects Dechen Chöling's commitment to keeping programmes affordable. It is meant for people whose monthly net income is below 1.000 Euros. Please read more on our website. | |
Upcoming programmes Advanced Shambhala Buddhist programmes: • Enlightened Society Assembly (formerly Sutrayana Seminary) in June - if you would like to attend, please apply here and after your approval please register at Dechen Chöling. • Same applies for Sacred World Assembly (formerly Vajrayana Seminary) with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in August and Warrior Assembly in October. Please apply early with Shambhala International. Thank you! | |
Shambhala Levels
GES, Windhorse, Drala - a powerful week with teachings of the Way of Shambhala 2 (April 29-May 6) Level 1&2 and "Meditation in everyday life" - the Way of Shambhala 1 (May 26-June 3) | |
Public Programmes in Spring 2012 Spring Dathün "Simplicity in the midst of chaos". Join this intensive retreat for two or the entire four weeks. With Shastri Orhun Cercel (March 17- April 15) Spring Meditation Retreat "The fearless heart" with Jean-Pierre Dumas (April 9-15) Garden Spring Week "Meditation in the living world" with Franck le Naourèse and Thierry Richarme (April 16-22) Picture by Dan Horak | |
| News from Centres | |
The Six Ways of Ruling The London Shambhala Centre invites us all to attend "Heart Advice for Creating Enlightened Society" with President Richard Reoch, on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 January 2012. Please see the brief video from President Reoch for more information, or click on the link below: https://files.me.com/richardreoch/8ljzva.mov This is a special programme for Shambhala Members and we've priced it as low as we can to allow as many European Members to attend as possible. If accommodation is needed, we will offer any assistance we can. If you would like to register, please contact ruling@shambhala.org.uk for further information. The programme will run from 9:30 to 18:30 on both days, and overnight accommodation (without shower facilities) is possible in the Centre Shrine Room if needed. | |
Four Dignities Weekthün The Cologne Shambhala Centre is pleased to announce a "Four Dignities Weekthün", April 7-13, directed by Shastri Sabine Rolf. | |
| News from the Community | |
Regarding Fabrice Champion Chers membres de la famille de Fabrice Champion, | |
Empowering Leadership and Innovation: ALIA Europe Intensive ALIA Institute is pleased to announce an ALIA Europe Intensive in Driebergen, The Netherlands on March 26-31, 2012 | |
| European Programme Schedule | |
ST Levels and Other Programmes in Europe This Month Please see: http://shambhala-europe.org/calendar.php?category=5 For other programmes, please check the Shambhala Europe website calendar at Please send news from your centres and groups to Luz Rodriguez luzrdep@elmanso.net by the 25th of the month. Please keep your written contributions limited to 200 words, as much as possible. | |
The Sakyong, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, will lead a Rigden Weekend, the culmination of Way of Shambhala I, in Northern California on the weekend of 2 - 4 March 2012. This will be a historic occasion as it will be the
first time this programme has been presented by the Sakyong himself.
I want to let you know that Jetsun Drukmo is walking (photo by courtesy of James Milani). When we arrived in Nepal two months ago,
she was crawling energetically and was beginning to take a few steps. She is now maneuvering around quite easily. The Sakyong has noted that now it is a workout just taking care of her.
It has been a meaningful time - five and a half years in Dechen Chöling, in this beautiful environment. Having participated in the practice, in the fermentation process,
that one goes through being part of the Dechen Chöling staff, I feel deeply touched. A process that has produced - and still is producing rich humus, ready to fertilize the environment and ready to be spread, wherever it is needed. 
In this capacity he has taught many programmes in many languages on all levels, for new students, students at Sutrayana Seminary and Warrior Assembly levels, Vajrayana Seminary and Scorpion Seal graduates. He spared no effort and was always willing to give more. He regularly gave teachings for the staff and was available for discussions with any visitor who
had questions. He saw his role as being even more than the Acharya of Dechen Chöling, teaching everywhere in Europe and in particular in Paris and Marseille where he provided a precious teaching continuity to the members. Beyond this, he continued to work and get involved with Zen groups and the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) movement which was also an exploration of how to bring
the wisdom of Shambhala, not only to other traditions but also to people not involved with Buddhism. 
We are very happy to announce that Anette Hartung is our new Head of Practice & Study and Simona Tasic took on the responsibility as Head of Household.
A playful and practical view on 
"Daring to be genuine" - Meditation Retreat
The Six Ways of Ruling were initially secret teachings and the Sakyong opened these up in his book, Ruling Your World, because he believes that these leadership principles should be more widely studied and practiced, especially by Shambhala members. In these times of increasing financial and political volatility, we feel that this transmission on Shambhala leadership teachings
is particularly timely and vital.
his weekthün covers all material of the Tiger,
Lion, Garuda and Dragon weekends. We will dive deeper into the wisdom qualities of
The Champion family (parents, brother and sister) announced with infinite sadness the accidental death of Fabrice on November 26 in Iquitos, Peru. His body was repatriated to
Paris on Friday, Dec. 9, and arrived in Toulon Sunday, December 11. The coffin was placed in a burial chamber until December when everybody was invited to a farewell ceremony.
Chers amis de première pensée,
Je me suis dit que ce pouvait être important que je partage ce moment avec vous.
It is difficult to imagine the shock, grief and loss that you, the members of his family, must have experienced when you heard of his death. On behalf of the entire mandala of Shambhala, where there are hundreds of people who loved and admired Fabrice as I do, I send you all our deepest sympathy.
de
l'ensemble du mandala de Shambhala, qui compte des centaines de personnes qui, tout comme moi, aimaient et admiraient Fabrice, je vous adresse nos plus profondes condoléances.
Leadership is a journey without final destination and with few
reliable maps. More than ever, leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs must build the road as they walk it. To do this they need to be creative, resilient, resourceful, and courageous. They need tools for working in complex, shifting environments. In times of unstable resources, they need to invite and empower everyone's leadership, including their own.