The Shambhala Board

Dear Shambhala Community,

We hope that you are well and safe. In this email, you will find a summary of the key points relating to the New Shambhala Code of Conduct implementation and procedures that go into effect on Shambhala Day 2021.

This communication includes:

• A description and link to the Procedure Documents
• An outline of the Phased Implementation Approach
• Links to the Code of Conduct Facilitator and Council Member position descriptions, for which we are hoping qualified volunteers will apply. This is a call for dedicated practitioners and community members like you to bring the new Code of Conduct to life.

Introduction
In July 2020 we released the new Shambhala International Code of Conduct together with its five policy provisions. Please review the Code and the Policies together with the Board’s introduction on the Code of Conduct Hub Website. The new Code of Conduct and policies are part of a large body of work done not only in response to issues of past conduct, but to provide reasonable guidelines, structure and human resources to create a common understanding and a reliable container for members to move forward on our mutual path towards a good human society. (See Board Introduction to the Code dated August 3, 2020.)

Other elements that have been introduced include the Therapy and Counselling Offering,  the Right Use of Power training, the earlier training with Robert Wright, Sexual Harm, Trauma, and the Healing Journey, and ongoing work around issues of discrimination and inclusion.

The Code of Conduct Procedures
The new Code goes into effect on Shambhala Day, February 12, 2021 (the “Effective Date”). The new Code will not be retroactive. The Code covers all activities within Shambhala and applies to everyone. As such, it is a tremendous undertaking to make sure that the Code is applied equally and fairly.

Since we released the Code, the Code of Conduct Support Group (CCSG), members of the Board, and the Director of Community Care and Conduct, along with many consultants and advisors, have been hard at work developing the Procedures to accompany the Code (the “Code Procedures”) by which complaints and concerns will be handled in Shambhala. In addition, the Board has drawn heavily upon the many years of experience of the Care and Conduct Panel in applying and working with the current Care and Conduct Policy. The Board and the community owe these individuals a huge debt of gratitude for this work product.

• Click Here to access the Code of Conduct Procedures
• Click Here to access “What to do if you have a concern” document

The new Code Procedures are designed to help address the many difficult experiences reported in the 2019 Care and Conduct Survey.

How we deal with misconduct in Shambhala in the future needs to be trustworthy. For this to be possible, we must work together in a way that is caring, while ensuring accountability, transparent, yet respectful of individual privacy. The Code Procedures aim to address complaints in a way that is just and fair, that serves and provides protection for communities, and actively supports reconciliation and rebuilding trust wherever possible.

To a certain extent, the Code Procedures draw on traditional civic and internationally agreed-upon principles of dispute resolution and procedural fairness, such as notice and opportunity to be heard, fact finding, and investigation. This also includes application of standards (the Code) to such facts by impartial, trained people, a decision which involves both kindness, accountability and consequences, and then a limited appeal from the initial decision. The CCSG viewed these values and standards, which could be summarized as due process or fundamental fairness, as worthy, if not essential, to the Code Procedures. The Code Procedures build upon these norms in several very important ways:

• The Code and its Procedures are founded on and immersed in the Shambhala principles, practice, and experience of basic goodness, warriorship, and working with others in order to create and make manifest good human society. The Code is both path and practice. In this regard, we intend to incorporate our considerable teachings and inheritance from both Sakyongs and the years of experience and training of the Dorje Kasung and the Desung corps.
• The Code Procedures attempt to lessen the first resort to an adversarial method in a number of ways, such as: a.) the initial emphasis on local resolution, the presence and active involvement of “facilitators” at the local level; b.) the training in, and options to use, a number of “restorative processes”; and c.) lastly, differentiating accountability from “punishment” in the “protective and rebalancing measures”.
• Related to the above, we have tried to balance, as have so many other Western institutions: a.) the initial credibility accorded to a “reporting person” and the protection of a responding party from unfounded claims; and b.) the accessibility and transparency of the process (even with “Anonymous Claims”) and the necessary confidentiality required to protect all involved. For example, in that regard, we have provided for cases to be “removed” from the “local” level where conditions are unworkable; c). We have also tried to balance an efficient, confidential, and expeditious process with open communication and genuine care for the parties involved.

A Phased Implementation
The Board, after reviewing the plan to roll out the Code and infrastructure with many people, including the CCSG, has decided to implement it in stages. The Covid crisis gives us the opportunity to devote needed time to recruiting, training and putting in place the people required to implement and administer the Code.

During this phased roll out, the current Care and Conduct Panel has generously agreed to continue to serve on an interim basis as the panel (equivalent to the international Council) as a way to support the transition to the new Code of Conduct.

As situations arise under the new Code, the Code Procedure will be tried, tested and refined. We encourage the community to give feedback on these procedures. The Office of Community Care and Conduct, in consultation with the Panel and new Council members, will serve as a resource and help desk to support centres and groups as situations arise under the new Code (contact codeofconduct@shambhala.org).

A Call for Volunteers
We are recruiting at this time for people to be trained and fill and carry out certain roles who will serve as the core personnel of the Code Procedures and its application: Code of Conduct Facilitator, Regional Council, and International Council Member. The roles are not new, in the sense that they have been carried out at various formal and informal levels in the past, but they are critical to the credible functioning of the Code. We would like to hear from people who are inspired to fill these roles. We seek to recruit ten (10) people at the outset.

