Acharya Richard John's teaching has for many years focused on the union of the Buddhist and Shambhala traditions. He has directed all levels of Shambhala Training, several Warrior Assemblies, Sutrayana Seminary and weekend programs at Shambhala Centers worldwide. He completed the first three-year group retreat at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia.

For weekend and extended programs, Richard's emphasis has been on intensive meditation programs such as Mahamudra, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Maitri/Five Wisdoms, sadhana intensives and the Six Dharmas of Naropa; introductory programs such as The Three Jewels and Introduction to Shambhala Buddhism; and the "transmission" levels of Shambhala Training—Level Five, Drala, Windhorse and Golden Key. He led the Sadhana Track of the 2007 Shambhala Dzogchen Retreat at Shambhala Mountain.

Having a background in organizational development, Richard is also accustomed to working with local leadership groups. Recently retired as director of the Halifax Shambhala Centre, he now teaches full time and represents the acharyas on the Sakyong’s Council. He and his wife, Liz Richardson, reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia.