Friday
Rupa Acharya Retirement Letter to the Shambhala Community
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
Proclaiming Humanity’s Goodness – HIGHLIGHT
by Michelle Munro On February 3-5th we had the pleasure of hosting the Sakyong at the Halifax Shambhala Centre, where he led a program titled “Proclaiming Humanity’s Goodness: Shambhala Meditation.” As a Centre we are always delighted to have Rinpoche be with us and teach us. Leading up ... continuePosted February 13, 2017 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
Rising in the West – HIGHLIGHT
Sakyong Mipham energizes Shambhalians in Seattle: “Rising to the Occasion, Social Engagement in a Chaotic World” by Andrea D’Asaro Despite the cold and rain, it was a sold-out crowd that arrived early on Friday night to hear Sakyong Miphan’s calm yet urgent call to action during “this critical time, ... continuePosted November 10, 2016 by CGH
Sakyong Conducts Pujas – HIGHLIGHT
Next month, the Sakyong will perform pujas for enrichment and overcoming obstacles by Walker Blaine On December 3rd and 4th, the Sakyong will perform two pujas, or intensive practices, for the benefit of the community and the world. Twice a year, His Majesty sets aside time for meditation ... continuePosted November 8, 2016 by CGH
Sakyong Practices for Enrichment and Overcoming Obstacles
The SakyongOn December 3rd and 4th, the Sakyong will perform two pujas, or intensive practices, for the benefit of the community and the world. The Sakyong receives many requests for blessings and overcoming obstacles and pujas held twice a year are times he dedicates to caring ... continuePosted November 7, 2016 by Walker Blaine
Harvest of Peace Address Now Online
Kongma Sakyong Harvest of Peace 2016 The Sakyong’s Harvest of Peace address to the international community is now available online. In this year’s address, the Kongma Sakyong touched on strengthening families, looking to the future, loyalty to basic goodness, balancing bravery and tenderness, and extending out. Please click ... continuePosted September 27, 2016 by David_Brown
Precious Events – HIGHLIGHT
The Sakyong Wangmo shares appreciation for precious events The Sakyong looks on as the Sakyong Wangmo lights the shrine on the first day of the puja at the Kalapa Court As I reflect from the Kalapa Court on recent events, I’m filled with appreciation for the ceremonies, ... continuePosted May 16, 2016 by CGH
Sakyong Chilean Teachings and Disaster Response
The Sakyong made a strong connection with the Shambhala community of Copiapo, Chile during the Chilean Garchen in February. They were in the front-lines when a storm caused devastating mudslides leaving tens of thousands of people without power or drinking water last year. To read more ... continuePosted April 8, 2016 by David_Brown
Reminder of Healing and Enriching Practices
Dorje TsegyalNext week the Sakyong will be performing two pujas, or intensive practices. This is an opportunity to request the Sakyong to help friends, loved ones, or ourselves through these practices. The pujas will be Medicine Buddha April 8th, for health, healing, and recovery from illness, ... continuePosted March 31, 2016 by David_Brown
A Birthday in Boulder – HIGHLIGHT
Jetsun Yudra celebrates her third birthday, on a windy day in Boulder, Colorado article by Steve Sachs photos by Michael Levy On the afternoon of Monday, March 14, Jetsun Yudra celebrated her third birthday at the Kalapa Court in Boulder. A chilly wind off the Rockies led to festivities ... continuePosted March 28, 2016 by CGH
Sakyong to Perform Healing and Enriching Practices
The Sakyong will perform two pujas, or intensive practices, for the benefit of Shambhala this April 8th and 9th. This is an opportunity to request the Sakyong to specifically help a friend, loved one, or ourselves through these practices. The pujas will be Medicine Buddha, for ... continuePosted March 17, 2016 by David_Brown
The Sakyong Returns to South America
The Kongma Sakyong has returned to South America, presiding over an 8-day long Garchen retreat with 170 Chileans, Brazilians, and a few North Americans in Cuncumen Chile. Following the retreat, the Sakyong gave a public talk in Santiago and addressed the Shambhala community. Acharyas Eve Rosenthal and ... continuePosted March 3, 2016 by David_Brown
The Notion of Lineage – HIGHLIGHT
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche’s Shambhala Day Address, Year of the Male Fire Monkey, Boulder Shambhala Center, 9 February 2016 Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in a cheerful new-year bow. As we gather on this very primal day of the new year, please bring to mind your basic ... continuePosted February 15, 2016 by CGH
Nepal Epilogue: The Shambhala Lineage Thangka – HIGHLIGHT
Presentation of the Shambhala Lineage Thangka auspiciously follows the Gesar of Ling empowerment ceremonies in Pharpeng, Nepal by Walker Blaine Last October was the joyous occasion of the Sakyong and his family receiving the complete transmission of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche’s mind-treasure, or gongter, in Pharpeng, Nepal. ... continuePosted February 8, 2016 by CGH
Opening the Treasury of Wisdom – HIGHLIGHT
Jetsun Drukmo begins her formal studies in the Tibetan language by Conner Loomis The Sakyong with Jetsun Drukmo On the auspicious third day of the eleventh month of the Year of the Wood Sheep, the eldest daughter of the Sakyong and Sakyong Wangmo, Jetsun Drukmo, began her Tibetan studies. ... continuePosted January 12, 2016 by CGH
RSS feed for the Sakyong and Family category
View all posts from authors in Sakyong and Family: