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Mar 02
Friday
Sakyong and Family, Scene and Heard
Tea, Teachings and Sacred Texts

Their Majesties lead us in the Shambhala Anthem

photos and story by Terry Rudderham, Co-Director of Shambhala Media

The Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo invited Shambhala leaders to a tea at Namgyal Portrang, the Halifax Kalapa Court. This gathering arose from the wish of the Sakyong that leaders of the Three Pillars strengthen their connection to the center of the mandala through a pilgrimage to the Kalapa Court sometime during their tenure of service.

This tea was among a week of celebratory events at the Kalapa Court welcoming in the New Year, which included a day of cleaning, practice, a lhasang, family meals, and formal receptions for civilian and Dorje Kasung leaders.

The Shambhala Leaders tea was a wonderful afternoon; we were greeted by Kasung at the top and bottom of the driveway and as we entered the front porch of the Court. As we entered the foyer, we were greeted by the Sakyong Wangmo’s attendant Kaling and asked to throw a pinch of sand in the air and say KI KI SO SO three times to welcome in the new year.

Sangyam Wendy Friedman and Master of the Kalapa Court Mark Thorpe gave tours of the Court. Court staff served delicious tea, sandwiches and sweets and everyone enjoyed chatting with friends and colleagues while waiting for the arrival of the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo.

Once the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo arrived we each had an opportunity to speak with them. First with the Sakyong who offered each of us a khata and then with the Sakyong Wangmo who offered us a protection cord. After everyone had a chance to greet them, the Sakyong gave a talk and shared with us five sacred texts and precious objects that are kept in their shrine room.

One of precious objects was a handwritten chant book and mala that Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche used as a boy that a family member had buried when the Chinese came into Tibet. He gave it to Sakyong Mipham when he first traveled to Tibet. He also showed us a drinking bowl that belonged to Mipham the Great and a text he had annotated. As well, he showed us a chant book that the Sakyong had used as a child in India and that his mother had saved for him. We then formed a blessing line and the Sakyong touched Trungpa Rinpoche’s chant book to our heads.

It was an honor and a delight to experience the warmth and generosity of the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo and to see their beautiful home filled with sacred texts and implements, rich tapestries, a beautiful new carpet and an abundance of warmth and generosity. We were delighted and inspired by what we hope will be an annual event!

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To see more photos and stories about Shambhala Day, read this article:
Shambhala Day Networked

Please click here to read the Sakyong’s Shambhala Day address.

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2 responses to “ Tea, Teachings and Sacred Texts ”
  1. Sandy Brooks
    Mar 15, 2012
    Reply

    Oh my goodness! So much goodness! Thanks for this treat.

  2. Linda V. Lewis
    Mar 8, 2012
    Reply

    Sweet! Thanks for sharing!


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