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Sakyong and Family - Category Archive

Oct 22
Friday

Rupa Acharya Retirement Letter to the Shambhala Community

Filed under Sakyong and Family, Shambhala News Service

To the Shambhala Community,

I am writing to share with you that I have retired as Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche’s acharya representative to the post of Rupa Acharya (Form Acharya). Having requested the Sakyong’s blessings, this is effective as of the recent Harvest of Peace. I feel the work of this post is established and stable, and dedicated senior and next generation ritual practitioners are upholding the view, practice, and action of Shambhala ritual. For myself, I look forward to entering a time of deepening practice and study, and engaging further as a student of the Sakyong. I continue to serve as his acharya.

I am honored to have held this post for the past nine years, and feel deep gratitude and appreciation for the Sakyong entrusting me as his acharya representative for ritual and form. I have learned a lot and benefited greatly from his potent teachings and instructions at the International Shambhala Ritual Academies and his direct instructions and generosity to me.

Below is a brief description of the view and responsibilities of this post for those of you who may not be familiar with it, including its two primary manifestations. Also, please see my expression of appreciation for key practitioners who have joined me in refining and protecting the path of Shambhala ritual and form.

The view and responsibilities of the post of Rupa Acharya have been to propagate and protect the sacred forms of Shambhala and, in particular, the rituals, liturgical practices, and ceremonies that support Shambhala practice and teaching environments. The work of the post has included establishing consistency of umdze (chant leader) and chöpön (shrine server) training and determining how chants and chanting are introduced in the community. 

Shambhala ritual and form, which invokes sacredness and fosters awake and drala-soaked practice environments, provides the bedrock for Shambhala culture. It is an essential compass by which we can hold and deepen our meditative practices. Working closely with strong and devoted practitioners has been instrumental in bringing forward this area of the mandala. In particular, members of the following two groups have nurtured consistent practice and care of ritual and form: 

The Sakyong initiated the International Shambhala Ritual Academy (SRA) in 2013. Through three international SRAs with the Sakyong, and regional SRAs taught by myself and other senior faculty over seven years, 650 vajrayana practitioners trained in the vast view and specific details of Shambhala ritual and form. In 2020, a Shambhala Ritual Academy program, Lineage as the Heart of Ritual, and a follow-up Shambhala Online class were made available to non-vajrayana practitioners. 

In an ongoing way, the Ritual and Form (R&F) Group members have supported practice and education leaders and practitioners in local and regional Shambhala communities in the United States, Europe, and Canada. They have helped to foster Shambhala ritual; supported and trained consistent and harmonious umdzes and chöpöns; and nurtured a societal path of ritual practice as taught by the Sakyong.

I have worked and practiced with many brilliant, skilled, and dedicated people over these years, and feel much appreciation for everyone who has participated in deepening the view and consistency of Shambhala ritual and form. A special thank you and deep bow of appreciation to the following people: 

Charlie Goetzl, previous Director of the Shambhala Office of Practice and Education, and Walker Blaine, Master of Liturgies to the Sakyong, who were steadfast and skilled colleagues with overlapping areas of responsibility. It was a delight to accomplish numerous projects together.

Shambhala Ritual Academy Senior Faculty and Staff
Andrea Doukas, Timothy Quigley, and Walker Blaine for our collaboration and camaraderie in developing and implementing the Shambhala Ritual Academy according to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche’s vision and instructions.
Alexandra Landstra-Kalanine, Director, Chöpön Corps Europe
Acharya Alfonso Taboada, integral senior faculty Europe
Andrea Doukas, Director, Chöpön Corps, and key contributor to the initiation and implementation of the Shambhala Ritual Academy
Shastri Merlin Cox, Director, Umdze Corps Europe
Timothy Quigley, Director, Umdze Corps
Walker Blaine, senior faculty
Gayle Niss, SRA Assistant, for her organizational and administrative support for senior faculty and SRAs 

