All entries filed under this archive
Is Vetali Real? – HIGHLIGHT
Our series of essays on the Shambhala chants continues, with a look at the “reality” of another protector by Russell Rodgers “Is Vetali real” seems like a simple enough question, deserving a “yes” or “no” answer. In fact, this question has many levels. In one of the previous ... continuePosted December 31, 2016 by CGH
Progress at Surmang – HIGHLIGHT
An update on Konchok Foundation activities in the Surmang region of Tibet by Lyndon Comstock The Children’s educational program at Surmang is starting its winter 2016-2017 program this month. Last year more than 150 children participated; a similar number is expected this year. Donors to the Konchok Foundation provide all of the ... continuePosted December 29, 2016 by CGH
The Impulse to Reach Out – HIGHLIGHT
A songwriter’s memoir reveals connections between Dharma Art and the creative work of a punk/rock musician by Michelle Welch I love finding Buddhist themes in unexpected places, most often in books that are otherwise unrelated to Buddhism. Recently I read The Art of Asking, a memoir by rock/punk singer ... continuePosted December 27, 2016 by CGH
Why, When and How to be Generous – HIGHLIGHT
An exploration of the daily practice of generosity in a Shambhala household by Walker Blaine If people understood the benefits to themselves of generosity, they would not be able to contain their joy at seeing opportunities to give. Saints and sages from all spiritual traditions have spoken words ... continuePosted December 25, 2016 by CGH
Spinning Mind – HIGHLIGHT
Changing the small, egoistic “Spinning Mind” to Big Mind view by Irini Rockwell It has been hard to avoid the turmoil that the long buildup and painful conclusion of the United States election of 2016 has brought forth. I have never been a political person, both growing up ... continuePosted December 23, 2016 by Carol
Happy Memories of Children’s Day – HIGHLIGHT
Cheerful Season’s Greetings from the Shambhala Times! Traditionally, Shambhalians recognize and celebrate the changing of the seasons on Nyida Days. One of the most beloved of these celebrations is Children’s Day, which comes at the winter solstice, celebrated this year on December 21st. We hope you enjoy ... continuePosted December 21, 2016 by CGH
Basic Goodness and Original Sin – HIGHLIGHT
A theologian explores the relationship of two concepts key to Shambhala and Christian teachings by Steven Shippee In Shambhala, the view of basic goodness is sometimes sharply contrasted with the Christian doctrine of original sin. The purpose seemingly is to highlight how much the view of basic goodness ... continuePosted December 19, 2016 by Steven
Launch of the Aging Hub – HIGHLIGHT
by Ann Cason The Aging Hub (http://aging-hub.shambhala.org), a new project of the Shambhala Working Group on Aging, is due to launch today: December 17, 2016. It has been funded by the Shambhala Trust and by donations from the sangha. All of us on the Working Group on Aging ... continuePosted December 17, 2016 by CGH
December Awakening – HIGHLIGHT
Contemplating presence in the moment, while preparing for retreat by Susan Firer This past week I was preparing for a week-long silent retreat sending out emails, cooking, cleaning and the like. I had one of those moments where a feeling arises spontaneously and it has weight to it, ... continuePosted December 16, 2016 by CGH
Birthday Tenshuk for the Sakyong – HIGHLIGHT
The Sakyong Wangmo hosts a birthday tenshuk for the Kongma Sakyong by Sarah Sutherland On Sunday the 22nd of November, the Sakyong Wangmo hosted and offered a warm and powerful tenshuk ceremony at the Kalapa Court for the Kongma Sakyong, in honor of his birthday. More than 80 people ... continuePosted December 8, 2016 by CGH
At the Crossroads – HIGHLIGHT
As Buddhists, should we avoid the aggression and confusion of politics, becoming islands of peace? by Daniel Phillips At my family’s Thanksgiving dinner, some of us were sympathetic with white supremacist views, some were appalled, and some wanted to not make any waves. Some were Evangelical Christians who ... continuePosted December 4, 2016 by CGH
Meritorious Service Award – HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Laurie Mallery receives high honor for her work in health care and geriatric quality of life by David Brown Laurie Mallery, MD, FRCPC, MSM, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, through the Governor General of Canada, in recognition of her ongoing ... continuePosted December 2, 2016 by CGH