SHAMBHALATABLE OF CONTENTS ‘A Brief History of Shambhala., ‘What is Basic Goodness! ‘The Shambhala ‘Teachings in Action .. Shambhala Warrior Training — an Overview snes Glossary. How to Go Further with Shambhala Training™. Additional Resources Shambhala Warrior Training is based on Shambhala Training™ and on Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, by Chiégyam Trungpa. The names Shambhala Warsior ‘Training, Shambhala ‘Tiaining™, and Great Eastern Sun” are used with the permis- sion of the Nalanda Foundation, a non-profit corporation, Material is adapted and used by permission of the Nalanda Foundation and Diana J. Mukpo. Excerpted quotes by Chigyam ‘Trungpa are from Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior and are reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston. Entire contents ©1996 Cynthia Kneen. All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author and publisher. Published by Sounds True, Inc., 735 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80302 For a complete catalog of over 300 transformational audio and video tapes call Sounds Tue at 800-333-9185.A BRIEF HISTORY OF SHAMBHALA The Shambhala teachings are founded on the premise that there is basic buman wisdom ‘thas can help to solve the world: problems. This wisdom docs not belong to any one culture or religion, nor does it come only from the West or the East. Rather it isa tradition of Jbuman warriorship that has existed in many culeures at many times throughous history — Chégyam Trungpa he Shambhala teachings are found, in different forms, throughout the world’s ancient wisdom traditions. Versions have surfaced among the Yoruba of Aftica, Native Americans, and others. The Shambhala legend describes an enlightened society of gentle, fearless people who value kindness and authentic pres- cence above all ese. In Tibetan myth, the kingdom of Shambhala flourished in the windswept wastes north of the Gobi Desert. It was said to comprise eight petal-shaped sections, like a lotus blossom, and to lie enclosed within a rosary of great snow mountains, In ‘Tibet’ shamanic tradition (which predates Buddhism) this kingdom was called ‘Olmolungring, and was believed to be the home of che highest mystical teachings. ‘Shambhala appears in the legends of India, too, where itis predicted that a divine hero named Kalki —an incarnation of the supreme Hindu deity Vishnu ~ will emerge to lead the world back to its sacred ground, Closer to home, this same enlightened kingdom inspired the Western legend of Shangri-la, It has continued to influence contemporary writers and artist, including Ayn Rand, Thomas Mann, Aldous Huxley, and Nicholas Roerich. The ‘most profound teaching of Shambhala is that this utopian kingdom lies within our own hearts. ‘The form of the Shambhala teachings presented here was first introduced in the 1970s by Chégyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and a master wartior in the Shambhala tradition. Trungpa Rinpoche (“Rinpoche” isa Tibetan honorific applied to revered teachers) was a member of the ancient ‘Mukpo warrior clan of eastern Tibet, which has included some of the 20th cen- tury’s most influential spiritual teachers. After fleeing the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, Trungpa Rinpoche studied at Oxford University in England, then taught in North America until his death in 1987, Today the Shambhala teachings continue to flourish through the Mukpo lineage. ‘Trungpa Rinpoche’s son Mipham Rinpoche, the current lineage holder, carries the title of Sakyong, or Earth Protector ~ one who joins wisdom and practical so that enlightened society can manifest. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche supervises a network of Shambhala practice and study centers in Europe, North America, and elsewhere. Shambhala vision is not purely a philoso- ply. Its actually ‘maining yourself to be a warrior. — Chégyam Trungpa, Rinpoche The abiliey or power 10 be genuine and have real experience is monumental, and it resides in the human heart. — Cynthia Kneen Sf we are willing to fake an unbiased look, we will find thas, in spite of all our problems and confusion, all our emotional ups and downs, there is some- thing basically good about our existence as Juman beings. — Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche The warrior’ prac- tice of fearlessness is 10 look at the fear, not look away. Just jump into it, = Cynthia KneenAs human beings, wwe have a working basis within our- selves that allows us 10 uplife our state of existence and cheer sup fully. That work- ing basis is always ‘available to us. ~Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche Warviorship here does not refer to making war on others. Aggression is the source of our problems, not the solution. Here the word “warrior” is taken from the Tibetan pawo, which literally means “one who is brave.” ~ Chégyam Trungpa, Rinpoche Our basic nature is not separate from the basic nature of the | world we experience and perceive. = Cynthia Knoen SHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRAINING WHAT IS BASIC GOODNESS? The key to warriorship and the first principle of Shambhala vision is not being afiaid of who you are. — Chogyam Trungpa ‘The Shambhala teachings