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Sakyong sends message to entire mandala on the golden path of Shambhala in the dark age

Oct 8, 2008

The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, has sent a message to everyone in the
Shambhala Mandala about the challenge we face at this difficult time in the
world.

"The upheavals in the financial world are causing widespread distress," he
says, "as are fears about climate change, intensified political
polarization, and rising aggression. It is what the Shambhala teachings call
a dark age. We experience the darkness as confusion, unhappiness, and lack
of purpose."

Pointing out that it was for times like these that the Buddha gave the
teachings on enlightened society to King Dawa Sangpo, the first sovereign of
Shambhala, the Sakyong's message asks everyone to "take these precious
teachings to heart and practice them."

He says what is happening around us is literally caused by the absence of
Shambhala vision. "Uplifting our minds and increasing our life-force energy
begins with that vision," he says.

His message asks us to tread the "golden path" of practicing, serving and
giving, and gives pith instructions on following the path of the warrior
bodhisattva.

"I love you and am with you as we tread this golden path together," he says
in conclusion. The Sakyong's message comes as he enters closed retreat in
Kalapa Valley with a gathering of acharyas undertaking preparation for the
Scorpion Seal retreat, the highest practice of the mind terma of the
Vidyadhara Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

The full text of the Sakyong's message follows.


Message to the Shambhala Mandala

This is a very difficult time. The upheavals in the financial world are
causing widespread distress, as are fears about climate change, intensified
political polarization, and rising aggression. It is what the Shambhala
teachings call a dark age. We experience the darkness as confusion,
unhappiness, and lack of purpose.

It was for times like these that the Buddha gave the teachings on
enlightened society to King Dawa Sango, the first sovereign of Shambhala. At
present, the truth of those teachings is very clear. For a society to be
truly harmonious, it cannot be based on greed and anger. When we understand
this, we see that what is happening around us is literally caused by the
absence of Shambhala vision.

Uplifting our minds and increasing our life-force energy begins with that
vision. So I am asking all of you, as citizens of Shambhala, to rise to this
occasion.

First, take these precious teachings to heart and practice them. That
includes meditating for a short period every day to stabilize your mind and
generate compassion. Contemplate your unshakeable karmic connection to the
Shambhala lineage and reflect on your nature as the profound, brilliant
Rigden.

Second, see fear for what it is: a lack of trust in your genuine being, which
naturally radiates compassion and kindness. Take the big view of what is
most important in this and future lifetimes: to become stronger and more
realized in order to help others. Take care of yourselves, but don't hide
behind the false security of self-protection. From the ground of basic
goodness, open your heart and serve others.

Third, be generous. This is not a time to close down or hold on, but to
offer from the natural well-spring of generosity. Be generous with those you
love, but also with those you are tempted to blame or dislike. Be generous,
too, within our mandala, which needs your support more than ever to proclaim
the glory of Shambhala.

Practicing, serving, and giving: this is the path of the warrior
bodhisattva. It is both transcendent and earthy. When we orient our minds
this way, we are creating a sustainable environment. The wealth that it
generates is inexhaustible.

I love you and am with you as we tread this golden path together.

The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche

(This announcement was from the Shambhala News Service)