The Boston Museum of Fine Arts opened its exhibit, Seeking Shambhala early past Monday morning. The exhibition features a set of newly-conserved 17th century thangka paintings of the Rigden (or Kalki) Kings of Shambhala and is on display from March 6 through September 30.  Shastri Diana Evans of the Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston gave meditation instruction at the opening with over forty people, primarily museum staff and members of the media. The assembled sat on cushions on the floor of the exhibit hall and engaged in what Museum Director Malcolm Rogers called, “the first ever meditation session in the museum.”

Twenty-two of the thirty-two Rigden Kings are displayed, including the first, Dawa Sangpo or “Suchandra,” who received the Kalachakra teachings from the Buddha. Also on view are works by Japanese graphic artist Tadanori Yokoo, including his SHAMBALA series of prints produced in 1974, and work by the contemporary Tibetan artist Gonkar Gyatso, whose collage titled The Shambala in Modern Times was shown at the 53rd Venice Biennial. Mr. Gyatso spoke at the opening as well.

It is an incredible auspicious connection for the Shambhala Center of Boston, which is just a few minutes down the road from the MFA.  The center is working with the museum on another collaborative effort which will feature curator Jacki Elgar, the museum’s Head of Asian Conservation and Head of International Projects (Asia) at the Shambhala Center. We also plan to gather and take group trips to the museum to see the exhibition. There are a number of members of the Shambhala community who are also members of the museum.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche had the opportunity to have a private showing of the thangkas, which reside at the museum, in 2005 when he was in Boston to run the marathon. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche also viewed these thangkas in 1974 and felt that they were truly remarkable. President Richard Reoch plans to visit Boston this summer to see the exhibition.

Click here for more information about the exhibition, including a visual tour. You can also check out the Press Release and Fun Facts!

Also, see the coverage from the Boston Globe here!

 

Once again this year, for the fourth year in a row, the Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston will sponsor two monks at His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche’s monasteries in Orissa and Nepal. His Eminence is the father-in-law of the Sakyong, Khandro La’s father.

A few words from the Ripa monk sponsorship coordinator at the Ripa Ladrang Foundation on supporting the monks:

“Generosity, gratitude, merit – these are all required to progress on the path as we dance between the worlds of absolute and relative truth. I have often remarked in years past that sponsorship not only demonstrates one’s appreciation for the teachings and gratitude towards our teachers but also demonstrably helps others and brings better conditions in the relative world, bringing: peace, prosperity, well-being and joy. Sponsorship improves one’s practice, creates good karma, and creates the conditions for enlightenment – one’s own and the monk(s) one sponsors. And again it brings tremendous benefit to a world going through great change. It is an act of true compassion. What good fortune to be able to be a part of that!”

Each monk lives on a mere $300 per year, which provides their basic necessities: food, housing, clothing, study materials, and health care. Your gift would not only support an individual dedicating his life to the Dharma, but the progress of our tradition as a whole.

To help us sponsor our two monks, for a total of $600, send a check to: Boston Shambhala Center, 646 Brookline Ave, Brookline, MA 02445

You can also make a donation via Paypal on our home page: Click Here Please send an email with the subject “Ripa Ladrang sponsorship” to Finance@shambhalaboston.org to let us know the amount you donated, otherwise it will be collected as a general donation to the center.

We hope to have the funds raised by September 22nd.

To learn more about where the funds are going, Click Here to see the Ripa Ladrang website.

Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston
Executive Director Job Description

The Executive Director is appointed by the Sakyong, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche. The local Shambhala Center Hiring Committee forwards the nomination to the Kalapa Court before inviting the person to take the role. The Sakyong then reviews and approves/disapproves the nominations as appropriate.

This is a full time, managerial position with a package of benefits and salary range of $38K-45K depending on skills and experience level. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; candidates are therefore encouraged to apply promptly.

