Shambhala Buddhism
In Shambhala Buddhism, “ There is a natural source of radiance and brilliance in the world, which is the innate wakefulness of human beings.” It is in the Shambhala view that every single human has the foundational characteristics of good, warmth and intelligence. The Shambhala way of life applies to any faith and not just people of the Buddhist religion. Basically put, Shambhala is a global movement devoted to bringing kindness, insight, meditation and an idea of sacredness into society. Historically, the term of “Shambhala Buddhism” was introduced to the world in 2000 to describe the lineage and community led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. However, the Shambhala community was brought to America in 1970 with the arrival of the 11th Trungpa Tulku (incarnate line of Tibetan Lamas). The first ever center of teaching was located in Barnet, Vermont and known as “The Tail of the Tiger.” Since then, the Shambhala way of life spread like wildfire due to the openness and overall acceptance of people from any cultural or social background/construct. Shambhala teachings also promote a worldly approach to meditation and an appreciation of the goodness every human being has the capability to reveal. Different from other paths of life, Shambhala Buddhism encourages diversity since it’s own essence is derived from many different religions. Although the teachings are based around the central idea and construct of Tibetan Buddhism (concepts, terms, etc.), Shambhala adds elements of Bon, Taoism, Confucianism and Shinto. Trungpa Rinpoche, Buddhist Meditation Master and holder of the 11th Trungpa Tulku, decided to infuse and corporate the elements of said religions/traditions because he felt it would do no harm and only benefit practitioners. Today, the Shambhala Buddhist community thrives as the largest community of Western practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. Momentarily there are a few thousand followers located in more than 170 centers around the world. Through this modern, new-age