Trungpa Rinpoche’s first Shambhala Day address was given on February 7, 1978 just after dawn in the newly renovated third-floor shrine room of Dorje Dzong, now the Boulder Shambhala Center. The room was packed with many students and many young children. It was a joyful moment.
Thanks to the Shambhala Archives we have this recording of Rinpoche’s remarks on that day. This recording is a wonderful window into our history and at the same time, his message from 45 years ago is timeless. May this year of the water rabbit be auspicious. Tashi Delek to all!
The beginnings of Shambhala Day go back to 1976, during the second visit of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa to North America. The visit coincided with Losar, Tibetan New Year, and the Vidyadhara and the Karmapa celebrated together at a Chinese restaurant along with the Karmapa’s monks and many of Rinpoche’s students. I don’t think we have that story anywhere on the Chronicles. If you were there, please send us your recollections.
In 1977, the Vidyadhara celebrated Shambhala Day (I think it was called “Shambhala Day” at that point) by inviting 50 or so guests to the Kalapa Court for a full day of eating, I Ching, and general good cheer.
