Thursday

Sakyong’s letter to the United Nations

Message from the Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche
to the high-level gathering:
“Happiness and Wellbeing: Defining A New Economic Paradigm”
Convened by the Kingdom of Bhutan
United Nations, New York, 2 April 2012

Deep in the collective consciousness of humanity is the archetype of a flourishing human society, often called “the golden age”.

World culture records many such myths, legends and historical accounts. Shambhala – the ancient kingdom renowned for its Wise and Compassionate people is but one.

All such visions evoke our common longing to live in a vibrant, warm-hearted, humane culture. To raise our families in a just and compassionate society. To Work and prosper within an economic order that has the best interests of all citizens at heart. To share with each other a profound respect for human dignity.

This deep-seated desire is born of a noble attitude that brings out the very best in people. It fosters harmony, transcending our differences. Ultimately it blossoms into sacred empathy with each other and the natural world around us.

It is in this spirit that Shambhala was honored to co-host an international conference on Rethinking Development, held in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2005. Attended by presenters and participants from more than 30 countries, it confronted the challenge of finding a new global model of development. The event was inspired by the innovative doctrine of Gross National Happiness that has arisen in the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.

Among the many distinguished leaders who spoke, one voice was like a clear bell – that of Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley. He told us: “We have all been deeply enriched, not only by the ideas but by the relationships. This gathering has renewed my faith in humanity.”

In the six years since then, there have been many crises and disturbing developments which might cause us to lose heart, to lose faith in ourselves, in each other, and in our common destiny. In the Shambhala teachings, this is known as a “dark age” – an epoch of fear, dominated by extreme greed.

I urge you not to lose heart.

We are living through a dreadful, yet passing, phase in our history. There is a natural source of radiance and brilliance in the world, which is the innate Wakefulness of human beings. This is our birthright. The darkness we are passing through serves ultimately to remind us of who We are, and to re-awaken the wisdom that slumbers within us.

This gathering, convened by Lyonpo Jigrni Thinley, now Prime Minister of Bhutan, is evidence of this truth. So too is the growing global movement of those calling for change and crying out: “There must be a better Way.”

I send you every good wish for the success of your deliberations and the blessings of the Shambhala lineage which, together with the other Wisdom traditions of the world, knows in its heart that your profound aspiration for a new era of sanity and well being will prevail.

The Sakyong, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche

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To read an article by Shambhala’s Executive Director about the event, please click here.

To read a reflection from one of the participants at the meeting, please click here.