•  A minimum of four (4) Code of Conduct Facilitators (CCFs) who will serve as local reference points for those involved to navigate the Code of Conduct process. CCFs will receive and respond to concerns and complaints and coordinate the stages of the process for the parties involved in it. The CCF role is critical to the experience of individuals involved, for the community affected, and for progress to a successful conclusion. Responsibilities may include arranging local reconciliation or group processes, when desired by parties, and following through and monitoring the success of outcomes. CCFs liaise with the Council roles below. While CCFs may be based in a local centre, they will be serving multiple communities as the need arises.
• A minimum of three (3) Regional and three (3) International Council Members  will receive formal complaints, and when needed, oversee an investigation. The International Council will receive complaints concerning people who have a global role in Shambhala, and hear appeals if needed. The Councils are responsible for determining what happened and deciding the best way forward, in consultation with both parties and with the community as appropriate. Protective measures may be needed; remedies may need to be applied. The Code of Conduct procedures are aimed to ensure to the greatest extent possible that the process is managed impartially, equitably and efficiently, and that the wellbeing of the individuals and communities affected is safeguarded and promoted.
• All Code of Conduct Facilitators and Council Members will participate in ongoing training in the Code Procedures, Right Use of Power, Gender Dynamics and other key areas.

You can find the full description of these roles, the qualities that are required, and how to apply, at this link.

Why volunteer to serve in one of these positions? First, it offers an opportunity to bring benefit to individuals and communities in our sangha. Second, you will have opportunities to apply your expertise and skillful means in an area of sangha life that needs repair and increased confidence. Third, the training will deepen your understanding in many areas of communication, care and dispute resolution. A small monthly stipend is also offered. If you wish to ask any questions regarding the roles, please write to tara.templin@shambhalaglobal.org

If one of these opportunities resonates with you, you are warmly invited to apply.  We also encourage you to explore the new Code of Conduct Hub, which sets out all the new policies, and contains foundational documents, training materials and in the future, contacts for key people across Shambhala, available to all locations.

In the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,

Shambhala Board of Directors
Mark Blumenfeld
Phil Cass
John Cobb
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

With deep appreciation and thanks to:

Code of Conduct Support Group
Jim Fladmark
Claudia Arnau
Jan Frans Sturm
Kristine McCutcheon
Susanne Vincent
Gregory Lubkin

The International Care and Conduct Panel
Dan Peterson
Claudia Arnau
John Sennhauser
Ute Reinhart-La Haye

Dear Shambhala Community —

The Board would like to offer the following in regard to topics on which we have received many questions and comments since our last update and that are of particular significance to the community.

Governance Matters 

We have been asked by center/group leadership, the community and the Sakyong Potrang to articulate our view of the role of the Sakyong, the relationship of Shambhala to the Sakyong Potrang, and related matters. We have spent a great deal of time on these issues, sought independent advice, interviewed many, reviewed the results of the survey(s) (see below), had in-depth meetings with the Process Team Government Models Group, and examined in detail what has worked or not worked in the past.

The Shambhala Board recently surveyed our community’s leadership and understands that the majority of leaders believe that we need to have governance changes in order to have decision-making that reflects the best interests of all parts of the sangha. We believe such changes would: assure the continuity of care and healing initiatives; help restore the reputation of Shambhala; and ensure Shambhala’s sustainability in the future. Our policy views as presented in our August Update and at our October webinar for leaders, appear to have wide support among the sangha.

Over this past year, the Shambhala Board has communicated these views through discussions and in writing to the Sakyong Potrang Board. In July, we sent the Sakyong and the Sakyong Potrang a list of legal and charitable status concerns about Shambhala USA, Shambhala Canada, the Sakyong Potrang USA and the Sakyong Potrang Canada. In October, the Shambhala Board sent a comprehensive proposal to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and the Sakyong Potrang Board with a proposed restructuring for a more independent Shambhala Board, the role of the Sakyong, and resolution of many issues which have divided, and could continue to divide, the sangha in its recovery and revitalization. It remains our intention to continue working with the Sakyong Potrang and the Sakyong on a way forward. We know you will all have many questions, and we will continue to communicate with you about these efforts.

Practice and Education 

Recently, the Shambhala Board learned that Acharyas and Shastris will no longer be authorized to give the vows and lungs that they previously could give, and that the Sakyong would be offering teachings that started in November called Foundations of Dharma and Refuge. This course, which is being offered outside of Shambhala, includes refuge vows with the Sakyong, and a subsequent course will offer the bodhisattva vow.

We are getting many questions about the meaning of these decisions. Like many of you, we were not informed in advance of them. We are deeply concerned that these decisions, when combined with the resignation/retirement of many Acharyas and Shastris, have already led to the cancelation of scheduled vow ceremonies, and will result in a contraction of access and opportunity for many in the sangha who do not wish to study with the Sakyong. We seek to ensure that opportunities for study and taking vows are not reduced within the sangha and will explore opportunities for those who are not studying with the Sakyong.

Care and Conduct

We have taken steps recently to try to mitigate the impact of past harm, and avoid recurrence of harm in the future, by initiatives such as the Right Use of Power training, the new Code of Conduct with its training and recruitment of Panel Members, our community grants program , and the recently announced Therapy Offering. We are now considering other initiatives depending on feedback, the continuing impact of COVID-19, and funding.

We have recently learned of reports of harm that apparently were not earlier reported. The Shambhala Board acknowledges issues of members being harmed in the community have not been fully addressed, and we are further exploring a path forward.

The Shambhala Board apologizes if we have contributed in any way to any person’s being badly treated and then ignored. We recognize that this applies to individuals and groups on all views of their relationship with the Sakyong and the organizations. We know that these issues have made it very difficult for some, whether they felt safe to stay in the Shambhala community or whether they felt they had to leave. We recognize that the care and conduct initiatives are only part of an offering to heal. We must continue to work on these issues, which are important for the organization as a whole. We are considering what can and should be done further with a renewed awareness. We are happy to receive your ideas and proposals on future actions.

