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. . . The Sakyong is going to run this year's New York Marathon to put Shambhala on a completely new footing of financial strength. The event will take place in "The Big Apple" in just under two months' time, on Sunday 6 November. When the Sakyong ran the Boston Marathon in April, he surpassed his own target of raising $108,000 for the building of the new Surmang shedra. Now he aims to double that result, and raise a quarter of a million dollars for the core services of Shambhala through the New York Marathon. The Sakyong's brother, Gesar Mukpo, has come forward to spearhead the fund-raising drive. Gesar is planning a series of video spots, regular website updates on the run-up to the marathon, a tour to several North American and European cities, and will be writing to all Shambhalians next month with a personal message. "If we raise a quarter of a million," he said, "we can wipe out most of Shambhala's operating debt and start funding the projects people in our mandala want to see happening: strengthening our practice and education services, supporting families and young people, and encouraging diversity and accessibility throughout the Shambhala community." In the last two years, Shambhala has succeeded in reducing its operating debt by nearly two-thirds, from $611,000 to some $250,000. A successful event in New York will ensure that most of the remaining debt can be cleared in the coming year and that spending can begin on projects, which were given high priority at the Shambhala Congresses. To maintain the momentum for completing the Surmang shedra within the next three years, ten per cent of the funds raised for the New York Marathon will also go towards that goal. Further bulletins will appear on the Shambhala News Service between now and the Marathon on 6 November. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . Gesar Mukpo will visit and speak at six Shambhala Centres in Europe and North America starting next week, on a whirlwind Running for Shambhala tour. Learn more about Gesar Mukpo reading his biography and mission statement. The transatlantic tour marks the countdown to the Sakyong's Big Apple marathon on 6 November. For many Shambhalians, it will be the first time they have had an opportunity to meet and listen to Gesar Mukpo, known on his email address as CHEWY GURU. He is leading the Running for Shambhala Campaign that supports the Sakyong's New York Marathon that aims to raise $250,000. The funds are needed to wipe out Shambhala's operating debt, clear the way for new projects discussed by the Shambhala Congress and contribute to the rebuilding of the Surmang Monastery. The events will take place at the following Shambhala Centres on these dates: New York: Monday, 17 October Berkeley: Friday, 21 October Halifax: Sunday, 23 October London: Wednesday, 26 October Cologne: Thursday, October 27 Amsterdam: Saturday, October 29 "I'm very much looking forward to meeting as many people as possible," says Gesar. "The energy is fantastic. This is all about being a family, making Shambhala healthy and strong, and pulling together. It's also a huge step for Europe and North America to unite in this way." Gesar Mukpo is the son of the Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Lady Diana Mukpo. Recognized as the reincarnation of Chogyam Trungpa's root guru, Sechen Kongtrul Rinpoche, by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, he was enthroned in a traditional Tibetan ceremony at the age of three. Gesar works as a film editor and cameraman. He currently resides in Halifax with his wife Anna and daughter Chokyi. |
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