Uncovering the Mystery of KI and SO
Definitions of KI and SO were crafted with advisement from Ben Hines “The Shambhala warrior’s cry. Chanting this cry is a way to rouse your head and shoulders, a way to rouse a sense of uplifted dignity. It is also a way to invoke the power of windhorse and the energy of basic goodness. We … Continue
Making a Leap
by Shastri Matthew Lyon The practice of generosity can be paradoxical. In Buddhist wisdom, the highest form of this virtue is said to be free of self-interest. When we give freely without expecting anything in return we are manifesting beautiful kindness. Yet the teachings also tell us that when we are generous in this way, … Continue
Salon: How to skillfully communicate while holding opposing views
by Terry Jaworski Some of our gracious Shambhalians will open their homes in November and December for a conversational Salon. The Salons will give us an opportunity to discuss communication and how we can hold opposing views and still listen and honor each person’s perspective. One Salon will be scheduled in each of our four … Continue
Reflections from Magnetizing Enlightened Society
by Larry Steele Sunlight pours through the windows and lights the bamboo floor of Seattle Shambhala Center shrine room. Green leaves shimmer with life outside. And, of course, it is raining. Thirty-five straight-backed meditators breathe out, flowing with Shastri Trinley Busby’s guided meditation. “Feel your emotion in your belly,” she says. “Is it confidence, inspiration, … Continue
Magnetizing Enlightened Society
by Michael Busby This month at our center, we welcome Deputy Minister Cynthia MacKay to give teachings on leadership from the Shambhala Pillar of Government. Deputy Minister MacKay is a true delight to learn from and I’m excited that she will be offering a program that is open to everyone: Magnetizing Enlightened Society. As human … Continue
Reflections on Children’s Day
by Anisha Prasad December 17th was a glorious day at Seattle Shambhala, and began with the Shambhala Sadhana lead by Alan Ness at crisp 8:30 am. Entering the shrine room that morning, I could feel the uplifting and inspiring effect the beautiful lights, greenery and colors had on the Sunday morning crowd. I must say, … Continue
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
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
