What is Shambhala??

Chögyam Trungpa(1939–1987) – The visionary behind the Shambhala tradition

… was an outstanding Tibetan teacher and founder of the Shambhala tradition. As a carrier of the Kagyu- and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, he combined the deepest wisdom of these traditions with a unique skill, to make them accessible to the modern Western world.

Even as a child he was recognized as Tülku - a reincarnated teacher. His training was rigorous and comprehensive: He was considered a scholar, spiritual practitioner, Trained teachers and administrators. Even before his 20. He was abbot of several monasteries and governor of a large region in Tibet.

He fled after the Chinese invasion 1959 from Tibet under dramatic circumstances. Four years later he began an extraordinary mission in the USA: He dedicated his life to the task, to bring the living teachings of meditation and wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism to the West.

In the following decades, Trungpa Rinpoche founded over 100 Meditation centers, several retreat centers and Naropa University – the first Buddhist-inspired college in the USA. At the same time he wrote numerous books, in which he understood it masterfully, to translate the timeless essence of Buddhist teachings into a language, inspires people worldwide.

Trungpa Rinpoche was not only a teacher and writer, but also artists. His writings, Artworks and photographs demonstrate a deep understanding of humanity and creativity.

More about his work, You can find out about his art and writings here: [Link to biography].

Sakyong Mipham became 1962 born in India and spent his early years in a refugee camp with his mother. This is where he started, to study Buddhism. With 7 Years ago he came to the West into the care of his father Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. He received teachings and empowerments from great Tibetan teachers. After his father's death he moved 1987 to Nepal, to study with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche for several years. In the year 1990 he took over the leadership of Shambhala. In the following years he contributed significantly to the growth of the community and the spread of the teachings. He wrote inspiring works like “Like the wide space: The power of meditation” and “Running with the Mind of Meditation: Lessons for Training Body and Mind”, which have inspired many people worldwide on their spiritual path and shown new perspectives. Sakyong Mipham supports the Kunchok Foundation (named after his Tibetan mother) Schools and orphanages and the construction of a school for monks in Surmang, Tibet.

2018 Sakyong Mipham came under criticism, when allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power from his youth came to light. He publicly apologized and eventually resigned from all administrative and teaching duties within the Shambhala organization and moved to Nepal with his wife and three daughters.

Shambhala is now self-governing, independent community, who maintains and passes on the teachings of the Shambhala path.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche conducts his work as a teacher from Nepal through his own organization, the Sakyong Potrang, fort.

Pema Chödrön is one of the best-known and most popular teachers of meditation and Buddhism. Her teachings have inspired millions of people worldwide - with a clear message: With peace and compassion we can overcome difficult times. Her charming and down-to-earth manner is particularly appreciated, to make Tibetan Buddhist wisdom understandable and accessible to Western people.

In her thirties, Pema traveled to the French Alps, where she met Lama Chime Rinpoche. She studied with him for several years and became 1974 ordained as a novice. She later received her full ordination from His Holiness, dem 16. Karmapa, in Hongkong.

1972 she met Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, their most important teacher. At Lama Chime's recommendation, she deepened her practice with him and stayed until his death 1987 his student. Trungpa's teachings deeply shaped Pema's understanding of meditation and compassion.

1984 she moved to rural Nova Scotia, You have, to run Gampo Abbey – the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery for Western practitioners.

Pema has authored several inspirational books, u.a.:

• “When everything collapses”
• “Be there, where you are”
• “No time to waste”
• “The places, that scare us”
• “Living with peace in times of war”

More about Pema Chödrön and her teachings:
[website]