Wednesday

Sakyong and Family

The Kalapa Court Celebrates Shambhala Day

reported by Shelly Webb, Membership & Volunteer Coordinator, Boulder Shambhala Center
photos by Pablo Coddou

Though it was a cold evening in Boulder, when the door opened to the Kalapa Court, warmth poured out and shouts of “Ki Ki So So” rang out as ground barley was playfully tossed in the air and then tasted. This traditional Tibetan custom let all 170 guests know that Shambhala Day wasn’t over yet.

What had already been a magical day continued well into the evening as the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo hosted a celebratory gathering focused on the Year of the Wood Horse and new leadership. The tasting of the barley was just the beginning of a sensory feast filled with colorful streamers, artwork done by Jetsun Drukmo, artfully arranged platters of delicious treats, glasses of champagne and two horses, one silver and one wooden, placed on the mantelpiece.

Throughout the evening, small groups of three to six Shambhalians representing various leadership facets within our mandala were invited to converse with the Sakyong. The Sakyong particularly asked to meet newer leaders, encouraging them to embrace their positions wholeheartedly and tell him about what they were doing in their governance, practice or Kasung roles.

All the guests then gathered for toasts, including an especially jovial one by Mr. Robert Reichner, who likened the Tibetan New Year, Losar, to “New Year’s, Christmas and a birthday all wrapped up in one” and thanked the Sakyong for giving us back the word “Happy.” He also evoked many horse images, saying, “We’ve been in the stable, we’re ready to go. We’re ready to join our Shambhala activity with the world so let’s gallop into the future, giddy-up!”

To close the evening, the Sakyong spoke movingly of his appreciation for his family’s home at the Kalapa Court, stating that it is where he is able to contemplate “how to be a Shambhalian,” which he defined as “the practice of not escaping from your life.” He then encouraged us to continue “feeling at home being who we are” and to make where we live a “sane and wakeful situation.”

The entire evening, like Shambhala Day itself, could be best described as jovial, warm, energetic and communal… So “hitch up your chuba,” saddle up your horse, and giddy-up!

~~
All photos of the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo and their family are the property of the Sakyong Lhadrang. If you would like to learn more, please visit: www.sakyongladrang.org