Monday

Sakyong and Family, Scene and Heard

Boulder: Tea for New Shambhala Leaders

story by Sarah Sutherland, Regional Secretary to the Sakyong Wangmo
photos by Marvin Ross, www.marvinrossphotography.com

On the beautiful early spring afternoon of March 11th, nearly 30 new Shambhala leaders gathered at the Kalapa Court in Boulder for a tea and reception with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

A similar event was held at the Kalapa Court in Halifax in February. As previously noted in the Shambhala Times, the gatherings “arose from the wish of the Sakyong that leaders of the Three Pillars strengthen their connection to the center of the mandala through a pilgrimage to the Kalapa Court sometime during their tenure of service.”

Many of the guests at the Boulder gathering were from Colorado, but others traveled far distances, including from Boston, Chicago and Vancouver. While awaiting the Sakyong’s arrival, guests socialized and enjoyed tea, sandwiches and pastries in what’s called the great room. A focal point of the house, this large room features abundant sunlight, a magnificent Tibetan rug and stunning views of Boulder’s foothills and the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

According to Master of the Kalapa Court Mark Thorpe, Rinpoche discovered the house a little over a year ago while searching for a new residence in the Boulder area to better accommodate his family. Of the many homes that were considered, this one alone displayed a distinct quality of Court. Beyond its ample size, the space offered the attributes of home, palace and throne — thereby perfect to host the seat of the Shambhala lineage.

“The Court is an example of the complete embodiment of basic goodness,” said Mr. Thorpe. “It reflects and inspires the best aspects of household and rulership.”

After Mr. Thorpe spoke about the role of the Court itself, Kasung Kyi Khyap Jesse Grimes explained why the Sakyong invited the guests to the Court.

“We all share a conviction in basic goodness and a conviction that creating a sane and gentle culture can transform the world,” he said. “Let’s take a moment to reflect on this and feel the Sakyong’s presence, which reflects back our basic goodness and worthiness. And with that, like a breath on the back of our necks, we go out to create a sane, uplifted, gentle culture that will change the world.” “When things get tough,” he continued, “we can reflect back on this moment — on our basic goodness, on our Sakyong — and go out again.” Mr. Grimes also thanked the Sakyong for opening his heart, mind and home to everyone there.

The Sakyong then welcomed the guests to the first leadership tea at the Boulder Court, noting that it is an important part of each leader’s path to feel welcome at the seat of the lineage and to have “an emotional and intimate connection with our family.”

He invited the leaders to take their inspiration from seeing the precision and warmth of the Court and reflect on how they themselves live. Each home, he said, becomes like a Shambhala center, a place where we can create a culture of goodness.

If our homes are places to rest and renew ourselves, rather than just to flop, we will have strong lungta, and strong centers. The Sakyong also reminded the guests, who included center directors, Shastris and other new leaders in the military, government and community, that their roles involve creating “not just great meditation centers, but creating a culture.” He also reiterated the notion of Court as somewhere leaders can hold their seats and be supported in their roles.

Following the Sakyong’s talk, everyone had a chance to personally greet him and share a few words and smiles and enjoy his warmth. Guests then offered the Sakyong khatas and received his blessings. They also received a card from the Sakyong commemorating the event. The front of the card features the calligraphy Druk (Dragon), by his father, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Each guest also received a hand-pressed Manjushri pill containing medicinal herbs from Nepal.

The afternoon concluded with a rousing rendition of the Shambhala Anthem and many smiling faces as the glow of the day slowly began to fade over the mountains.