Dorje Kasung: Protecting the Space
by Larry Steele John Gilvar, commander of Seattle Shambhala’s Dorje Kasung, recently was telling me about the Container Principle. It’s the Buddhist idea that people meditating together naturally create a zone of heightened awareness…a container. As he talked, Gilvar’s container was a rain-swept highway in western Washington. He was driving with his son Ben in … Continue
Children’s Day is Every Day
by Larry Steele Iliana the warrior-girl was afraid. Days had turned dark and everyone feared the sun would never return. But Iliana vowed to find the sun and bring it back to her family and community. Seattle Shambhala children will dress up in warrior crowns and tiger stripes to perform The Iliana Story during Children’s … Continue
Awake in Action Embodies Social Engagement
by Andrea D’Asaro “I’ve come to serve residents at the Union Hotel each month for seven years, feeling the weight of current events and the difficulties we all face but by the time our work is over, my heart is full and my steps are lighter,” says Sandra Noel, Awake in Action Coordinator and Shambhala … Continue
Quiet for a Week, Retreat with Shambhala
Photo: Karme Choling Retreat Center in Barnet VT This is the first in a series of three newsletter/blog posts about seven-day “weekthuns” and other meditative retreats. We will cover upcoming retreats, discuss why we go on retreat, and review some retreat centers in the Shambhala mandala. by Larry Steele Life gets pretty busy sometimes. Have … Continue
Exploring Money, Mind and Meditation with Shambhala
How do we, as meditators, learn to balance a spiritual path with worldly achievement? Sometimes financial success can seem at odds with spirituality. Yet, the tradition of Shambhala teaches that through meditation practice we can have a fulfilling and prosperous life. Shastri Matthew Lyon, a Shambhala teacher and financial advisor, answers questions about his upcoming … Continue
Inclusion Movement Fueled by Radical Compassion
by Andrea D’Asaro Groups throughout our Seattle community are engaging in challenging conversations and connections around diversity and implicit bias, with the goal of healing collectively through mindfulness and insight. The book Radical Dharma is the touchstone of these efforts. Lead author Rev Angel kyodo Williams, a friend of the Sakyong and frequent speaker at … Continue
What is Suffering?
By Larry Steele It is said that the Buddha gave his first teachings at Deer Park, near what is now known as Varanasi, India. There, after years of searching and contemplation, he presented the four noble truths about suffering. This is known as the first turning of the wheel of dharma, the first lesson offered … Continue
Join Sakyong Mipham’s Book and Retreat Tour: The Lost Art of Good Conversation
In a world of iPhones and connectivity to social media and email, we are all in constant connection with one another. Then why are so many people feeling burned out, distant from colleagues, and abandoned by family and friends? In this new book, The Lost Art of Good Conversation, from the bestselling author of Running … Continue
20 Free Things To Do At Seattle Shambhala
by Larry Steele Marpa the Translator, who helped bring Buddhism to Tibet, always carried bags of gold to offer as gifts to his teachers in India. In fact giving money and other precious gifts for Dharma is very traditional and is also a practical way of helping the student succeed and the Dharma flourish. In … Continue
The Latest From Town Hall: Membership Drive Emphasizes Generosity and Radical Inclusivity
“Generosity is self-existing openness, complete openness. You are no longer subject to cultivating your own scheme or project. And the best way to open yourself up is to make friends with yourself and with others.” – Dorje Dradul of Mukpo by Andrea D’Asaro The second Town Hall, on July 30th at the Seattle Shambhala Center … Continue
