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Being the resident ignoramus here, could someone tell me what Shambala is please? I get soooo confused with different forms of Buddhism ... as I do with most things these days, now where did I put my glasses?
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federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited February 2008
The term Shambhala Buddhism has come into use as an umbrella term referring to the teachings of Karma Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.
At the heart of the teachings of Shambhala, as proclaimed by Chögyam Trungpa, is the belief that "there is a natural source of radiance and brilliance in the world, which is the innate wakefulness of human beings.
I know.... pretty impressive, huh?
Well, don't.
I got this off the internet. But it took me a while, because there is a form of Shambala healing, which is apparently similar to reiki, and it is also the name of a mythical place or location in the Himalayas - a place more popularly referred to as "Shangri-La"....:wavey:
The term Shambhala Buddhism has come into use as an umbrella term referring to the teachings of Karma Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.
At the heart of the teachings of Shambhala, as proclaimed by Chögyam Trungpa, is the belief that "there is a natural source of radiance and brilliance in the world, which is the innate wakefulness of human beings.
Also check out shambhala.org to find out more. The Shambhala teachings are a combination of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages as Fed described. Also added to the mix are teachings of the ancient warrior wisdoms; i.e. how to have a sense of personal freedom and empowerment through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge.
Chogyam Trungpa began the Shambhala teachings in the 1970's teaching ways to synchronize the mind and body, overcoming habitual behaviors, relaxing within your discipline, and also facing the world with fearlessness and openness. Most of all he tried to instill that by finding your own basic goodness and bringing it to the world could bring peace and sanity to all.
That kinda sums it up I think. If anyone else has something to add, feel free by all means.
When I was last in India, I visited the home of the late Nicholas Roerich, a wonderful eccentric painter, writer and spy. In his 1930 book he wrote:
"What is revealed in the Kalachakra? Are there any forbiddances? No, the lofty teaching sets forth only the constructive. So it is. The same high forces are proposed for humanity. And it is revealed most scientifically how the natural forces of the elements can be used by humanity. When you are told that the shortest way is through Shambhala, through Kalachakra, it means that achievement is not an unattainable ideal, but that it is something which may be attained through sincere and industrious aspiration here, upon this very earth and in this incarnation. This is the Teaching of Shambhala...But to attain this, a man must dedicate himself entirely to creative labor. Those who work with Shambhala, the initiates and the messengers of Shambhala, do not sit in seclusion - they travel everywhere...they perform their works, not for themselves, but for the great Shambhala...Thus when you dedicate yourselves to Shambhala, everything is taken and everything is given to you...essentially the Teaching of Shambhala lies in this - that we do not speak of something distant and secreted. Therefore, if you know that Shambhala is here on earth; if you know that everything may be achieved here on Earth, then everything must be rewarded here on earth...." Shambhala: In Search of the New Era
This is alleged by Roerich to be a verbatim quotation from an unnamed lama whom he met on his search Shambhala which, as Fede says, was called "Shangri-La" by Hilton after his visit to the frontier at about the same time.
This is one of Roerich's paintings from his trips into the mountains, entitled The Road to Shambhala:
Thank you all for welcoming me, what a warm response.
Hello Federica!
Shambhala is beautiful in the fact that the message is it doesn't matter how ingrained our habits have become, or how unworthy we think we are, we can open our hearts and touch our soft spot which is our aspiring Bodhichitta! How wonderful is that! :bigclap:
Hi, Lisa and Dave. It's so great to meet you both!!
I love the Shambhala teachings too! Even though I follow a Theravada school now, the Thai Forest Tradition, my first love was Shambhala and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. I go back to his teachings all the time and he teaches me something new every time. I love that man!! I don't know how to describe it, but the first time I read his words something clicked inside me and for the first time in my life I felt true confidence in myself and the path I was just starting on. I'll never forget that day for as long as I live.
It's so great to have two Shambhala Warriors here and I hope this cyber sangha helps and supports you along your path as much as it has me. (Is that really bad English? You get what I mean. )
Thanks for posting that beautiful picture! I saved it for my desktop. I really love it.
Since we're talking about Shambhala and Fede mentioned the place, also called Shangri La, I started thinking about the movie Lost Horizon that I saw on TV when I was very little. It's been so long since I've seen it, over 30 years, but from what I remember there's a group of people who survive a plane crash and stumble upon Shangri La, or at least I think they used that name. Anyway, it's one of my earliest memories because the movie had a massive impact on me. It rang every bell in my head and I just adored it. They played it once a year for about three years and then I never saw it again. In my house when I was little The Lost Horizon was called "Brigid's movie". Lol!!
