All entries filed under this archive
Warrior in World – HIGHLIGHT
Sacred Path of the Warrior Presented at Youth Conference Rev. Alexander Garbera, a member of the Pioneer Valley Shambhala Meditation Center, presented concepts from Chögyam Trungpa’s Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior at True Colors SOGIEcon (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) last March. The workshop was crafted to ... continuePosted May 6, 2025 by Jillian_Johnson
On Mirror Neurons, Compassion, and Reality – HIGHLIGHT
by John Light Mirror neurons are the progeny of neuroscience What are mirror neurons? Mirror neurons have been written about extensively in the popular press, and they have been interpreted as a source of connection between people. Subject A watches subject B perform a common activity while researchers observe ... continuePosted October 24, 2024 by Jillian_Johnson
Compassion vs. Empathy: Understanding the Difference – HIGHLIGHT
By John Seex The terms “empathy” and “compassion” are often used interchangeably, but from a Buddhist perspective ultimately they are very different. In this article, we’ll explore compassion and empathy, the place and value of each, and the core differences between compassion vs. empathy. Let’s start by looking ... continuePosted July 30, 2024 by Jillian_Johnson
The Grieving Heart: Slow Down & Feel It – HIGHLIGHT
By Alley Smith We can deny its existence, but grief is patient and waits as long as we have the energy to ignore it. Timothy G. Serban Over the years I have heard it said that every person needs to tell their story of loss and grief. This enables individuals to ... continuePosted May 29, 2024 by Jillian_Johnson
The Nature of Community – HIGHLIGHT
An exploration of our deep connections to one another, and to our own compassionate hearts by Aaron de Long We might think of community as something external to our life, something extra. We have our car, our home, our job, and then we have our neighbors, our coworkers: ... continuePosted November 22, 2018 by CGH
Compassion and Gardening – HIGHLIGHT
Our connection to the natural world as a bridge to compassion for our fellow human beings by Cash Clay Sometimes I struggle to feel compassion for another human individual or humanity in general. I cannot always connect easily to my compassionate nature. I feel stuck in a flow ... continuePosted August 17, 2018 by CGH
Disfavoring Moral Complexity – HIGHLIGHT
by Larry Barnett One of the dilemmas of modern times is effectively coming to grips with morality. The word itself is derived from Latin, meaning “proper behavior,” but has become loaded with other connotations, both religious and social. Our humanitarian, modern sensibilities incline us to disfavor moral ... continuePosted July 6, 2018 by CGH
Shambhala Statement on Border Separations – HIGHLIGHT
from the Kalapa Council and Shambhala Office of Social Engagement As a Shambhala community, we are watching with a sense of horror and despair as the government of the United States implements its policy of separating children from their parents at the Mexican border. As an international ... continuePosted June 21, 2018 by CGH
Visit the Metta Sutta – HIGHLIGHT
Teachings on loving kindness and compassionate living by Larry Steele The Metta Sutta, the Buddha’s discourse on loving kindness, is a key teaching in the Pali Canon. It is chanted by Theravadan monks throughout the Asian southeast. During my recent visit to Myanmar, the social-activist monks Ashin Issariya and ... continuePosted June 14, 2018 by CGH
Doing Good and Doing Well – HIGHLIGHT
Another profile in a series exploring ways of expressing “right livelihood” by Andrea D’Asaro The Shambhala teachings are inspiring Seattle sangha members in their professional lives and as volunteers, where they offer their skills and time each month towards running our center. These members are making “right livelihood” ... continuePosted June 12, 2018 by CGH
Manifesting Great Eastern Kindness – HIGHLIGHT
A chance encounter becomes an opportunity for compassion and generosity by Janet Pal It’s Saturday morning, June 10. I’m on my way to the Toronto Shambhala Centre. A man is walking towards me. Oh please let him walk past me. I’m in a hurry. I have a talk to ... continuePosted July 8, 2017 by
Food and Forgiveness, Part 3 – HIGHLIGHT
The third in a series of articles exploring insights about food, healing, and compassion by Marcella Friel “Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.” — Marianne Williamson My client Tammy was making terrific ... continuePosted May 13, 2017 by CGH
Food and Forgiveness, Part 1 – HIGHLIGHT
The first in a series of articles exploring insights about food, healing, and compassion by Marcella Friel “It’s only when we alter our eating habits out of love and respect for ourselves that lasting change has any real chance to take root in our lives.” — Katherine Woodward Thomas What ... continuePosted May 9, 2017 by CGH
Humanity, Chaos, and Wisdom – HIGHLIGHT
Reflections on favorite passages from a book by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche by Susan Firer I’ve been re-reading the book, The Shambhala Principle, written by my teacher Sakyong Mipham, who is the head of Shambhala. I would like to share a few passages that I try to keep in ... continuePosted May 5, 2017 by CGH
A Quality of Healing – HIGHLIGHT
Basic goodness and the path of relationships by Shastri Nick Kranz There are many ways to think about basic goodness. Sometimes it’s referred to as basic healthiness. When we touch into this inherent okay-ness we gain access, I believe, to a quality of healing that is much needed ... continuePosted April 29, 2017 by CGH