The Twin Mission of
Shambhala Mountain Center
Shambhala is sometimes likened to a spiritual umbrella, a protective canopy under which many people with diverse needs and aspirations can gather to benefit from teachings and practices that can awaken their inherent wisdom and compassion. This vital role has both an inner and outer aspect: training individuals in our tradition, and connecting to other consonant groups in society.
The Shambhala lineage offers the transformative experience of the Buddhist and Shambhala wisdom traditions. Shambhala Mountain Center is one the principle places where our community and the public come to attend introductory and advanced programs in Shambhala’s core teachings. The heart of Shambhala Mountain Center’s mission is to embody the depth of what our lineage offers through providing intensive training programs and providing a gateway to those teachings for the public.
Through the encouragement of the Sakyong, and with the advent of our new facilities, we are beginning a concerted effort to connect with other groups and traditions that utilize the power of contemplative and meditative techniques as a means for personal and societal transformation. Shambhala Mountain Center offers an ideal ground where we can share riches and learning with such groups and individuals, building bridges to other communities.
On the occasion of receiving the Living Peace award, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to the Sakyong about the vital importance of this new aspect of our mission in furthering Shambhala's emerging role in the world. This is the second element of Shambhala Mountain Center’s mission: to become a venue where Shambhala and other groups and wisdom traditions can meet and engage each other. The Sakyong has asked us to extend ourselves in this way to gradually discover what is most beneficial and genuine as we continue to open the door of Shambhala to the world at large.
This report for 2008 reflects this twin mission, what was accomplished during the year and the planning that is being put in place for the future.
