The fourth Shambhala Congress is upon us.
Yes, upon us. All of us. Because Shambhala Buddhism has been
a central part of the culture of Nova Scotia since its founder,
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, decided in the mid-’80s that Halifax was
the most spiritually congenial place on earth to bring teachings on
compassion.
“It’s been what some people call a marriage,” says Shambhala
president Richard Reoch, “a marriage between the inherent qualities of
the existing community and the ancient principles of generosity and
basic goodness.”
Well, in that case, welcome.
Some 200 Shambhalians from 46 countries will attend the biennial
congress, November 9 through 11, to talk shop and guide the global
Shambhala vision for the next couple of years. “It is, in a sense, the
Shambhala parliament,” says Reoch.
But mostly it’s about getting together. “In the Buddhist tradition,
we speak about the three jewels—the teacher, the teachings and the
community. And the congress is all about this third jewel,” says
Reoch.
Shambhala “is not a tradition which is inward. It is about opening
outwards out and appreciating others.”
Fittingly, then, the congress is part party. Birthday party, no
less, for the 48th birthday of Shambhala’s spiritual leader, Sakyong
Mipham Rinpoche, son of Trungpa.
Could be a big one—the Sakyong will enter a yearlong retreat
directly after the congress.
“There are some people that have the image that all Buddhists are
monks and nuns or have an aspiration to go live in caves,” says Reoch,
chuckling. “And when they hear there is a Buddhist party, they wonder,
well, what would Buddhists do at a party?
“Buddhists party the same as people anywhere else in the world. We
would normally have good food, good music, good dancing and good
cheer.”
Got a friend in the Shambhala community? Could be your ticket in….
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This article appears in Nov 5-11, 2009.