Recent Shambhala Board Decisions:

• Sent a proposal for governance changes to the Sakyong Potrang and the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. (As described above.)
• Completed a new employee Handbook for Shambhala USA and Shambhala Canada.
• Issued a comprehensive Annual Report for 2019 with the expectation that Shambhala will continue to publish one annually.
• Continued to fund community and diversity grants. (See Community Grant Recipients below.)
• Began to define “What is a Shambhala Center” and address policies regarding centers or groups wishing to dissolve or suspend operations.
• Went forward with a Therapy Offering for sangha members who have experienced harm and leaders wanting counsel. (See Care and Conduct Update below.)
• Created, distributed and analysed a comprehensive survey of global leaders on the state of their centres’ finances, online offerings, relationship with the Sakyong and other priority issues. We also interviewed 15 centres globally in-person concerning the survey questions. (See Survey to Leaders below.)
• Went forward with selling the parcel of land behind the Windhorse Retreat Center, which had not been used or developed, with the proceeds to benefit other centres. (See Windhorse Retreat Center Land Sale below.)
• Developed and approved priorities and allocations of resources in a 2021 Budget in response to a Shambhala Global Services (SGS) strategic planning model.

Work with Shambhala Leaders

October 11 Shambhala Board Webinar with Leaders  

The Shambhala Board had a webinar with global leaders on October 11 to both provide an update on governance, community grants, leadership surveys, advanced programming and care and conduct issues as well as to have breakout rooms to discuss current issues with our centres and groups. Please click here to view the webinar recording that includes the Shambhala Board updates with the breakout rooms summarized at the end of the recording.

Survey to Leaders

The Shambhala Board and Shambhala Global Services (SGS) sent out a 33-question survey to our global leaders in October. We asked each centre or group to make one inclusive response. 110 centres or groups sent in a completed survey.  The Shambhala Board and SGS members also conducted in-person interviews with 15 centres globally. We are very grateful for the time and effort all of our leaders spent making considered and thoughtful answers. Please find here a link to our general summary conclusions and the tabulated survey responses.

The Board is working not only on refining the results but also making recommendations on which we will continue to report in future updates.

Process Team’s Sense of Shambhala Survey

The final part of the Process Team’s Sense of Shambhala Survey report is now complete and can be found on the Process Team Website.  Part 4 analyzes the open text responses of the 3,093 Shambhalians who answered the survey in early 2020. The range of comments made about practice and study, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, our organization and our community relationships reflect the diversity of our views and experiences and the depth of our common connection to Shambhala.

Care and Conduct Update

We are pleased to announce, as part of the Reparative Process for Shambhala, we will be partnering with Robert Wright, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of the Peoples’ Counseling Clinic (PCC), to pilot an ongoing Therapy Offering and Counseling Program for Shambhala. It is our hope that an offering of counselling and therapy will contribute to a healthy and vibrant Shambhala community, as well as provide individual support for community members in their healing journey. This offering was designed with the valuable input from community members with a trauma and therapy background.  Please click here to view the informational e-mail which was sent on December 8.

Recruitment for Code of Conduct Councils and Facilitators

The Code of Conduct Support Group is currently finalizing the Code of Conduct Procedures, as well as related training and position descriptions for Code of Conduct facilitators, councillors and support people. An announcement to begin recruiting for these positions is forthcoming.

Community Grant Recipients

We are pleased to give an update on the first round of community grants. In our June Board update, we announced the first three grants, which were awarded to The Touching the Earth Collective ($22,000 USD), Expansion of the Shambhala Art Heritage Teachings ($7,014 USD), and the Technical Upgrade of the Shambhala Archives Data Management ($12,800 USD). Please click here to read more about these previously funded projects.

Since our last update, from the first round of three grants these additional four have been approved:

1. Addressing Bias & Trauma — $8,350 USD. Mindful Connections for Trauma-Sensitive Practices (MCTSP) pilot.
2. Awareness Raising Officer Training — $7,500 EUR / $8,500 USD. To create a safe space where participants can explore our Shambhala culture, share personal experiences and discover blind spots.
3. Establishing the Path of Inclusivity Warriorship & Social Liberation — $7,800 USD. This initiative develops the Path of Inclusivity Warriorship — life training in how to create brave and caring environments that welcome everyone.
4. Shambhala Archives Phase 2 – $13,072 USD. Database entry of the collection into the new database, digitization and data entry of analog audio and video assets.

A total of $79,536 USD was awarded to these seven first round projects.

We are also pleased to announce the results for the second round of community grants focusing on diversity and inclusivity. Please click here to read more about all proposals that have been approved to date.

In this second round, the projects awarded with funds are:

1. Examining Whiteness:$3,900 USD – Examining Whiteness with the heart of Warriorship and the Four Dignities of Investigating Whiteness and Racism.
2. Workshop on White Identity: $3,500 USD – Exploring Whiteness and how it shapes individual interactions.
3. Enhancing Spirituality and Social Justice for Sustainable Change: $1,500 USD – This project provides spiritual & self-preservation resources for BIPOC people and promote more racial diversity and inclusion.
4. Mindfulness and Attachment-based parenting: $3,560 USD – Incorporating evidence-based mindfulness, attachment, and trauma-informed parenting principles to serve high-risk, single mothers of very young children and further parenting discussion within the Shambhala Center.
5. Lu-Collective Active Peace Circles: $5,500 USD – Configuring an Active Peace Circle – restorative justice framework – and addressing a case of conflict within our Center.
6. Letter Writing Campaign to End Violence Against Black People: $3,000 USD – Using contemplative practice, writers are encouraged to identify incidents of violence against Black people and to connect with their feelings about it.

The total amount of funds granted in this second round is $20,960 USD.

We thank all of the individuals and groups who submitted proposals for grant funding and for the amount of energy and work that everybody has put into each project.

Third Quarter Financials

We are pleased to present the Q3 financial report to the community. These results are for Shambhala Global Services (SGS), which represents a portion of our global Mandala. For a refresher on what is included in SGS click here.