Boston Shambhala Center

The Boston Shambhala Center is a community of 230 practitioners made up of a mix of many seasoned practitioners and a thriving community of newer students. The Center is looking for a Director with a heart connection to the Shambhala Buddhist dharma and excellent communication, leadership and administrative skills, to help provide a ground where the teachings, practices, and community life of local practitioners can thrive as well as lead a major expansion plan.

Boston is a diverse, cosmopolitan city with many universities, cultural institutions, research hospitals, and entrepreneurial startups. The Boston Shambhala Center is located in a beautifully renovated, community-owned building in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The Boston center is at an important change point. The center is overflowing with our longtime community members, newcomers and growing practice and education offerings.
Several years ago, we were asked by the Sakyong, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche to move to a larger space in a more centrally located area of Boston. In response, we developed a major plan to offer Shambhala more broadly to Greater Boston and the Raising the Banner Campaign to make that possible. Accordingly, we seek a Director with a dedication to supporting the vision and activity of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, as well as the founding vision of the Druk Sakyong Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, able to work closely with the Boston Board of Trustees, the Shambhala Council, and the greater community in leading this expansion campaign, offering the precious teachings of Shambhala Buddhism more broadly to greater Boston, and building enlightened society here and now.

The Three Pillars of Shambhala

As Chief Executive and head of the Pillar of Government, the Director practices, manifests and conveys the inseparability of the sacred and the secular in governance. Respecting the diverse lines of command and accountability, she or he guides the planning, development and implementation of the Center’s policies and plans with the work of the three pillars, the Pillar of Government, the Pillar of Practice and Education, and the Pillar of the Dorje Kasung, so that the various aspects of the life of the centre function coherently.

The Director holds the seat for governance of the Center, working under the overall direction of the Board of Trustees, and oversees the Shambhala Council, which includes the Rusung, the Head of Practice and Education, Head of Communications and Operations, Head of Culture and Decorum, Head of Finance, and other area heads. She or he provides leadership and a point of contact for the Center’s members and visitors, including visiting teachers. In addition the Director is the point of connection to the center of the mandala and its higher governing bodies.

Introduction

The Centre Director leads the local Shambhala community and disseminates the vision of the Sakyong. As the chief executive of the Shambhala Centre, she or he propagates the vision and manifestation of Shambhala society, and cultivates a culture of profound kindness and generosity in the community. She or he represents the Shambhala community to the municipality, region and the broader Shambhala mandala.

As Chief Executive of the centre, the Director is responsible for ensuring that Shambhala Vision radiates throughout all the practices, activities and community life of the centre. Thus she or he fosters a harmonious, sane and compassionate society, leading by example in the practice and study of Shambhala Buddhism.

View

The Executive Director holds the view and guides this aspect of the center in a sane way:

* Works to develop one’s own body, speech and mind to communicate the dharma.
* Understands the importance of not neglecting one’s own practice and study because “there is too much to do”.
* Practices with the community to provide an example of a leader integrating practice with being in society, and to strengthen the bond between the leadership and the community.
* Appreciates that the way in which one works with one’s own mind and with others is a on-the-spot propagation of Shambhala dharma by example.
* Remembers that the purpose of practice and education is to inspire learning in all areas, and to inspire enlightened society.
* Appreciates that leadership is a path and also a vehicle of teaching.

Overall Areas of Responsibility

I. Planning

* Work in close collaboration with the Board of Trustees and Shambhala Council in developing and implementing the strategic goals and priorities of the Center, including Raising the Banner: Offering Shambhala to Greater Boston
* Work with the the Board of Trustees, the Chagdzö and Shambhala Council to ensure the financial well-being of the center, and promote fiscal clarity regarding the flow of financial resources, including developing an annual budget, and reporting to all parties quarterly regarding progress against that budget

II. Operational Responsibilities

* Plan, direct, and oversee day-to-day activities at the Shambhala Center, including management of volunteers and paid positions – Head of Communications and Operations and Head of Practice and Education
* Manage the Shambhala Council. Oversee Council appointments, developmental activities, and performance reviews, consulting with others as appropriate
* Oversee the maintenance and protection of physical property along with Dorje Kasung and others