Ritual and Form Group Members
The Ritual and Form Group, which included those already named, has concluded its work. Special thanks to:
Charlie Byron, R&F Assistant, for his steady and dedicated work over many years to support the work of the Rupa Acharya and the R&F Group
Cyndi Levine, R&F representative for Halifax, and support for R&F Group meetings
Acharya Eric Spiegel, ongoing support and holding ritual instructions for death and dying liturgies
Gayle Niss, R&F representative for Boulder
Irv Kirschbaum, R&F representative for Northern California Region (NORCAL)
Jeff Scott, Director of the Shambhala Office of Practice and Education
Marian English, R&F representative for Karmê Chöling, Barnet, Vermont
Sandy Brooks, R&F representative for Vancouver and Northwestern United States and Canada
Tom Berthoff, R&F representative for Philadelphia
Ute Reinhart-LaHaye, Director of Practice and Education Europe, for her support of the SRA Europe faculty 

Thank you to Sangyum Wendy Friedman, Office of Culture and Decorum, for her support and guidance; Ani Dawa Chotso, for many years of singular and dedicated work on ritual documents for Scorpion Seal Assemblies; and to previous R&F Group members: Emily Bower, Susan Chapman, Jim Fladmark, Rebecca Martorano, Julia Persch, and Sabine Rolf. 

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche established the ground of Shambhala culture for us all. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is building on this ground and, through the Shambhala Ritual Academy, has taught us the power of ritual to create and change culture on this earth. The Sakyong has brought forward the culture of Shambhala ritual from an individual practice to a societal path of practice, a path that has inspired many of us to reduce individualism, open our hearts, connect with drala, and build community.

May those who are practicing the path of Shambhala ritual, and those yet to come, support this sacred manifestation of enlightened culture for the benefit of current and future generations.

With great appreciation and delight,
and in the vision of sacred Shambhala Ritual,
Suzann Duquette

Entries filed under Sakyong and Family


Puja for Healing

Puja for Healing – HIGHLIGHT

The Sakyong to Perform Padmasambhava Puja for Kindness and Healing, April 28-29 by Walker Blaine The Kongma Sakyong will perform a two-day Könchok Chidü Padmasambhava puja on the weekend of April 28-29. This puja arose specifically from a request by the Sakyong Wangmo for the benefit of the ... continue
Posted April 5, 2018 by CGH
Jetsun Yudra Turns Five

Jetsun Yudra Turns Five – HIGHLIGHT

A delightful and enchanting day of celebration with many friends by Margery Lynch On Saturday, March 17th, Princess Jetsun Yudra Lhamo Yangchen Ziji Mukpo, her family, and many friends celebrated her 5th birthday at the Kalapa Court. The themes for the party were unicorns, rainbows, and pink. On a beautiful sunny ... continue
Posted March 28, 2018 by CGH
Aglow with Light

Aglow with Light – HIGHLIGHT

The Sakyong Wangmo, Jetsun Drukmo and Jetsun Yuda celebrate Children’s Day in Boulder, Colorado by Marissa Montagna The Boulder Shambhala Center was aglow with light as the darkness of the Winter Solstice arrived. Children and their families entered the Shambhala Center enchanted by the spirit of warmth, playfulness, and ... continue
Posted January 10, 2018 by CGH
An Atmosphere of Kindness

An Atmosphere of Kindness – HIGHLIGHT

The Sakyong concludes his annual winter pujas by Walker Blaine The Kongma Sakyong concluded his annual winter practice intensive, or puja, Sunday evening at the Kalapa Court in Boulder, Colorado. This year’s pujas were devoted to Kurukulla, a feminine deity renowned for magnetizing prosperity, and Vajrakilaya, one of ... continue
Posted December 13, 2017 by CGH
Sakyong Performing Pujas for Shambhala December 9–10

Sakyong Performing Pujas for Shambhala December 9–10

On December 9th and 10th, the Kongma Sakyong will perform two pujas, or intensive practices, for the benefit of Shambhala and the world. For this season’s pujas, he has again selected practices that members of the community have a relationship with: Kurukulla, a practice renowned for ... continue
Posted November 21, 2017 by Walker Blaine
Winter Pujas