The first nine months of 2020 presented many challenges for SGS due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued challenges faced by the Shambhala Community, all of which impacted revenues and activities. SGS had Net Income of $33,198 through September 30, which is 51% below the budgeted goal of $65,634. We expect the macro environment to be challenging for the rest of 2020 and into 2021. Based on our results for the third quarter and current trends, we expect to end the year with a loss. While the loss this year can be covered in part by restricted giving and by cash reserves, we will continue to manage with the objective that expenses must be covered by operational revenues so the reserves can be used for strategic projects, long term investments for the community and to avoid falling back into debt.

Click here to view the September 30 Statement of Activities and Q3 Balance Sheet.

Planned Giving To Shambhala

We are pleased to announce that a new planned giving website for Shambhala community members in the U.S. is being launched. This website has helpful information about making bequests, as well as other ways to support Shambhala with planned giving. This project has been in development since 2019 and we hope it will be of benefit to those of you who are interested in planned giving. Please click here to view the new website with further details.

We will be working on further developing planned giving resources and support materials for Shambhalians in Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world, but this is quite complex as the tax laws and planned giving structures vary greatly from country to country. We hope to be able to provide this level of planned giving support to all community members over time.

Windhorse Retreat Center Land Sale

The Shambhala Board will move forward with an offer to buy 33 acres of land in Plymouth WI adjoining the regional Windhorse Retreat Center, which suspended operations this last year. The land will be sold back to the original owners for the same price paid in 2005 and to support their purpose to use the land for educational purposes. We have consulted with the city centers in the midwest region as well as the major donors for the original land purchase, and in conjunction with their wishes, we will use the estimated $100,000 proceeds to support other Shambhala retreat centers, city centers that are struggling, and regional needs.

Shambhala Mountain Center Update

We continue to work with Shambhala Mountain Center on their recovery from the recent wildfires. For the latest information about SMC, please continue to visit their website. We recognize that several structures that were destroyed or damaged were on Shambhala USA land. The Shambhala Board is actively engaged in the process with SMC in deciding how, when and what to rebuild.

Virtual Cushion & Virtual Chöling

Virtual Cushion is a new, online gathering place for completely new meditators through to seasoned practitioners. Hosted by Shambhala Online, Virtual Cushion features information about Shambhala Centres and Groups from around the world who are offering Learn to Meditate courses, open houses, one-off meditation and sadhana sessions (public chanting practices), discussions, and programs that can be accessed virtually, no matter where you live.

For Vajrayana students, be sure to check out Virtual Chöling – a calendar of free, daily virtual Vajrayana practice sessions. Any Vajrayana student or centre is invited to host a practice session. Virtual Choling is a gathering place for all of us around the world to deepen and connect with our practice and each other.

We are looking for more centres, groups, and teachers that want to participate in both Virtual Cushion (for public programs) and Virtual Chöling (for Vajrayana programs). To get involved in either effort (by hosting a session or having your already-occurring sessions and programs published), contact virtualcholing@shambhalaonline.org.

Appointments & Departures

Departures:

• Veronika Bauer has retired from the Boards of Director of Shambhala USA and Canada; she remains as “Special Advisor” to these boards.
• Konstanze Brockstedt has retired as director of Dechen Chöling after her seven-year term of service.
• Eve Rosenthal has retired as an acharya.
• Nick Kranz has resigned as a shastri.
• Charlotte Linde has resigned as a shastri.
• Tessa Watt has retired as a shastri.
• Felicja Hartman has stepped down as Amsterdam Shambhala Centre Director.
• Lauren Newton has stepped down as Austin Shambhala Center Director.
• Miles Parker has stepped down as Kootenay Shambhala Centre Director.

Appointments:  

• Amsterdam Co-Directors: Aart-Jan van de Pol and Ralph Wieske
• Austin Center Director: David Maynard
• Kootenay Shambhala Centre Director: Cameron Wenaus

Veronika Bauer — Retired from Shambhala Board and Director of Europe Positions

With great appreciation, we want to give all our thanks to Veronika Bauer who has worked on the Shambhala Board since 2018 at the same time she was the Director of Europe. Not being able to envision being without her strong financial, consulting, and insightful work, she will continue as a Special Advisor to the Shambhala Board to work on specific projects on a request basis. On the Shambhala Board, Veronika was the co-chair of the Finance Committee and worked on revenue generation issues, technology, and many other areas. Veronika, as the Director of Europe, worked with all European leaders and centers, brought in financial discipline and helped with Dechen Chöling. Veronika has always brought her cheerful, strong and incisive abilities to all she did. We wish Veronika everything good with her having more time to be with her family, her new leadership role on her local school board and her professional work.

We wish you all a Cheerful Children’s Day and nyida time.  May we all be safe and well in this time of the pandemic and continue to be of service and help to all.

In the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,

The Shambhala Board of Directors

Mark Blumenfeld
Phil Cass
John Cobb
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

Dear Shambhala Community,

The Shambhala Board acknowledges that healing and repair is an imperative for our community, and we aspire to do what we can to repair past and current harm, particularly for those individuals who have experienced harm due to aggression, failings on the part of the organization, or actions within the Shambhala community. We are absolutely committed to changing our culture in a way that ensures care, accountability, transparency and inclusivity in all our actions and programs.

We are pleased to announce, as part of the Reparative Process for Shambhala, we are partnering with Robert Wright, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of the People’s Counseling Clinic (PCC), to pilot an ongoing therapy offering and counseling program for Shambhala. You might already be familiar with Robert from the course on Shambhala Online, “Sexual Harm Trauma and the Healing Journey” offered to the community in 2019.

