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