I feel compelled to point out, however, that Nicolas Roerich's version of Shambhala bears very little (i.e. no) similarity to the teachings of Trungpa and traditional Tibetan Kalachakra teachings. His version is full of spiritualist and Blavatsky-esque fantasies that are pretty ludicrous if you read them.
I feel compelled to point out, however, that Nicolas Roerich's version of Shambhala bears very little (i.e. no) similarity to the teachings of Trungpa and traditional Tibetan Kalachakra teachings. His version is full of spiritualist and Blavatsky-esque fantasies that are pretty ludicrous if you read them.
And here is me thinking it was connected with Shambolic .... no, sorry that is MY spiritual path at the moment.
Hello,
I have just been reading some of your posts on the blogspot you have and I have to say you are an inspiration.
With reference to Shambhala, are you familiar with Pema Chodron; she has written some beautiful books. I have found them very helpful in times of trouble. They have such warmth and tenderness that cuts straight through to the heart.
If I ever get that stuck feeling, I just reach for her books and she gently shoves back on the path!
Thank you so much for the recommendation - I will look for the author. I am a devourer of books ... does make going to the loo a little painful but there we are. :rolleyesc
My blog is there to help others - the mentally challenged to go and seek help and know that they are not alone, and the rest of the world to try and realise that we loonies are people just like me ... not really dangerous at all, if a bit eccentric. I do try to be totally honest about my condition and if it helps anyone at all, then so much the better.
Lovely to see you on here and looking forward to reading more of your posts.
As Knitwitch knows, I've been reading her blog too and I think it's fantastic. The subject is not only fascinating but it's worth the read just for the writing itself. Amazingly concise, clear and lacking in pretension, contrivance and frills. Really good writing.
I can also highly recommend Pema Chodron, Knitwitch. She's the teacher in residence at the monastery her teacher, Chogyam Trungpa, had built in Nova Scotia, here in Canada on the east coast. She's an absolutely delightful teacher in every way and is especially good for beginners and those coming from other traditions. She's a no nonsense kind of teacher and very humorous as well.
If you can, get some of her CDs because although her writing is wonderful, actually listening to her giving talks is quite an experience. She's funny as hell and has wicked comic timing in the most gentle way. Amazing speaker.
Well that's it then - will have to go and seek out some of this lady's material.
Even if I am disappearing behind a stack of books and my side of the bedroom looks like an explosion in a handicraft shop that happened to be doubling as a library! :tongue2:
I agree that Pema Chodron is a wonderful writer and teacher. Another god Shambhala writer is their current spiritual leader, Sakyong Mipham. Turning the Mind Into an Ally is an excellent introduction to meditation.
Yes, quite true, but don't forget Trungpa himself. His books laid the foundation for everything that came later for me, and they are still publishing new books based on his teachings.
I especially like her 3 cd set "Don't Bite the Hook." I put them on my mp3 player and take them to work. But my favorite of her books is"When Things Fall Apart." Reading it is like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold day.
Hello, all. I haven't posted here before, but lurked and read lots. I'm 54, happily married with a seventeen-year-old son and a jack russell terrier with a squeaky toy habit.
I got interested in Buddhism in the 70's while at art college and did some meditation, then life got in the way (sigh...) and it trailed off. In the meantime my younger brother went hiking to Morocco and came back a Buddhist. Over the years he's really gone for it, lived in Nepal and India in a monastery and more recently in a cave in China and is now a Lama. Me...I've dipped my toe in here and there over the years, but have never taken it further. However, the past year or two has seen me reading more and more on it and finding things will suddenly 'click' and I think, 'Yes, that's right.' And it all makes so much sense. I started with just meditation to sooth frazzled nerves and it helped so much I knew I wanted to delve into the more spiritual side of it. And to be a nicer person. I'm now trying to meditate and practise every day. I haven't taken refuge...I haven't felt ready, but now I feel it's becoming a part of my life.
My biggest obstacle is remembering stuff, like mantras, even the eightfold path sends my poor middle-aged head into slo-mo. Someone on another forum suggested using the first letters of each element of the eightfold path as a memory-jiggler....but I can't remember that either! LOL! I know I'll get there eventually.
I love Tibetan thangka art too....as an illustrator by trade I find it inspiring. The rich colour and pattern and the symbolism, especially.
Blimey, don't I waffle on! Anyway folks, I look forward to reading more of your posts and maybe even joining in sometimes!
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federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited March 2008
Hello Suz, and welcome!
I think you mean Right V.I.S.A.B.E.A.M. - !! The credit 'card' that sheds light on all your daily acquisitions!!