Therapy and Counseling Program Description

Several types of support are available to current or past Shambhala members in English, and we will work to develop country- and language-specific supports for non-English speakers as resources allow. We hope that an offering of counselling and therapy will contribute to a healthy and vibrant Shambhala community, as well as provide individual support for community members in their healing journey. This offering was designed with the valuable input from community members with a trauma and therapy background.

Shambhala’s Therapy and Counselling Program for community members offers the following supports:

• A Counseling Service: Individuals wishing to access a single-session, 90 minute, confidential counselling service can contact the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic voicemail at 1-902-832-1593 or thepeoplescounsellingclinic@gmail.com. Individuals will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a therapist from the PCC, who will provide immediate support, information about the therapy offering, recommendations and referrals.
• Therapy Subsidy: After accessing the counseling service, individuals may be referred to therapy. A one-time subsidy of up to $500 is available to help cover the cost of therapy sessions with a licensed registered therapist. The PCC will provide a form to the referred individual to submit to a registered therapist, who can apply directly to the PCC to cover the costs of therapy provision.
• Leadership Support: A counselling service for leaders in Shambhala looking to support others in their healing, and seeking support themselves. To access the Leadership Counselling Service, contact the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic voicemail at 1-902-832-1593 or thepeoplescounsellingclinic@gmail.com. Individuals will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a therapist from the PCC.

To access these services call 1-902-832-1593 or write thepeoplescounsellingclinic@gmail.com. Leave a message with your name and phone number or email address, as well as identify that you are calling regarding the Shambhala program. You will be contacted within 1-2 business days by the PCC secretary to schedule a 90 minute phone or zoom call with a PCC therapist.

Informational Webinar Recording
On December 3rd, 2020, the Shambhala Board and the PCC held a call with leaders in Shambhala to explain this one-year pilot program. The intention of the call with Robert Wright and James Dubé (Clinic Manager) of the Peoples’ Counselling clinic, a Shambhala Board Member and Tara Templin, Director of Community Care and Conduct was to present an overview of the program and answer questions.

If after viewing the recording, you have specific questions about the therapy and counselling offering, we encourage you to contact tara.templin@shambhala.org or jamesowendube0411@gmail.com.
Click here to view a recording of the Informational call

About Robert Wright and the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic

Robert Wright, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of the Peoples’ Counseling Clinic, offered the Sexual Harm, Trauma, and The Healing Journey course in 2019 for the Shambhala community in collaboration with Noel McLellan, and Basia Solarz. Robert is a social worker and sociologist known best for his work in the fields of sexual abuse, child welfare, trauma, cultural competence, and education. His extensive pro bono work gave birth to The Peoples’ Counselling Clinic, a non-profit mental health clinic. His pioneering work with colleagues in cultural competence and conducting cultural assessments has received national attention. For more on his work see http://www.robertswright.ca/ and for information on the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic see http://thepeoplescounsellingclinic.ca/.

In the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,

The Shambhala Board of Directors

Mark Blumenfeld
John Cobb
Phil Cass
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich

Dear Shambhala Friends,

We are pleased to share the Shambhala 2019 Annual Report with you. This report covers our initiatives, events, and financials for 2019, as well as looking forward as a community in 2020 and beyond.

You can click here to view the 2019 Annual Report on the shambhala.org website.

Note that you will need to log in using your Shambhala username and password. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, please contact info@shambhala.org.

In the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,

The Shambhala Board of Directors

Mark Blumenfeld
John Cobb
Phil Cass
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

We should not give up:
We are the children of the vajra world.
We should sing the anthem of the lion’s roar;
We should cry the shriek of fearlessness.
Come and join us!
Let us be wakeful for our own sake;
Let us be decent for others’ sake.
My love to you.

From First Thought, Best Thought; poem 76 “Eternal Guest”; Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche; 6 April 1978

Dear Shambhala Community,

We hope that you are taking good care of yourselves in this time of the pandemic and that you are finding both nourishment and inspiration in your household life, work and path. The Shambhala Board wants to acknowledge this time in which we are all working to sort out how to go forward with our lives and also with Shambhala. There is, of course, no lack of challenges!

The Shambhala Board, now 10 members strong, has continued to rely on the open view that we all can go forward together and to find strength in different views. At the same time, the Board wants to encourage growth and change in our organization. We acknowledge and are working with many tensions and opportunities in our community. We wish to express our view and commitment at a time when dynamic tensions could become harmful divisions.

The tensions and opportunities have been reflected in the recent thoughtful communications from different parts of our mandala: a letter from the “pilgrimage organizers” who spoke to the Sakyong’s view based on their experience in Nepal; Lady Diana Mukpo who proposes to open up access to Chögyam Trungpa’s teachings; the Process Team presenting their “Sense of Shambhala” survey results; the open letter from the “Dharma Brats” to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche; the letter from a group of Acharyas who have resigned, and a letter from a group of Acharyas still active.

The Board has been able to meet with these groups and individuals: the Sakyong and the Sakyong Wangmo, Lady Diana and Ashoka Mukpo, representatives of the Sakyong, different groups of the Process Team, and various groups of Acharyas. All of these meetings have been heartfelt, respectful and clarifying.

In addition, the Board continues to receive letters from individuals and centers expressing sincere views on these and related subjects. We also are individually and collectively, with the staff of Shambhala Global Services (SGS), engaged in the work of Shambhala: seeing daily the challenges and opportunities, strength and weakness, our resilience in the face of two major, almost existential, challenges—the pandemic and our own community’s crisis—as well as our vulnerability to division. Thus, as a Board, we believe that we need to begin to articulate our view more clearly at this time.

We have been encouraged to see that there is genuine integrity and bravery in what people are trying to accomplish and embody. We also recognize how much intensity is occurring as people feel they need to make decisions about their relationship with the teachings and the teacher. We are not immune from this intensity.

The Board sees that its role in these times is to hold the space for these dynamic tensions with an open mind, to allow change to evolve, to avoid division and factionalism, and to support a broad and inclusive mandala. That said, we are not “merely trying to be all things to all people.”

