Sunday

Letter from the Druk Sakyong Wangmo regarding SMC Wildfire

To the Noble Sangha,

I am writing today with a heavy heart, feeling so much sorrow, knowing that fire has burned across our beloved Shambhala Mountain Center.  We do not yet know the extent of the damage, but clearly this is a devastating event. We’ve experienced many obstacles and challenges, and this is yet another, one that is truly awful and will have far-reaching consequences. If we look from a larger perspective, what has occurred is a sign that we as a human species need to take care of our planet. We cannot ignore this message.

SMC is our sacred land. And these tragic events are the source of great heartbreak. Yet, we know in our bones that, although we are experiencing profound grief, we must ready ourselves to move forward. We are warriors. With our individual strength and the strength of the teachings, we will find a path forward. We will find a way.

Shambhala Mountain Center was established by the Vidyadhara. It was his inspiration that this would be a practice center for our generation and many more to come. We must marshal the means to continue to realize that inspiration. SMC has had a profound impact on so many lives. That profound space of dharma has benefitted countless people. Such was the strength of the Vidyadhara’s inspiration and his vision, which we must now take on ourselves.

The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya was established at Shambhala Mountain Center to house the Vidyadhara’s body relics, as a monument to his life and work, as a testament to the devotion of his students, and to inspire practitioners and other visitors, from many faiths, with the power of his mind and realization. From the reports so far, it appears that the Stupa is standing. Let us pray that it is undamaged and that its contents have also been spared.

In the midst of our heartbreak, we must find a way to arouse strength and determination out of the ashes, so that the dharma blessings of that land can continue to manifest.

Sending deep love for you all,

Diana J. Mukpo