Really interesting about your brother! That's fascinating!
tell us a bit more about him... I'd love to see where he's at, and being a Lama is just, well... dazzling!
Good to have you aboard... as a fellow UK-member, it's nice to see you here amongst us - we're an eclectic mix!
Hey, don't worry about remembering stuff.. my house isa covered in little yellow post it notes with sutta titles and relevance, or content... Mantras, pictures... a veritable alladin's cave of Buddha-Mish-Mash!!
No, it wasn't VISABEAM...I think I could remember that one actually; the credit card that sheds light on all your daily acquisitions...LOL! I like it! The one I couldn't remember (and I've just now had to dig out my note) was VISALEM-C ...View, Intention, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness and -Concentration. Argh! No...VISABEAM....much better. Thanks!
My brother has only recently come back from China, to care for our mother who's getting a bit wobbly these days. He had a remote and basic cave up in the mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife. The monastery that the cave is 'attached' to gave him a cook/ helper too. He speaks fluent Tibetan, but probably his Chinese is limited. One day he hopes to return, when he's no longer needed here by Mum. I'll have to point him towards this forum, if he hasn't already found it then he can tell you more about it himself.
It's many years since I visited Verulamium...27 maybe. I'm not far from Lindum Colonia! ;-)
Interesting story. Do you have a center to go to? That might help. I think with the problem remembering mantras, the more you do them, the easier it will get. Just practice. Hmm, maybe that's why they call it "practice"!
I don't have a local centre to go to. I'm not a happy driver either and try to bus, bike or walk everywhere if I can. We hope to move this year or next and I should be closer to one then.
I can remember the 'Om mani' and 'Tare tuttare' and the short refuge mantra; that's it so far. Om mani is very powerful, though, isn't it.
Of for Goodness sake - don't tell me that I've even been getting THAT wrong all this time too!
I've only ever been able to remember Om mani padme hum (excuse spelling) .... even if it does look silly doing it with a rosary in times of great stress.
I got it right ............ phew. The intention was there, but I didn't want to think I'd got the only one I knew wrong. Began to wonder if the people sitting around me on the plane were experienced Buddhists thinking I was a complete twit last time I flew.
Yeah, you got it right. There are many, many mantras. Each deity has its own, and there are thousands of them. But the OM AH HUNG is the root mantra for all of them. They all derive from that one. It's sort of like the whole mandala and the individual mantras are like the different deities in the mandala. In other words, they correspond to the different parts of the whole person, while the OM AH HUNG corresponds to the whole person.
Oh thanks so much Pali - if I can only remember one (which is the case with my poor malfunctioning brain) this would seem to be the best one to have. Universal love and compassion - that'll do me.
"Walk cheerfully over the world answering that of (God, Light/ Buddha) in every one"
I participated in a marathon Om mani padme hum recitation this past Lunar New Year. I swear that a woman close to me was pronouncing it Om, Anybody Home? For hours!
Hello Suz. It`s very nice to meet you! And by the way, I heard the mantra is pronounced Om Mani Paymay Hung as well. (I know I spelled it wrong, but I wanted to spell it the way that it is pronounced in this instance.) I don`t know why this pronunciation is also used, but I was hoping someone could shed some light on this for me because this is the way I`ve been saying this. (I guess I should have started another thread for this one.)
No, no, it's actually pronounced OM MOMMY PAT MY HEAD!
Actually you're quite right, jj5. It's spelled in Tibetan the same way it is in Sanskrit, i.e. padma (lotus), but when a Tibetan reads it, it comes out peme as the "d" at the end of a syllable is silent. You see that in a lot of Tibetanized Sanskrit words. The word vajra, for instance, when spelled in Tibetan (which has no "v" sound) comes out benzar. Of course we have the same problem in English in trying to pronounce Tibetan words that have no equivalent sound in English, like a leading ng sound, which doesn't exist in English (e.g. ngondro).
Probably more than you ever wanted to know on the subject, but hey, you'd be surprised what gets monks excited!
Comments
VERY good point! I had never studied my cats knack for stillness in my meditative quest, lol. Perhaps I shall start!!
Palzang
I am new to Buddhism, I have been self studying for around seven months or so and I have been blown away!
My name is Lisa and I am from the UK.
I am very much "in love" with the Shambhala teachings and I am a Warrior in training!
I hope to join in the discussions soon and thank you for listening.
Lisa
Palzang
I know Lisa, the Shambala Warrior!
She's a cool cat! :bigclap:
Hello Lisa, it's your friendly pain-in-the neck here!
Welcome!
Come in , sit down in the comfy chair, and have a cup of cocoa!!