We believe that a vital and contemporary Shambhala must sustain the interplay between the vision and wisdom of the Shambhala lineage and our diverse community of dedicated practitioners. Thus, we, as a Board, remain firm in our commitment to serve the best interests of both. We are engaging in conversations with the Sakyong and the Sakyong Potrang about these and other issues, and how to go forward.

We feel it is important to communicate to you that we are committed to creating and maintaining:

• A mandala centered on the teachings of both Sakyongs, the Shambhala terma and the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
• A view of the Shambhala sangha as a community of practitioners at various points on the path, from entry level meditation practitioner through the Vajrayana, joined by the Shambhala dharma and its lineage, united in a view of Basic Goodness and the principles and practice of warriorship and Enlightened Society.
• Inclusive, supportive, and responsive local and regional communities which invest in ongoing initiatives and training, to promote and sustain community health and well being.
• An uplifted society, interested in working with the arts, the environment, physical warrior practices, the household, the family, personal recovery, and health and wellbeing, as well as social engagement, governance, and leadership.
• A well-run non-profit organization with excellence in compliance, legal and financial affairs with transparency and community input.
• A supportive organization, caring for its members and staff, with well-conceived policies and codes with appropriate and responsive supportive structures.
• A governance approach in which there is radiance and responsiveness back and forth between center and fringe.
• Inviting and listening with an open mind to all the diverse views and insights throughout our mandala to learn from the past and carefully guide necessary organizational changes for a prosperous and harmonious future.
• That it is the Board’s responsibility to provide governance and an organizational container that supports these paths which requires us to take a long view into our future.

We acknowledge there are challenges to meet and healing work to be done, but we should not give up. May the Shambhala lineage, teachings and practice persevere, overcome obstacles, and thrive.

Please see below for our monthly update including information on the organization’s latest financial report, release of the new Shambhala Code of Conduct, and more.

With all heartfelt intentions in the lineage of the Great Eastern Sun,

The Shambhala Board

Veronika Bauer
Mark Blumenfeld
Phil Cass
John Cobb
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

Financial Results through June 30, 2020

Shambhala Global Services posted net income of $58,098 for the first six months of 2020, which was 45% below our budgeted goal. Typically SGS has a profit in the first half of the year due to Shambhala Day donations, but then operates at a loss in the second half of the year. Revenues and activities were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Shambhala Community’s continued challenges. While the results were below budget, they were not a surprise in that budget monitoring and expense controls have been timely and effective. That said, we will need to grow revenues and maintain a tight rein on expenses to move through the balance of the year and into 2021. For the full Q2 financial report click here.

Code of Conduct

The Shambhala Board has reviewed and enthusiastically approved the new Code of Conduct. A download of the five policies can be found on the new Code of Conduct Hub website here. We appreciate the hard work and wisdom of the Code of Conduct Support Group in fashioning this policy. We trust that it will provide the community with a clear sense of common values and purpose going forward. Your feedback on the Code of Conduct will be very important, so please take time to review the policies and fill out the feedback form.

If you have not seen the new website, please look, it is highly informative, and will be updated regularly to keep the community up to date. https://code-of-conduct.shambhala.org/. Finally, the current Care and Conduct website, https://communitycare.shambhala.org, will remain active until the new policies go into effect on Shambhala Day 2021, and will retain information related to the current Care and Conduct Policy, the International C&C Panel, as well as past initiatives.

Sense of Shambhala Survey

The first set of reports from the Sense of Shambhala Survey, conducted by the Shambhala Process Team in early 2020, are available from the Process Team Website. The Board would like to thank the Process Team members who designed the Sensing Shambhala Survey as well as those who collected, analyzed and reported on the results.

A broad cross section of current and former members of Shambhala, as well as those who feel connected to Shambhala but have never actually been members, were invited to respond, and over 3,000 individuals responded. The available reports present the quantitative findings and include summary sections and tables reporting the findings in detail.

The responses reported cover a broad set of personal experiences in Shambhala, experiences with local centers and groups, and views and aspirations for the global Shambhala organization. Among the many interesting findings are the aspects of Shambhala most meaningful to respondents, the distribution of current practice and study paths, how many respondents have felt marginalized or devalued in our community in recent years, and what the impact of the current crisis in Shambhala has been on individuals and on local centers and groups.

The strong response to the survey and the heartfelt quality of the answers to the open-ended questions demonstrate how deeply our community cares about Shambhala. A future report will present an analysis of the many open-ended questions included on the survey.

Community Grants

We are pleased to announce that from the first round of community grant applications we are funding three additional Care and Conduct related projects. These include the following sangha-led training programs:

• Addressing Bias & Trauma (for USD 8.350 by Trinley Busby)
• Awareness Raising Officer Training (for EUR 7.500 by Arnd Riester)
• Establishing the Path of Inclusivity Warriorship & Social Liberation (for USD 7.800 by Charlene Leung)

We are still open to receive applications for the second round of grants focusing on Diversity and Inclusivity, which have an August 31 deadline. So far around 10 enquiries have been received and we are looking forward to reviewing the applications that the Community has been working on. Please use the online form by clicking here.

You can also send us questions to the following email: grants@shambhala.org

Appointments and Departures

Shambhala Global Services (SGS) Staff Changes
We would like to acknowledge the retirement of two individuals who have been working for many years for Shambhala and who have been extraordinarily dedicated to their work supporting our community.

Cynthia MacKay has been a stalwart upholding Shambhala government principles, relating tirelessly to center and group leaders worldwide, maintaining community leadership communications and always caring about all the individuals involved. She is known for her adventurous world travels, stopping at centers along the way for meetings, oath ceremonies and practices. We thank Cynthia for the energy and inspiration she has given the community in her role as Deputy Minister of Government.