are founded on our appreciation of our basic goodness as human beings. This goodness is not the opposite of “badness,” but something more fundamental than that. It is our capacity to experience our world directly and genuinely, without hiding from ourselves ot others ‘We can sce basic goodness in something as ordinary as a sneeze —a moment of uncontrived experience that passes through us before we have a chance to name it or decide whether we like or dislike it. The simplicity and wholesomeness of moments like these actually reflect our natural state of mind, which is beyond ordi- nary concepts of “good” and “bad” and the judgments that flow from them. Because of the basic goodness that exists in us, we can engage in our lives directly, without the illusory protection of habitual mental patterns. Everything is real and workable because of our ability to appreciate it. We can be present for every moment of our experience. This is basic goodness,SHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRAINING THE SHAMBHALA TEACHINGS IN ACTION by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Excerpted from “The Heart of Warriorship,” a series of talks presented in 1993. How can the Shambhala teachings actually affect us? In our life, we may be in great pain, or tremendous claustrophobia, or feel burdened. Stability has to develop within ourselves in order to conquer that. We can't rely on somebody else. No matter what we do, we are all going to have to take this journey alone, I don't want you to get depressed. All of us go through hard times and good times. A wartior in the Shambhala tradition shouldnt be swayed by cither extreme. A wartior should maintain a steady course. ‘This steady course can only happen with the genuine practice of meditation. We take a proper posture, hold still, and tune into the sacred situation, Fundamentally, wwe are wealthy individuals. What we are doing is worthwhile. A tremendous amount of potential and richness can come from the practice of meditation, ‘Through the practice of meditation, we are stabilizing what is natural for us to do. The fundamental power is inherent in us. Ym not trying to talk you into ie, by the way. I'm simply saying that if we try too hard to make something out of meditation, then we have the difficulty of main- taining that. Ie is just naturally there. This is the heart of warriorship. ‘The practice of meditation is really the practice of just being who we are. Being human. As we look around, humans come in a lot of shapes and sizes. So different experiences will vary, but fundamentally we are all human. Everybody can recog- nize that. In this way, our human experience is the same. We could actually share and talk about it. We have our natural basis for society. ‘The bottom line is that it has to stare with ourselves. We are living in a world that is obviously thoroughly out of balance. Stability is going to come from us, That is the Shambhala approach, that we have to start with us. No matter how far we go in this Shambhala journey, it will always come back to ourselves doing it. For the true warrior, there is no war- fare... When you are «all-vitorious, sere is nothing to con- quer, no fundamental probe lem or obstacle to overcome, ~ Chégyam ‘Trungpa, Rinpoche Through the practice of meditation, we are stabilizing what swe have already inherited, stabiliz- ing what is natural for us to do. If it is unnatural, theres not much point in doing it. ~ Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche Do what promotes dignity and refiain | from what degrades. There is no other recipe. ~ Cynthia Kneen In the human heart, wisdom is not separate from confusion, It is con- fusion transformed. Cynthia Kneenthe spot, your life can become work- able and even wonderful. = Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche ‘As a warrior you take an imperial astieude, that you are never trapped anywhere, that you are fee. = Cynthia Kneen By simply being on i The sacred path of the warrior is the continuous journey of realizing the uplifiedness and wisdom existing naturally and spontaneously | in ourselves and the world. ~ Cynthia Kneen When you experi- ence the goodness of being alive, you can respect who and what you are. ~ Chiigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche SHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRAINING OVERVIEW Sacred Eastern traditions often employ a three-part structure to develop the logic of a given teaching, This timeless teaching tool follows the structure of ground, path, and fruition. Cynthia Kneen uses this form in the stanzas below to describe the 12 lessons presented on Shambhala Warrior Training. Ground. The first line of each stanza presents the foundation, or the basic assump- tion in which the lesson is grounded. The first stanza, for example, begins: “There is something unconditionally good about ourselves.” Path. The second line shows the path, or method of attainment: “Being friendly to ourselves.” Fruition. The third line describes the result or culmination of the lesson: “We feel gentle and awake ~ the joy of basic goodness.” The simple, direct phrasing of these 12 “lesson plans” is characteristic of the Shambhala teachings. Each stanza offers profound wisdom that, once