Seattle Offers Its Heart and Possessions

Center Director Tom Gaylord traveled to Chicago recently on an historic mission. He was carrying a letter to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

The signatures of each member of the Seattle Shambhala Governing Council decorated the bottom of the letter, which said, “In recognition of the 20th anniversary of your enthronement as the Sakyong of Shambhala, and on behalf of our entire community, the Shambhala Center of Seattle offers our hearts, our land, our buildings, and all our possessions to you, the Köngma Sakyong, the Sakyong Lineage, and the Sakyong Potrang.” (Click here to read the complete Letter to the Sakyong.)

By formally offering its real estate and assets Seattle Shambhala is acknowledging recent changes designed to build a much more unified Shambhala mandala. One is the establishment of the Sakyong Potrang, an entity that represents the lineage of all the Sakyongs.

“Seattle has offered our posessions to the Potrang for them do with as they wish,” said Gaylord. “This begins to create a mandala of diverse assets that could be managed more powerfully if they are under one umbrella.”

Gaylord presented the letter while the Sakyong was at the Chicago Shambhala Center to attend a community gathering called “Speak Up Chicago!” Our Center Director read the letter during a special audience.

“This is very good news,” the Sakyong responded. He was very happy. Gaylord mentioned that Seattle would soon be holding a large Guide Training weekend. The Sakyong replied, “Send my love to all the participants, and to the Governing Council.” He also said that he wants to visit Seattle.

Back at home, Gaylord reflected on the step Seattle has taken. “We signaled that we are ready to offer what we have. This may be a worthy contemplation in the years ahead. Other parts of the mandala also may find their place under the Shambhala umbrella,” he said.