All entries filed under this archive
A Yak’s Tale of Liberation – HIGHLIGHT
Liberating the life of animals, called tsethar in Tibetan (tshe thar), is a longstanding practice in Tibetan areas. In its traditional form, the practice involves offering a nomadic family a sum of money to keep a yak for the duration of its life. The yak is ... continuePosted June 30, 2011 by Holly
Creating a Mindful Society conference in NYC, Sept 30 – Oct 1
Join Shambhala Sun staff for this landmark gathering of the mindfulness community… September 30 – October 1, 2011 in New York City (at the New York Society for Ethical Culture) Mindfulness is a simple yet profound practice that changes lives. If you’re committed to mindful living, or ... continuePosted June 29, 2011 by mollydeshong
A Moment in the Shedra’s Construction – HIGHLIGHT
This update on the construction of the Surmang Shedra comes from Konchok Foundation board member Holly Gayley, who recently visited the area while traveling in eastern Tibet. While visiting Surmang this June, I was able to witness the finishing touches being added to the shedra’s exterior. One ... continuePosted June 28, 2011 by Holly
The Surmang Shedra Dazzles – HIGHLIGHT
This update on the construction of the Surmang Shedra comes from Konchok Foundation board member Holly Gayley, who recently visited the area while traveling in eastern Tibet. It was nothing short of astonishing to see the Surmang Shedra at long last. The shedra (or school) complex dominates ... continuePosted June 26, 2011 by Holly
Poignant Transition for the Surmang Region – HIGHLIGHT
This update on the general conditions in Jyekundo (Chinese: Yushu), one year after the earthquake that devastated the city, comes from Konchok Foundation board member Holly Gayley, who recently traveled to the Surmang region in eastern Tibet. More than a year after the devastating earthquake in April ... continuePosted June 24, 2011 by Holly
Sakyong Sponsors Tea Offering at Wayen Monastery – HIGHLIGHT
At the end of May, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche sponsored a tea offering for the monks at Wayen Monastery in Golok in order to express his ongoing connection and concern for their welfare. The Sakyong visited Wayen on his first trip to Tibet in 2001 and felt ... continuePosted June 22, 2011 by
Save the date for the Pacific Northwest Winter Retreat 2011
Shamatha-Vipassana Retreat will be held at Camp Pringle on Shawnigan Lake in the hills of Vancouver Island. Sunday December 18th 2011 to Sunday January 1st, 2012 The Shamatha-Vipassana program will focus on mindfulness-awareness practice. Also included will be meditation instruction, Dharma Talks, contemplations, physical exercise, experiential and ... continuePosted June 20, 2011 by John David Smith
My Summer at Dechen Choling – HIGHLIGHT
Rianne Pelleboer, a young sangha member from Holland is spending her summer at Dechen Choling as a volunteer. The following is her account of her experiences living there. The Decision Discontentment. That word covers how I felt before going from A to Z. I had dropped my ... continuePosted June 15, 2011 by
Under 30 Retreat: Doing Something Profoundly Important – HIGHLIGHT
By: Meghan Misset The Boston Shambhala Center Under 30 Group was formed in 2003 and has a strong core of 20-30 young Sangha members. They recently embarked on a trip to the Shelburn Falls Center, in Western Massachusetts, where they sat in retreat for the weekend. Led ... continuePosted June 10, 2011 by
Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows Very Moving.
Photo by Vince Cavallo On Sunday, June 5th the Denver Shambhala Center hosted a group of over 70 people, including students taking Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows and their guests. The program included an inspiring talk by the vow preceptor Acharya Dale Asrael. Taking the Refuge Vow were: Jonathan Harding Lokken ... continuePosted June 10, 2011 by
Homeless and (Maybe) Buddhist: An Unusual Story about Going on Retreat – HIGHLIGHT
By: Taz Tagore I co-founded the Reciprocity Foundation with Adam Bucko back in 2004, and almost from the outset, I wanted to take our clients—homeless teenagers and young adults living in New York City shelters—on retreat. Maybe it is because I strongly identify with homeless kids ... continuePosted June 8, 2011 by
Young Sangha Summer Retreat: In Love with Life – HIGHLIGHT
By: Kirsten Eikmans For five years there has been a special retreat for young people in France, the Young Sangha Summer Retreat, which is organized and directed by Sophie Maclaren, a beautiful woman with a big heart. Sophie travels around the world to teach and organize meditation ... continuePosted June 4, 2011 by
The Buddhist Gentleman: How to Buy Nice Clothes – HIGHLIGHT
By: Lodro Rinzler In his regular column for the Huffington Post, 28 year-old Shambhala teacher Lodro Rinzler tackles thorny issues facing meditators in the modern world. With wit and aplomb, he addresses real-life questions — sent to him by readers — and contemplates “What Would Sid Do?” ... continuePosted June 2, 2011 by