It is the Shambhala view that every human being has a fundamental nature of goodness, warmth and intelligence. This nature can be cultivated through meditation, following ancient principles, and it can be further developed in daily life, so that it radiates out to family, friends, community and society. By uplifting our personal experience and that of others, we can help to create an Enlightened Society on this earth. We are part of a worldwide community of meditation centers founded by meditation master Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and led until the beginning of 2019 by his son Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Currently, we are going through a stage of change and uncertainty as the Sakyong was faced by allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate personal behavior. As a result of the allegations the Sakyong has relinquished his teaching and administrative involvement with Shambhala for the foreseeable future. An interim Board has been appointed to replace the former Shambhala Board, and a Process Team established to support necessary healing, community building and governance changes.
We are deeply saddened by what happened and continue to offer our heartfelt support to anyone who has been affected by these or similar events. We are in a process of reflection, balancing this period of uncertainty and the difficulties that have arisen against the value we see in the Buddhist teachings and practices of Shambhala. We are currently holding discussions and reflecting on what has happened and trying to find ways we can respond with a sense of loving kindness, compassion, fearlessness, openness and wisdom.
Our meditation centre continues to offer individual meditation instruction, group meditation practice, talks, weekend programmes and residential retreats for up to one month.