Running for Shambhala

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Message from Gesar Mukpo

A personal letter from Gesar Mukpo is being sent to all Shambhala households in North America and many in Europe. A summary of his message is being translated for circulation in French, German, Italian & Spanish . Here are extracts from his letter. The full text will be uploaded once it has arrived in all Shambhala households! Learn more about Gesar Mukpo in his personal biography and mission statement.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dear friends and members of the community,

It is my honour and pleasure to ask you to join me in contributing to Shambhala. On Sunday, November 6th, 2005, the Sakyong will run the New York marathon as a fundraiser for Shambhala. Our goal is simple: pay off Shambhala’s operating debt. To do that we need to raise $250,000. This will allow the freedom to fund important changes that members of the community are asking for.

There have been two Shambhala Congresses and out of those have come a renewed vision of the community. One of the needs that were expressed was the need for improved communications. Shambhala centres need to be able to talk and share their knowledge and questions. A major tool for this will be a comprehensive redesign of the website that fulfils our organization’s current needs for communication, and reflects our dharma art heritage.

With the introduction of the Primordial Rigden ngöndro and Rigden Abhisheka it has become apparent that the practice and education path throughout Shambhala needs strengthening. If someone at a remote center needs practice guides they should be easily available -- just a phone call, e-mail or download away. To prepare these resources and make them easily available our office of practice and education needs additional support.

We need to take steps to increase all our centres’ accessibility for seniors and for those with disabilities.

The need for diversity in our community is also a priority; we need to reflect the society around us, and deliver the teachings to all regardless of economic or ethnic background.

We need additional resources for our young members and families.

We need to get out from under the burden of our debt so we can facilitate the changes that we as a community have been asking for.

By your generosity the community can flourish and adapt to the needs of the modern world. The Shambhala teachings are of immeasurable benefit to society; they are a vital contribution in a time of materialism and aggression. They allow us to uplift ourselves and help others. Shambhala’s exterior should reflect its inner wisdom.

On behalf of the community, the Sakyong, and in the vision of the Vidyadhara, I invite your generosity.

-Gesar Mukpo