Shut the door, there's a fresh breeze a-blowin'! :wavey:
Being the resident ignoramus here, could someone tell me what Shambala is please? I get soooo confused with different forms of Buddhism ... as I do with most things these days, now where did I put my glasses?
At the heart of the teachings of Shambhala, as proclaimed by Chögyam Trungpa, is the belief that "there is a natural source of radiance and brilliance in the world, which is the innate wakefulness of human beings.
I know.... pretty impressive, huh?
Well, don't.
I got this off the internet. But it took me a while, because there is a form of Shambala healing, which is apparently similar to reiki, and it is also the name of a mythical place or location in the Himalayas - a place more popularly referred to as "Shangri-La"....:wavey:
And here is me thinking it was connected with Shambolic .... no, sorry that is MY spiritual path at the moment.
Also check out shambhala.org to find out more. The Shambhala teachings are a combination of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages as Fed described. Also added to the mix are teachings of the ancient warrior wisdoms; i.e. how to have a sense of personal freedom and empowerment through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge.
Chogyam Trungpa began the Shambhala teachings in the 1970's teaching ways to synchronize the mind and body, overcoming habitual behaviors, relaxing within your discipline, and also facing the world with fearlessness and openness. Most of all he tried to instill that by finding your own basic goodness and bringing it to the world could bring peace and sanity to all.
That kinda sums it up I think. If anyone else has something to add, feel free by all means.
~Peace
This is alleged by Roerich to be a verbatim quotation from an unnamed lama whom he met on his search Shambhala which, as Fede says, was called "Shangri-La" by Hilton after his visit to the frontier at about the same time.
This is one of Roerich's paintings from his trips into the mountains, entitled The Road to Shambhala:
Thank you all for welcoming me, what a warm response.
Hello Federica!
Shambhala is beautiful in the fact that the message is it doesn't matter how ingrained our habits have become, or how unworthy we think we are, we can open our hearts and touch our soft spot which is our aspiring Bodhichitta! How wonderful is that! :bigclap:
Love, Lisa
p.s - these are great smilies....
I love the Shambhala teachings too! Even though I follow a Theravada school now, the Thai Forest Tradition, my first love was Shambhala and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. I go back to his teachings all the time and he teaches me something new every time. I love that man!! I don't know how to describe it, but the first time I read his words something clicked inside me and for the first time in my life I felt true confidence in myself and the path I was just starting on. I'll never forget that day for as long as I live.
It's so great to have two Shambhala Warriors here and I hope this cyber sangha helps and supports you along your path as much as it has me. (Is that really bad English? You get what I mean.
Thanks for posting that beautiful picture! I saved it for my desktop. I really love it.
Since we're talking about Shambhala and Fede mentioned the place, also called Shangri La, I started thinking about the movie Lost Horizon that I saw on TV when I was very little. It's been so long since I've seen it, over 30 years, but from what I remember there's a group of people who survive a plane crash and stumble upon Shangri La, or at least I think they used that name. Anyway, it's one of my earliest memories because the movie had a massive impact on me. It rang every bell in my head and I just adored it. They played it once a year for about three years and then I never saw it again. In my house when I was little The Lost Horizon was called "Brigid's movie". Lol!!
Palzang
I quite agree, Palzang, but what a life, eh?
Palzang
Hello,
I have just been reading some of your posts on the blogspot you have and I have to say you are an inspiration.
With reference to Shambhala, are you familiar with Pema Chodron; she has written some beautiful books. I have found them very helpful in times of trouble. They have such warmth and tenderness that cuts straight through to the heart.
If I ever get that stuck feeling, I just reach for her books and she gently shoves back on the path!
Thank you so much for the recommendation - I will look for the author. I am a devourer of books ... does make going to the loo a little painful but there we are. :rolleyesc
My blog is there to help others - the mentally challenged to go and seek help and know that they are not alone, and the rest of the world to try and realise that we loonies are people just like me ... not really dangerous at all, if a bit eccentric. I do try to be totally honest about my condition and if it helps anyone at all, then so much the better.
Lovely to see you on here and looking forward to reading more of your posts.
BB
I can also highly recommend Pema Chodron, Knitwitch. She's the teacher in residence at the monastery her teacher, Chogyam Trungpa, had built in Nova Scotia, here in Canada on the east coast. She's an absolutely delightful teacher in every way and is especially good for beginners and those coming from other traditions. She's a no nonsense kind of teacher and very humorous as well.
If you can, get some of her CDs because although her writing is wonderful, actually listening to her giving talks is quite an experience. She's funny as hell and has wicked comic timing in the most gentle way. Amazing speaker.
