Thursday

Update on Fire Near Shambhala Mountain Center

Viewing the smoke from a point above SMC. photo by SMC staff

A large forest fire has been burning for several days in the Colorado Rockies near Shambhala Mountain Center. According to the United States Forest Service, the fire has burned an estimated 49,763 acres and continues to grow. In addition to the state fire fighters, the federal government is now focusing its efforts on this fire, and has sent a Type 1 response team, air support and ground crews.

Two days ago, at the request of the Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, the Kasung Kyi Khyap, Jesse Grimes, convened a high-level consultation involving members of the Kalapa Council, leaders of Shambhala Mountain Center and the Boulder Shambhala Center to review the impact of this major incident. They assessed the preparedness and risk to Shambhala Mountain Center and its community and have moved the forthcoming Kurukulla Abhisheka and Gesar empowerments planned for June 14 – 18 to the Boulder Shambhala Center.

Yesterday, staff members of Shambhala Mountain Center evacuated the land as a precautionary measure until the fire is more fully contained. Upcoming programs, including the Scorpion Seal Assemblies scheduled to begin on June 19th, are planned to be held at Shambhala Mountain Center. The risk to the area at that time is likely to be minimal. If there is any change in this assessment, everyone will be notified immediately.

To find out more please read a letter from Shambhala Mountain Center’s Director of Operations Michael Gaynor and Rusung Zane Edwards (click here), see a message from Director Jon Barbieri (click here) , and view the Forest Service updates by clicking here.