integrated into your life, can change your world forever. GROUND, PATH, AND FRUITION One There is something unconditionally good about ourselves. Being friendly to ourselves, ‘We feel gentle and awake ~ the joy of basic goodness. Two When we feel genuine, healthy, and true, Our sense of wellbeing naturally longs to express itself ‘We discover others, our aloneness, and our joyful-sad heart. Three ‘When we rest in ourselves naturally, Mindfulness-awareness seeps into our life A spark of confidence occurs ~ we experience intrinsic forward energy. Four “Taking our seat, as we are, in formal meditation, We practice being present immediately Obstacles subside and layers of wisdom begin to unfold.SHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRAINING Five Discovering the cocoon, we discover fear. ‘Thoroughly knowing our fear, we develop fearlessness, ‘We willingly liv in the challenge, all the time. Six As we learn to trust ourselves unconditionally, Our intelligence shines. We discover Great Eastern Sun™ guidance, and natural confidence dawns. Seven We discover that an ocean of uplifted energy exists. Gathering ic in, we learn to ride reality. ‘We experience a flowing, magical connection with our world. Eight We see a sacred world of peaceful and unifying energy, Invoking the living quality in all situations, ‘We are able to generate an atmosphere of victory and peace. Nine Achieving authentic presence, we work with whatever life presents, ‘We develop meck, perky, outrageous, inscrutable dignity. ‘We become the universal monarch ~ ruling with a broken heart. Ten By gathering fulfilled energy, ‘We can weave in nacural wealth, enriching out lives. We enjoy a golden world. Eleven Realizing the basic goodness of ourselves and others, ‘We conduct our warriorship wherever we are. Enlightened society begins to unfold. ‘Twelve Shambhala awakens a power already in us. ‘When we take this personally, the lineage of warriorship becomes real. We can help this world — its our turn to help. Warriorship...is not just a technique that ‘you apply when an obstacle arises or when you are unhappy or depresed. Warriorship is a con- tinwal journey ~ Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche Human dignity is not based on ‘monetary wealth Dignisy comes from using your inherent sburman resources, by doing things with | your own bare hands | om the spor, prop- erly and beaurfly. ~ Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche When we practice meditation, we simply proclaim the sanity of our mind. It is much more enjoyable that way. ~ Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche Any fear we experience is'the basis of the practice of fearlessness. Cynthia Kneenee | SHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRAINING To be a warrior is to | GLOSSARY learn to be genuine | in every moment of | Authentic presence ‘your life. That is the warrior’ discipline, | pyvareness ~ Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche | Basic goodness Confidence is | not arrogance | or pride or a com- | Coeven modity we can buy. | Drala Itis a naturally | unfolding process. ~ Cynthia Kneen Enlightened society The human poten- tial for intelligence | pgniching presence and dignity is meen attuned to experi- encing the brilliance | First thought of the bright blue shy the fines of | OOM green fields, and the | beauty of the srees and mountains. We | Gomden ave an actual con- ection to reali | Gtea¢ Eastern Sun that can wake us up and make usfeel | Lineage basically fundamen- | tally good. | —Chogyam Trungpe, | Medisation Rinpoche | | Mindfulness Natural hierarchy Shambhala A field of personal power and confidence arising from the ‘warriors discipline The natural state of being open and without complexity ‘The primordial, all-pervasive energy of openness common to all beings and phenomena; basic workability; ulkimate non- aggression An attitude that keeps us from experiencing our world directly “The magical strength and wisdom in the world, as revealed in nowness; the active energy of non-aggression; a force the warrior uses to illuminate, guide, and heal A community organized on the basis of all-pervasive basic goodness Radiant richness; a practice of activating and enj intrinsic wealth Unobstructed experience; fresh perception A mythical bird said to hatch fully mature from the egg; a representation of the awakened state of mind; the symbol of outrageous dignity ‘A firm, rectangular meditation cushion ‘An uplifeed, forward-looking vision; the victory of intrinsic awareness in your life ‘The continuation of the warriorship tradition from generation to generation Resting naturally with ordinary mind; the practice of train ing to be yourself ‘The natural stave of being fully present Naturally occurring order and meaning, like the seasons A mythical kingdom common to many cultures, and ruled by dignity, fearlessness, and peaceSHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRAINING Soft spot The basic capacity to have your own, personal experience | The four dignities The intrinsic qualitics, disciplines, and manifestations of | L wartiorship (meek, perky, outrageous, and inscrutable) | Unconditional Original, primordial, intrinsic, unmanufactured Universal monarch Someone who