III. Leadership, Visibility, Community and Communication

* Represent the Shambhala community to the municipality, region and the broader Shambhala mandala
* Hold the seat of the Pillar of Government, manifesting enlightened leadership and integration of all three pillars: the Pillar of Practice and Education, and the Pillar of the Dorje Kasung, so that there is good communication among leaders, cohesion, and forward movement in the activities of the mandala
* Cultivate community life, including overseeing communication, membership, cultivating volunteers as well as developing leaders now and for the future. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Director works closely with other key leaders in the centre including the Head of Culture and Decorum and the Head of Societal Health and Well-being
* Encourage a culture of practice and, with the Head of Practice and Education, ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for people to practice
* Lead the expansion effort, Offering Shambhala to Greater Boston and the Raising the Banner Campaign, overseeing plans and communication to increase membership, donations and dues, expand to an ancillary site, build community engagement, increase programming and enhance BSC’s relationships and presence in the greater community.

Required personal qualities and experience
A suitable candidate will:

* Be a committed, energetic, and articulate practitioner of Shambhala Buddhism. It is important that the Centre Director have a dedicated and regular personal practice, as well as commitment to community practice. He or she will be called upon to manifest the inseparability of the openness and gentleness of the mother lineage and the fearlessness and skillful means of the father lineage
* Understand what it means to act in accordance with the principles of Shambhala governance and, in particular, undertake the practice of the Six Ways of Ruling
* Have a minimum of four years’ experience as a practitioner of the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, have attended or have concrete plans to attend within the next two years advanced Shambhala programs such as Warrior Assembly and Sutrayana or Vajrayana Seminary and be familiar with the cultural forms held in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition
* Attend to his/her own state of mind and pay attention to being as well as doing
* Manifest loyalty and devotion to the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche
* Be people-oriented, well organized, and able to listen, delegate, and make decisions
* Communicate clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing
* Respect and encourage diversity both within the governance of the Shambhala Center and throughout the community
* Be skilled at leading the organization and community through a change process
* Be able to work collaboratively with the Office of the President, the governing structures of Shambhala International, the Boston Board of Trustees, the Shambhala Council, and a wide variety of volunteer staff

The following work experiences are considered to be important foundations for this role:

* Strong experience in the recruitment and management of volunteer and paid staff
* Preparation of, and accountability for, financial projections and budgets
* Previous demonstrable accomplishment in motivating and managing others in the execution of both operational details and strategic goals

Required commitment:

* Flexible work hours requiring both daytime and evening participation
* Attendance at appropriate local and regional special occasions such as teacher visits, ceremonies, teacher greetings, etc.
* Participation and travel to Shambhala Governance events such as the Shambhala Congress, Mandala Council meetings and Kalapa Governance trainings as well as regional Shambhala meetings
* A requested commitment to stay in the position a minimum of 3-5 years

The salary range is $38K to $45K depending on skills and experience. The benefits package includes, 4 weeks paid vacation/retreat time, professional development training with Shambhala Leaders and the Sakyong (in addition to time off), the Shambhala Program Policy* on Shambhala programs throughout the mandala, and the possibility of standard of living raises.

*The Shambhala Program Policy gives full time employees tuition discounts on retreats and programs at all centers.

To apply for the position:
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply promptly. Send a letter describing your suitability for this position, along with a resume and contact information for three professional references. Ideally, these materials should be provided via email (i.e. in the form of attachments) to the address listed below. If this is not possible, a postal address is provided below as well.

Martina Bouey, Chair
Search Committee for the Director
45 Kidder Street
Quincy, MA 02169
Email: m_bouey@yahoo.com

Get a preview of Shambhala community member Jim Infantino’s music at his upcoming Solo Show: “Voice and guitar, mostly”.

Falcon Ridge Folk Festival “most wanted to return artist”,2006

Jim Infantino

@ Jackson Homestead

527 Washington Street, Newton

Friday, January 29

Doors 7:45, Concert 8:00

Minimum suggested donation $15, $5 children under 12, $50 immediate family max. 25% less for museum members.