Shelly Webb has been the Kasung liaison helping with Kasung personnel and administrative issues. She has always brought deep caring and continuity to her work and, although she is leaving her job with SGS, she will continue in a leadership role as part of the new Dorje Kasung Staff Group.

We warmly welcome Nina Migliari to SGS who will take on the Dorje Kasung liaison role as well as working with the Director of Community Care and Conduct.

Position Open: Director of Governance and Leadership
Shambhala is looking for a new mandala-wide leader to step into the role of Director of Governance and Leadership. This position provides direct support to Centre, Group, and other leaders in Shambhala as part of the SGS management team. For more information, click here to see the job description and application information. Applications are due August 22.

Mimi Valiulus and Philip Keogh Stepping Down as Directors of Sky Lake Lodge
We would like to thank Mimi and Philip for their caring work directing Sky Lake Lodge for the last 18 months. They had continued the tradition of taking very good care of program participants and had established a full program schedule before the pandemic. With Sky Lake Lodge now going into caretaker mode (only small community gatherings will be held there), they will be returning to Ireland where Philip has employment, they have their home, and Mimi will continue in her role as Director of Shambhala Online. We wish them every success and appreciate the care they put into Sky Lake Lodge which we will look forward to re-opening once the nation is beyond the pandemic.

Appointments

Shambhala Global Services:

• Dorje Kasung Liaison to Shambhala Global Services: Nina Migliari

Process Team:

• Coordinating Body: Janet Bronstein, Catherine Éveillard, Jim Fladmark, Shel Sampa Fisher, Kristine McCutcheon, Nora Wiser, Diane Whitcomb

The Coordinating Body was developed from an iterative process of feedback and input from the Process Team, at the conclusion of the first year of work. The structure and current roles of the Coordinating Body can be found here.

Their role isn’t to make decisions for the working groups, but simply to communicate their activity and work. They want to help the community and the Process Team and the Shambhala Board connect to the Working Groups and projects that are happening in Shambhala.

Departures
Acharyas:

• Emily Bower, Orhun Cercel, Holly Gayley, Lodro Dorje Holm, David Hope, Beate Kirchhof-Schlage, Mitchell Levy, Adam Lobel, Barbara Märtens, Noel McLellan, Melissa Moore, Arnd Riester, John Rockwell, and Sabine Rolf resigned.
• Christie Cashman and Susan Chapman retired for reasons of health.
• Charlene Leung retired.

To read letters from Christie, Susan and Charlene, please click here.

Shastris:

• Anne Bakker resigned as Shastri in Leiden (this was in the past 6 months, but never announced)
• Sandra Ladley resigned as Shastri in Berkeley and Northern California
• Cor Lavan resigned as Shastri in Rotterdam (this happened over 6 months ago.)
• Jerry Webster stepping out of his position as Shastri in Washington D.C. as of the end of August
• Ancilla van Steekelenberg resigned as Shastri in Arnhem
• Rudolf van Zonneveld resigned as Shastri in Utrecht
• Hans Zwart resigned as Shastri in Amsterdam (this happened over 6 months ago.)
• Nick Kranz resigned as Shastri in Boston, MA

Shambhala Global Services:

• Cynthia MacKay resigned as the Director of Centers and Groups and retired as the Deputy Minister of the Pillar of Government of Shambhala

• Shelly Webb stepped down as Dorje Kasung Liaison to Shambhala Global Services.

Sky Lake Lodge:

• Philip Keogh and Mimi Valiulis stepping down as Directors as Sky Lake moves into caretaker mode.

Errata: The last announcements incorrectly stated that Ron Renz and Janet Whalen retired as Co-Directors of Gampo Abbey when, in fact, they had completed their three-year terms of office.

Dear Shambhala Community —

We, as the Board of Directors of Shambhala, are pleased to ratify and introduce to the Shambhala Community the new Code of Conduct consisting of the following documents:

• Shambhala Code of Conduct
• Child Protection Policy
• Policy for People Holding Positions of Authority
• Policy to Address Sexual Misconduct
• Policy on Diversity, Inclusivity and Anti-Discrimination

Together, these five policies comprise the new Shambhala Code of Conduct, known as “the Code.”
Access the new Code of Conduct:

Click Here to Access a PDF of all five Policies

Code of Conduct Hub Site: A Code of Conduct Hub website is now live. This resource makes available all the new policies and procedures, as well as supportive information, training and education materials, recordings of past webinars, and more.
 The site will continue to be updated as more resources become available. Click here to access the Code of Conduct Hub website.Community Feedback: You are warmly invited to give your feedback on the new Shambhala Code of Conduct policies, which will take effect on Shambhala Day, 2021. Your feedback will be compiled and analyzed in order to improve the policies. Click here to access the feedback form.

Our Gratitude to the Support Group

The Code is largely the work of the Code of Conduct Support Group (CCSG) (formerly the Code of Conduct Group of the Process team) who spent countless hours reviewing past codes, other sangha organizations, getting feedback from experts within and without the sangha, and then drafting in collaboration with others. The work of the CCSG has been outstanding. They listened and researched the painful parts of our history, developed a framework for behaviors, and thoroughly trusted in a community dialogue. Their work is truly a gift to Shambhala. We thank them wholeheartedly and look forward to them continuing the work of shaping the procedures and infrastructure of the Code.

While this is a “new” Code, we would be remiss if we did not point out that it stands on the shoulders of much skillful and caring work over 50 years by so many people, including specifically the Panel Members, the Desung Corps, and many others. Likewise, it arises out of, and seeks to build upon, the rich teachings we have received such as creating an enlightened and just society, wholesome human conduct, and joining heaven and earth.