Winter Pujas – HIGHLIGHT

The Sakyong to Perform Kurukulla and Vajrakilaya Pujas for Shambhala on December 9–10 by Walker Blaine On December 9th and 10th, the Kongma Sakyong will perform two pujas, or intensive practices, for the benefit of Shambhala and the world. For this season’s pujas, he has again selected practices ... continue
Posted November 17, 2017 by CGH
The Lost Art of Good Conversation

The Lost Art of Good Conversation – HIGHLIGHT

A Mindful Way to Connect with Others and Enrich Everyday Life A new book by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche In a world of iPhones, social media and e-mail, we are all in constant contact. Then why are so many people feeling burned out, distant from colleagues, and abandoned by family and ... continue
Posted October 19, 2017 by CGH
Look Up and Extend Out

Look Up and Extend Out – HIGHLIGHT

Video of the Kongma Sakyong’s talk for Harvest of Peace 2017 Click here to watch the video, and please remember to share images and stories from your Harvest of Peace celebrations. These bring great delight and inspiration to our readers, especially to those who practice on their ... continue
Posted October 1, 2017 by CGH
Harvest of Peace Address 2017

Harvest of Peace Address 2017 – HIGHLIGHT

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche SANGYUM WENDY FRIEDMAN: Hello, everyone. Cheerful Harvest of Peace to all of our Shambhala friends, warriors, and citizens gathered throughout the world today. Harvest of Peace is one of our four seasonal holidays in Shambhala, known as Nyida Days, when we mark the changing ... continue
Posted September 25, 2017 by CGH
Passing of Tulku Sampten Ngedon

Passing of Tulku Sampten Ngedon – HIGHLIGHT

by the Office of the Sakyong It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Tulku Sampten Ngedon, known to many as Tulku Oga, the youngest brother of His Eminence Terton Namkha Drimed Rinpoche.  He passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 14th, under the spiritual ... continue
Posted September 17, 2017 by CGH
Jetsun Dzedron Turns Two!

Jetsun Dzedron Turns Two! – HIGHLIGHT

The Princess and her family enjoy birthday cake and a visit to the zoo. by Amanda Betzen April 10 marked Princess Jetsun Dzedron Okar Yangchen Ziji Mukpo’s second birthday. The morning began with the Sakyong giving a long life blessing to Jetsun Dzedron. That afternoon, the celebration continued ... continue
Posted May 7, 2017 by CGH
Jetsun Yudra Celebrates 4th Birthday

Jetsun Yudra Celebrates 4th Birthday – HIGHLIGHT

A truly delightful birthday celebration by Amanda Betzen On the warm and windy, nearly-spring day of March 14, Princess Jetsun Yudra Lhamo Yangchen Ziji Mukpo celebrated her 4th birthday at the Kalapa Court in Boulder. The morning began with the Sakyong giving the Tsewang Long Life Abhisheka to Jetsun ... continue
Posted April 5, 2017 by CGH

Nouveau départ

Allocution du Jour Shambhala Le Sakyong Mipham Rinpoché Centre Shambhala de Boulder, Colorado, 27 février 2017 Le Kongma Sakyong Mipham Rinpoché : Bonjour à tous. [Assemblée : Bonjour !] Vous avez l’air en grande forme. [Le Sakyong rit ; rires] Vous me voyez ? Je souhaite la bienvenue ... continue
Posted March 18, 2017 by CGH
Shambhala Day Video

Shambhala Day Video – HIGHLIGHT

Thanks to all who have waited patiently for the posting of this video — hope you enjoy sharing this joyful celebration! Sakyong and Family in Boulder on Shambhala Day, 2017 We are delighted to share with you these three video segments showing events from Shambhala Day 2017: Welcome, Roll ... continue
Posted March 7, 2017 by CGH
Fresh Start

Fresh Start – HIGHLIGHT

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche Shambhala Day Address Boulder Shambhala Meditation Center, Colorado 27 February 2017 The Kongma Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche: A very good morning, everyone. [Assembly: Good morning!] You look marvelous. [SMR laughs; laughter] Can you see me? I would like to welcome all of you who are joining us online. ... continue
Posted March 5, 2017 by CGH

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