Walker Blaine

Dear Shambhala Community,

This letter is to help clarify the impressions given by the recent acharya resignation letter, where it was said that the Sakyong intends only to work with a smaller, exclusive group of students.

On May 21^st, the Sakyong met with all the acharyas, after they requested an online audience because a group retreat seemed impossible due to the pandemic. At the beginning of the call, the Sakyong greeted each of the acharyas, and acknowledged at length all they have been holding and the heartbreak of all that has occurred. He made it clear that he is committed to offering the teachings, not to an exclusive group of students, but to everyone who wishes to receive them from him. He emphasized his commitment to continuing the Shambhala lineage for the benefit of humanity and future generations, as well as the importance of practice.

I was present at this meeting and reviewed the recording. At no time did the Sakyong speak of working with an exclusive group of students, or only an advanced one. While describing the lineage of Shambhala descending from the Dorje Dradül and Gesar of Ling, and how that lineage can go forward, the Sakyong did speak about the importance of a community clarifying itself and knowing what it is, even if that community is smaller. His point was that this is a time to clarify our lineage, and to some degree make a personal decision about what we want to do.

Sincerely,

Walker Blaine

Master of Liturgies to the Sakyong

Dear Shambhala Community,
On behalf of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, I would like to share that the Sakyong had an online video meeting with all the acharyas in mid-May. During the meeting he expressed his appreciation for the work that they have done, and continue to do, during these extraordinary times. The Sakyong reflected on their mutual journey and the importance of the continuation of the lineage and the teachings. The Sakyong also wanted to offer the acharyas the opportunity and encouragement to reflect on their individual paths as representatives of the Shambhala lineage and either express to him their wish to continue in the role of acharya or to retire. This request was a response to conditions in the community and to the acharyas who in recent months had expressed a desire to step back from their role for reasons of health, livelihood, caring for others, or differences of opinion.
In the coming days, there will be announcements of acharyas who are choosing to step back from their roles. As a community, we all have a karmic connection to the past and present acharyas for all they have offered us personally and on behalf of the Sakyong. At this time, let us all appreciate and celebrate the dedication and activity that the acharyas, present and past, have offered the lineage.

 

Yours in the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,
Walker Blaine

Master of Liturgies to the Sakyong