Community Celebrations

The Shambhala community has a tradition of marking the changes of the seasons with a community celebration. These are called nyida days, from the Tibetan words nyima (sun) and dawa (moon). Nyida days occur on or near the days of the equinoxes and solstices.

Shambhala Day – the lunar New Year 
This marks the Shambhala New Year. We follow the Tibetan calendar. It’s not just another excuse for a party, but is also the opportunity for reflection and renewal.

Midsummer’s Day – the summer solstice 
Summer brings heat, clarity, and often a sense of relaxation. The focus on this day is on a sense of play.

Harvest of Peace – the autumn equinox
“When we say ‘harvest of peace’, it is peace within ourselves. We feel like we belong, we feel a sense of harmony with ourselves and the community.” Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Harvest of Peace address 1999.

Winter solstice 
The December Nyida Day is a day for family and friends to gather and celebrate the generations in our community with song and festivities.

Milarepa Day 
Milarepa Day celebrates the enlightenment and life example of Milarepa, one of Tibet’s most famous yogi-practitioners. The celebration involves a full day of practice. Milarepa is known for achieving enlightenment in one lifetime. The most important lesson to learn from his life is perseverance. Practice needs a great strong heart. Then enlightenment is possible!

Parinirvana Day
On this day we commemorate the passing of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on April 4 by gathering to celebrate his life and teachings.

 

Please refer to our Monthly Calendar to see upcoming community celebrations