All donations go to the museum and artist.

Singer Songwriter, Rockstar Geek

CMJ Music Report says:
“Jim Infantino wields his razor-sharp poetic flair like a weapon, offering thought-provoking commentary that can sound both humorous and poignant at the same time. Infantino mixes a down-town Lou Reed-style hipness … that best illustrates the band’s smart, imaginative approach.”

The Boston Globe says:
“Jim Infantino, ground zero of the Boston trio Jim’s Big Ego, is one of those rare songwriters whose wit is as sharp as his sense of melody, and whose intellect is broad and beautifully skewed as his jumble of musical influences.”

Jill Blagsvedt and Tom Ericsson were married on July 23rd with a small group of family and friends in attendance at a lake in Littleton MA. Tom and Jill were ecstatic that Jill’s mentor, Sokuzon Robert Brown, traveled from Michigan to conduct the ceremony. Liturgies from several Buddhist lineages, traditional six paramita offerings, and a Shambhala werma shrine were all part of the ceremony. The dralas were pleased! Ki Ki So So!

Seven members of the Boston Sangha, under the teaching, care and guidance of Acharya Emily Bower, took their Bodhisattva vows on Sunday, May 30th.
here we are!
back row: Edward Reitman, Thomas Noviello, with Acharya Emily Bower
middle row: Kyle Courtney, Sarah Kimball and Martina Bouey
Front row: Louise Miller (that’s me) and Scott Robbins

Congratulations to my fellow Bodhisattvas! It was an honor to study, practice, and take vows with you.

The shared experience of staffing a program naturally gives rise to a sense of community. On a recent Saturday afternoon, 16 new and old members of the Shambhala Community gathered to dialog with Center Director Jill Blagsvedt, Center Coordinator Sarah Lipton, and volunteer leadership from the center about leadership in the Boston Shambhala Center. The group contemplated the Six Ways of Ruling in relationship to staffing and coordinating programs and volunteering at the Shambhala Center.

The Shambhala Center is not just a place where you go to meditate, it’s a place where enlightened society takes root, through coming together as a community to study, practice, and serve. The Shambhala Program Leadership Training’s purpose was for newer volunteers to learn about the view, path and skills of program support. Leadership in a program support position is a combination of holding the view of basic goodness and kindness, while also working with other staff and the participants. Volunteering is a way to put the principles you’re learning about in classes into action when working with others. This afternoon training included in-depth contemplation and discussion of Shambhala principles, and training in the various areas of program support.

This program was so successful that we will continue to offer it on a bi- or tri-monthly basis. Newer volunteers learned the view and skills for staffing and coordinating programs, and older volunteers stepped into training roles. Three upcoming programs were filled with staff from the training. To continue the fun of community building, everyone carpooled to local Jamaica Plain’s Bukhara Indian restaurant for a delicious and uplifted celebration.

“It’s people like you stepping into program leadership roles that make it possible for the center to offer so many wonderful classes and programs to the community.”
~ Jill Blagsvedt

Watch out for, and join us at another program training called “Hosting the Lineage”, at which there will be a talk on the view of staffing and serving in the household when a visiting teacher or Tibetan Rinpoche comes to town, and in-depth training on how to serve.

Warrior of the Center and Teacher Mary Lang is showing In Passing…..a small collection of her new photographs at the Kingston Galleryfrom March 31 – April 26, 2009

First Friday reception April 3 ~ 5 – 7:30 pm
Gallery Talk and Reception Saturday, April 18 ~ 4 pm

The Kingston Gallery is located at
450 Harrison Ave. #43
Boston, MA 02118

This is the same gallery where Linda Brown is also showing her work. Be sure to drop by and see both of these wonderful Artists’ new work!

Congratulations to both Sarah Lipton and Dale Hollocher for being accepted into Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary!

Both Sarah and Dale will be attending Seminary with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Acharya Robert Puts in August of this year at Dechen Chöling, in Lemoges, France.

If anyone else has been accepted into this program, or another let me know. I would love to share your news with the Sangha!