• Registered: 2004-03-25

Topic: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

I read this book by Chogyam Trungpa (Tibetan Buddhist) for the first time in 1999.  I loved it.  It was the right blend of "mindfulness" with the warrior outlook of courage.

Some time in 2001 I started reading Toltec books - settling comfortably on the work of Theun Mares, with whom I worked with closely for a few years - attended several of his residential retreats and being involved with a forum for members.

I left the work with Theun in 2003 and have continued my own search for what resonants deeply for me.

And recently, once again, came back to the work of Chogyam Trungpa.  I'm re-reading this book and am simply astonished.  I've only so far read 2 chapters but I'm telling ya -- give it a read!

The concept of Shambhala -- myth or reality? -- now seems even more potentially "real" with this coming shift we speak of so often --

Christine B.

  • Registered: 2004-03-25

Re: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Hi Sina,

Sorry I wasn't more clear on the title.  The title is:  "Shambhala: The Path of the Spiritual Warrior" by Chogyam Trungpa who was a Tibetan Buddhist.

And thanks for recommending a book you found insightful.  I'll add it to my list.

Christine

3 Reply by Jen

  • Jen
  • Guest

Re: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

How does Trungpa see Shambhala?  My Psychic Dictionary defines it as "(1) the capital of the SUBTERRANEAN WORLD where the Supreme Ruler of this Empire dwells; gives orders to Tibet and Brazil for his rule of the world; (2) (legend) an underground camp in the Himalayas which has a force that can control humanity."

4 Reply by Christine B. (edited by Christine B. 2005-11-12 14:29:59)

  • Registered: 2004-03-25

Re: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Jen --- sounds like your psychic dictionary is way more woo-woo than Trungpa seems to be.

I believe his interpretation of the myth or fact of Shambhala as a place that once existed in the Himalayas -- and is more of a perspection whereby we each rule our world with dignity, courage, kindness and discernment.  His book is a straightforward look at leading a dignified life.  Nothing to do with #1 above and certainly not #2.

Christine

5 Reply by Jen

  • Jen
  • Guest

Re: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Christine B. wrote:

Jen --- sounds like your psychic dictionary is way more woo-woo than Trungpa seems to be.

Hey, don't you diss my Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary!! wink  It's almost 900 pages and has been a very useful guide for me during the almost 20 years I've been using it. 

I think Shambhala is one of those concepts that is very open to interpretation.  Trungpa's take on it sounds good to me.

Just did a websearch, found this at shambhala.com.  Thought for food:

In the Buddhist tradition of Tibet, Shambhala has three meanings.

Externally, Shambhala was a geographic location, a seat of inspiration where the Buddha taught the Kalachakra Tantra, the Tantra of the Wheel of Time. In the mythology of Bon, the native religion of Tibet, Shambhala was a Central Asian kingdom, the origin and center of the world whence issued all spiritual energies.

Internally, Shambhala is the dharma chakra, located in the heart of all beings. It is the symbol for mind, completing the trinity of body, speech, and mind.

The esoteric meaning of Shambhala is tathagatagarbha, buddha-nature, the essence of all things. It transcends existence and non-existence and is the ground of both samsara and nirvana. According to the Kalachakra Tantra, the Emperor of Shambhala, Rigden, waged war against and subdued the Three Lords of Materialism: the Lord of Form, the Lord of Speech, and the Lord of Mind. In the Dark Age these Three Lords extend their power and seduction, enslaving the human mind with psychological and spiritual materialism. When Shambhala is acknowledged–when buddha-nature shines through–the strategies of the Three Lords become irrelevant and the teachings of the Kalachakra Tantra are realized.

What methods does Trungpa give for attaining the goal of Shambhala?

  • Registered: 2004-03-25

Re: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Primarily meditation from what I can tell.  But, I've just started reading it.  Why don't you grab a copy and see what you think.  Borders carries his books, as well as B&N.  Sit and read a bit.

I'm not even remotely qualified to discuss Trungpa's methods or even his goals. 

The only thing I know at this point is that the work resonants --

Sorry about the dissing but geesch ... a psychic dictionary? ... channeled no doubt by those dolphins off the coast of San Francisco <just kidding>

Christine B.

7 Reply by Jen

  • Jen
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Re: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Christine B. wrote:

Primarily meditation from what I can tell.  But, I've just started reading it.  Why don't you grab a copy and see what you think.  Borders carries his books, as well as B&N.  Sit and read a bit.

hehe...I have about 20 books lying around that I keep meaning to get to...afraid I can't add another to my list, right now. 

Sorry about the dissing but geesch ... a psychic dictionary? ... channeled no doubt by those dolphins off the coast of San Francisco <just kidding>

Christine B.

Bleeaaaahh tongue