manifests authentic dignity, courage, and gen- deness in all circumstances Warrior ‘A person who cultivates and displays personal bravery based oon gentleness and peace Windhorse The energetic aspect of basic goodness that can be captured and ridden; the living aspect of fearlessness; unconditional vitality Zabuton ‘A padded mat, usually placed under a gomden to cushion the legs during meditation Even in the worst of the worst situations, ‘you can still make “your life elegant. = Chitgyam Trungpa, Rinpoche The warrior doesn't ry 10 cast out fear Instead, fear is regarded as a fat kindling log with which to build a gigantic ire of ‘fearlessness ~ Cynthia Kneen In meditation, you can experience a state of mind that is withous second shoughts, free from fear and doubs ~ Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche By simply letting yourself be, as you are, you develop genuine sympathy towards yourself ~Chogyam Trungpa, RinpocheSHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRA INING When you are | HOW TO GO FURTHER WITH July gentle, without | SHAMBHALA TRAINING, arrogance and without ‘aggression, you see | Shambhala Training International was founded by Chégyam Trungpa, Rinpoche in the brilliance of | 1978. The Shambhala Training path of study and practice is divided inco three self contained parts. The first, Heart of Warriorship, consists of five weekend levels. The rhe universe. Chis nt | second, Sacred Path ofthe Wario, comprises six weekend levels followed by a two- ee inperne | Week residential program called Warrior Asembly. The third is a month-long residential program, Shambhala Training Seminary. To be a warrior is to learn to be genuine in every moment Each Shambhala ‘Tiaining program offers meditation instruction, talks on the Shambhala teachings, group discussions, and individual interviews. Weekend pro- grams are held regularly in cities throughout North America, as well as in Europe, of your life. | Australia, and elsewhere. Warrior Assemblies and longer residential training pro- ~Chogyam Trungpa, | grams are conducted periodically in Colorado, Vermont, and Europe. Rinpoche Ifa Shambhala Training center exists in your area, it will be listed under [tis really up to us to | “Shambhala Training’ in your local telephone directory. For more information | | | ‘allow the Shambhala | about Shambhala Training, or to find the center closest to you, contact: reachings to manifest. | sy seybhala Training International They do not come from | 084 Tower Road the exterion but simply | Halifax NS emanate out. | Canada B3H 2Y5 ~Sakyong Mipham Phone (902)423-3266 ‘Rinpoche or Meditation is Shambhala Europe = re, Wilhelmserasse 20 ‘a Marburg, D-35037 our situations. | Comart ~ Cynthia Kneen | Phone (49.6421) 17020 | 8SHAMBHALA WARRIOR TRAINING, ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BOOKS hambhala lineage holders: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, by Chégyam ‘Trungpa (Shambhala Publications, 1978) Meditation in Action, by Chégyam ‘Teungpa (Shambhala Publications, 1991) Born in Tibet, by Chégyam Trungpa (Shambhala Publications, 1995) by Shambhala students: Sacred World: A Guide to Shambhala Warviorship in Daily Life, by Jeremy Hayward (Bantam, 1995) The Wisdom of No Evcape and the Path of Loving Kindnes, by Pema Chédrén (Shambhala Publications, 1991) The Way to Shambhala, by Edwin Beenbaum (Jeremy Tarcher, 1989) Shambhala: In Search of a New Era, by Nicholas Roerich (Inner Traditions International, 1990) The Shambhala Sunis a monthly magazine dedicated to offering contemplative insights into contemporary society. For subscription information, phone (902) 422-8404, fax (902)423-2701, or e-mail shambsun@r: AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPES Audio and video programs on the Shambhala teachings by Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche are available from: Kalapa Recordings 1084 Tower Road Halifax, NS Canada B3H 2¥5, (902) 421-3214 Whatever exists in our world is worth experiencing. — Chégyam Trungpa, Rinpoche True fearlessness is not the reduction of fear but going beyond fear. — Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche There’ no alterna- tive to the experience we have. — Cynthia Kneen The warrior’ heart is fill and empty simultaneously; open, strong, radiant, empty of fences and self consciousness and schemes, — Cynthia Kneen You may live ina dirt hut with no floor and only one ‘window, but ifyou regard that space as sacred, ifyou care for it with your heart and mind, then it will be a palace. = Chijgyam Trungpa, RinpocheCYNTHIA KNEEN xis a senior student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the current ‘Shambhala lineage holder, and Chigyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, the Tibetan meditation master who introduced the original Shambhala warrior teachings to the West in the mid-1970s, She has directed Shambhala Training weekends and advanced programs for more than 20 years. Ms. Kneen currently works as a management consultant in Northern California Silicon Valley. During the late 1970s, she played a key role in establishing The Naropa Institute, today a fully accredited liberal arts college in Boulder, Colorado. SOUNDS TRUE AUDIO 735 WALNUT ST. / BOULDER, CO 80302