Even if I am disappearing behind a stack of books and my side of the bedroom looks like an explosion in a handicraft shop that happened to be doubling as a library! :tongue2:
Niall
Ben
Palzang
Ben
I got interested in Buddhism in the 70's while at art college and did some meditation, then life got in the way (sigh...) and it trailed off. In the meantime my younger brother went hiking to Morocco and came back a Buddhist. Over the years he's really gone for it, lived in Nepal and India in a monastery and more recently in a cave in China and is now a Lama. Me...I've dipped my toe in here and there over the years, but have never taken it further. However, the past year or two has seen me reading more and more on it and finding things will suddenly 'click' and I think, 'Yes, that's right.' And it all makes so much sense. I started with just meditation to sooth frazzled nerves and it helped so much I knew I wanted to delve into the more spiritual side of it. And to be a nicer person. I'm now trying to meditate and practise every day. I haven't taken refuge...I haven't felt ready, but now I feel it's becoming a part of my life.
My biggest obstacle is remembering stuff, like mantras, even the eightfold path sends my poor middle-aged head into slo-mo. Someone on another forum suggested using the first letters of each element of the eightfold path as a memory-jiggler....but I can't remember that either! LOL! I know I'll get there eventually.
I love Tibetan thangka art too....as an illustrator by trade I find it inspiring. The rich colour and pattern and the symbolism, especially.
Blimey, don't I waffle on! Anyway folks, I look forward to reading more of your posts and maybe even joining in sometimes!
I think you mean Right V.I.S.A.B.E.A.M. - !! The credit 'card' that sheds light on all your daily acquisitions!!
View, Intention, Speech, Action, Business (Livelihood), Effort, Awareness (Minfulness) Meditation (Concentration).....
Would that be the one....?
Really interesting about your brother! That's fascinating!
tell us a bit more about him... I'd love to see where he's at, and being a Lama is just, well... dazzling!
Good to have you aboard... as a fellow UK-member, it's nice to see you here amongst us - we're an eclectic mix!
Hey, don't worry about remembering stuff.. my house isa covered in little yellow post it notes with sutta titles and relevance, or content... Mantras, pictures... a veritable alladin's cave of Buddha-Mish-Mash!!
Welcome!!
Welcome to the board - memory??? Yes - sorry, what was the question?
No, it wasn't VISABEAM...I think I could remember that one actually; the credit card that sheds light on all your daily acquisitions...LOL! I like it! The one I couldn't remember (and I've just now had to dig out my note) was VISALEM-C ...View, Intention, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness and -Concentration. Argh! No...VISABEAM....much better. Thanks!
My brother has only recently come back from China, to care for our mother who's getting a bit wobbly these days. He had a remote and basic cave up in the mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife. The monastery that the cave is 'attached' to gave him a cook/ helper too. He speaks fluent Tibetan, but probably his Chinese is limited. One day he hopes to return, when he's no longer needed here by Mum. I'll have to point him towards this forum, if he hasn't already found it then he can tell you more about it himself.
It's many years since I visited Verulamium...27 maybe. I'm not far from Lindum Colonia! ;-)
Interesting story. Do you have a center to go to? That might help. I think with the problem remembering mantras, the more you do them, the easier it will get. Just practice. Hmm, maybe that's why they call it "practice"!
Palzang
I don't have a local centre to go to. I'm not a happy driver either and try to bus, bike or walk everywhere if I can. We hope to move this year or next and I should be closer to one then.
I can remember the 'Om mani' and 'Tare tuttare' and the short refuge mantra; that's it so far. Om mani is very powerful, though, isn't it.
Palzang
Palzang
I've only ever been able to remember Om mani padme hum (excuse spelling) .... even if it does look silly doing it with a rosary in times of great stress.
Tell me that isn't wrong - someone! :banghead:
"Om Mani Padme Hum" is the 6-syllable mantra of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Palzang
"Walk cheerfully over the world answering that of (God, Light/ Buddha) in every one"
Normally I am the silly sod getting it all wrong.
Actually you're quite right, jj5. It's spelled in Tibetan the same way it is in Sanskrit, i.e. padma (lotus), but when a Tibetan reads it, it comes out peme as the "d" at the end of a syllable is silent. You see that in a lot of Tibetanized Sanskrit words. The word vajra, for instance, when spelled in Tibetan (which has no "v" sound) comes out benzar. Of course we have the same problem in English in trying to pronounce Tibetan words that have no equivalent sound in English, like a leading ng sound, which doesn't exist in English (e.g. ngondro).
Probably more than you ever wanted to know on the subject, but hey, you'd be surprised what gets monks excited!
Palzang
No I wouldn't, Pali - I live with a train enthusiast!