Scope and Effective Date

The Code, as distinct from past efforts, applies to everyone in Shambhala, from the lineage holder to the introductory program participant and at every activity sponsored by Shambhala. The procedures and infrastructure, a critically important part of the Code, are still in the process of being developed and put in place. As a result, the Code is to be effective on Shambhala Day, February 12, 2021 and will only cover complaints based on occurrences on or after that effective date.

The Code is a Collective Commitment

The Code is an offering by and for the mandala. The Code sets forth a collective understanding as to the parameters of our path as warriors. It is a commitment to the quality of the environment we seek to establish and maintain for ourselves and provide for our guests and new members. In that way, the Code is a map or a guide. How effective it is relies upon the users. It is not a guarantee of good behavior or the elimination of bad behavior. It humbly offers a set of guardrails on the path.

The Code is not an edict, or a top-down attempt either to monitor or regulate conduct or seek superficial conformity or hyper-vigilance. By ratifying this Code, and soon its procedures and infrastructure, Shambhala does not undertake a duty or responsibility to “enforce” this Code. There is no prosecutorial function in Shambhala, nor should there be. The Code is a catalyst for taking responsibility individually and for individual self-regulation. The skillful use of the Code depends entirely on the participation and decision making of each one of us. In addition, the implementation of the Code depends upon the good will and exertion of trained sangha volunteers.

Our understanding and awareness, our trust in our and others’ basic goodness, our compassion and skillful means, right action, and our aspiration for good human society are our individual work and the core of what it means to be part of Shambhala. Warriorship cannot be delegated or abdicated, to this or any Code, nor can the Code be relied on as a substitute for practice and doing this work. This responsibility is succinctly stated as the second aspect of good conduct as “Taking responsibility for one’s own mind.”

That said, misconduct, if brought to light, will have consequences. While the remedies available to the sangha or the Council to address a complaint may be limited, the Code of Conduct Council will have authority to assist claimants, hold hearings, adjudicate disputes and take preventative measures.

The Code is Applicable to Everyone

In a significant departure from former codes, the Code “applies to everyone present in any activity associated with Shambhala, in person or online, regardless of where the activity occurs.” It applies to the entire mandala. The responsibility for the Code and the manifestation of its principles is evenly spread throughout the hierarchy. The Code is meant to be a natural manifestation of the wisdom of basic goodness as applied on the warrior path as we aspire to create enlightened society. It builds upon our experience in 50 years of practice and training in joining heaven and earth and holding and protecting the space. It is not a fruition, but renewed growth.

The Code describes a range of misconduct outside of the norm, that can have serious consequences to individuals and tear at the fabric of our society. It is not a bureaucratic substitute for working with often difficult human interactions, disagreements, relationships, or emotionally charged situations, which are the grist for our post meditation practice. The Code should wake us up to the difference, the contrast between the personal insult and serious abuse, between the tactless and the truly obscene, and the momentary lapse versus chronic behavior. In this work, we should be conscious of the guideline “that the warrior never gives up on anyone” in tension with the teachings on “idiot” compassion.

Sometimes, we hear, “we will take care of this matter ourselves” – not proffered out of genuine confidence in our superior approach, but as an excuse for not revealing our dark side. When one hears “we can handle this within Shambhala,” one should think again. As the Code states, often the best response to evident misconduct is to call the police. In incidents of significant misconduct or serious abuse, the Code and its enforcement is dependent upon outside agencies, such as the police and the courts, on its prevention and safety aspects. Similarly, perhaps, we should advise a friend to see a lawyer or other professional rather than “sit more” with a clearly harmful situation. Hopefully, the Code should make us more conscious of our motivations in making such choices.

Seeing Our Collective Cocoon

We have had serious problems and, in time, developed blind spots to the habitual or repetitive nature of these problems. Even worse, when we have noticed misconduct or abuse, we have ignored them, swept them under the rug, out of resignation, powerlessness, or even a contorted dharmic justification. We have mistaken the brilliance of the Three Jewels for the absence of darkness. The Code in this sense is offered as a provocation for discussion, for illumination of our collective cocoon, for dialogue and education – a mutual waking up.

The Code is an attempt to address past problems by expressing our agreement to their unacceptability for the future, to empower our capacity for awareness, regulating our behavior, validating constructive feedback for ourselves and others, and protecting the vulnerable. Nevertheless, the Code is prospective in its application, and, thus, not an avenue to litigate past abuses. The Board has set in motion other initiatives to address that work.

The Code focuses on our habitual blind spots. In the four policy statements, the Code addresses in detail areas which are identified as demanding scrutiny. These areas of special consideration are: Child Protection; People Holding Positions of Authority; Addressing Sexual Misconduct; and Diversity, Inclusivity and Anti-Discrimination. The recurring themes responded to in these sections are worthy of our most rigorous attention.

The Board’s Commitment

We wholeheartedly endorse the Code, and collectively, as individuals, and as “people in authority,” agree to abide by its provisions. Each of us have signed the Oath of Commitment. We endorse, and will strive to abide by, the basic values underlying the Code and its processes, so articulately set forth by the CCSG, that of restoring Trust, through Care, Transparency, Inclusivity and Accountability.

We commit to finding the resources to make the Code and its processes accessible, trustworthy, workable, and an inspiration to all members. The Board is strongly committed to making this process and its decisions fair and meaningful to the individual participants and to the community. We will steadfastly support and back up the work, findings, and recommendations of the Council as it takes up issues of significance.

In Conclusion

The Code is a gift to the community and a reminder to all of us of our power to harness our innate goodness in any situation. We offer this Code of Conduct as a foundation for the Shambhala community in the manifestation of Enlightened Society. The principles set forth in the Code are a basis for forming a good human society and are a starting point, rather than a final word, on how we exist together.

 

The Shambhala Board

Veronika Bauer
Mark Blumenfeld
John Cobb
Phil Cass
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas