The Four Noble Truths of Love © Susan Piver 2018
Buddhism and Relationships My 19th wedding anniversary is coming up next month. HOLY CRAP. I never in a million years imagined that I would be with one person for this long. Our marriage has been more than I could have hoped for but nothing I would ever have expected. Like most of us, when I … Continue
Editorial (Autumn ’17)
Dear Friends, Welcome back to London and the UK. I trust you enjoyed your summers and whatever activities may have been on your agenda. I spent part of my summer at our European land centre, Dechen Chöling, and am feeling inspired and refreshed for a new annual cycle. This newsletter contains a record-breaking 15 articles … Continue
SPIRAL LEARNING OR THE ‘CRYSTAL TUBE’
In recent discussions, Kalāpa Acharya Adam Lobel, the leader of the Practice and Education pillar in Shambhala, discussed the possibility of changes that we might make in our understanding of the culture of learning in Shambhala. We currently have a model of the path that is a bit like a ‘tube’ or a ‘ladder.’ In this … Continue
Ziji Collective – Young Meditators’ Nights
It’s 11:30pm Tuesday night, and I’m experiencing a heady mix of joy and sadness. I’m heading home from the London Shambhala Centre, having said my last goodbye to the sweet and inspiring Young Meditators’ Night group which has sprung up in my three months of co-hosting. Always looking for a reason to throw … Continue
Harvest of Peace
Connection, Change, Community, and Celebration are words that come to mind when looking back at the Harvest of Peace day at the London Shambhala centre in September. In the Sakyong’s Harvest of Peace speech we heard that through our confidence and sense of well-being, we can be beacons and shine. He described the sense of … Continue
Mandala News
Dear Friends, Here are some developments and events within the wider Shambhala Mandala that I thought you may find of interest: The Kongma Sakyong, head of our Shambhala lineage, just finished his European tour. After guiding students in Vajrayāna programmes (Sacred World Assembly, Scorpion Seal Assembly) at the European land centre of Dechen Chöling in … Continue
Shambhala London Refugee Project
The worldwide refugee crisis, and the ongoing situation with Syria in particular, is something which I’m sure many of us witness with horror, despair, and a strong feeling of ‘How can I help?’ Thanks to Jim O’Neill, members of Shambhala London have been mobilised to come together and consider what we, as a community, can … Continue
Working with Money: A Finance Director’s Perspective
What is our purpose? At Shambhala, we have the main vision of creating an enlightened society. The primary way in which we do this is by providing a safe and welcoming space for our community to connect to the basic goodness in themselves, others, and everyday situations through meditation, the arts, and exercising. This is … Continue
Autumn Self
My autumn self is walking Not knowing where it is going But feeling The outstretched arms of orange trees The empty expanse of a damp cold field Reaching inside to a place that is tender An aching seed of shaky surrender that says This is it then? This isn’t half bad Or half good Don’t … Continue
Centre growth triggers new governance trial
The London Shambhala Centre is pleased to announce a new trial in its governance. For the next 6 months, the Centre Director will be paid to work two days a week. Lee Howson, the current Centre Director, will focus on strategic development: the growth of the Centre, further expansion of its activities and connection with other organisations. The … Continue