In this lively one-hour conversation Richard talks about the Sakyong’s letter to the community, the effects of economic crises, balancing the depth of our practice with the need to relate to the larger world, the Sakyong’s vision for how large Shambhala might become, issues of trust, devotion and loyalty, creating a culture of kindness, reflections on the continuity of the Sakyong lineage, the Sakyong’s and Sakyong Wangmo’s growing family, Shambhala households, working with conflict within our community, listening to others, the power of drala and windhorse when working in the world, Shambhala lineage as the protector for all the lineages, the Kagyu and Nyingma practice paths within Shambhala, and where are the older students?
“All these yidams need a home”
Richard also refers to the following remarks made by the Sakyong during the Vajrakilaya Abhisheka at Karmê Chöling in October 2009: “It is important now to create a strong mandala, culture and sangha to protect the practices such as Vajrayogini and Vajrakilaya,” he said. “All these yidams need a home. In Tibet the culture provided such protection. Now Tibet is gone so we’re doing what we can. This is why we have the path of the Dorje Dradul’s terma teachings … All the great masters had a base, and essential teachings unique to their lineage. Then we can have individual varieties of practices within that base … We must practice as a group as much as possible. We must embody the principals. Unwavering compassion can be terrifying. We must support each other in that.” [posted with permission from Richard Reoch]
Readers’ Comments
John Tischer
1 December 2010
I took some notes from RR’s talk, which I include here, along with a few of my own comments duly noted
the canopy (Shambhala) is supported by a crystal pole which is the practitioners. How to reach countless people. What binds his students (trust, devotion) “trust in what?” (Trust=loyalty) not asking for loyalty to (SMR) as a person…it’s loyalty to the “seat” of the Sakyong, which is the seat of transmission. (i.e. the seat holds the transmission, not the person) SMR’s responsibility as holder of that seat is to transfer that to the next Sakyong. So, loyalty is to “what this stands for”… (i.e. not to a human being but to a principle, J.T.)
(Folks, this is how Christianity began—J.T.)
if we don’t create a culture (of kindness) around this (the actual training, fundraising, etc.)… then all of the actual business of Shambhala will be in vain. RR says “that’s the overriding strategic objective.”
Bob Sutherland
2 December 2010
Thank you for this interview. President Reoch has the difficult job of explaining the vast view of the Shambhala terma teachings and the Sakyong lineage in one hour. I hope that those who feel the need to snipe and criticize will take the time to study and practice with these teachings before holding forth. I for one am grateful to the Sakyong for following his deepest instincts and boldest aspirations. I interpret the letter to us as a watershed- a message that we have very important work to do together, and that the time for dwelling the past and fretting about the future is over.
Anonymous
4 December 2010
Hello Chronicles –
A first thought best thought from the heart ~
Want to say how much I appreciated this interview. Both Julia and Richard asked and answered questions, topics which are so relevant, questions that arise in my mind often.
Both were articulate, honest, and informative.
Very inspiring –
Jack Convery
6 December 2010
On the far side of the world, such a delight listening to you talking about beacons, each in her/his own way, 12,000,000 people (that’s about 10% of Japan’s population), “that is what life could really be like,” the practice of sacred world in our homes, building intimate spaces, the treasure we do hold. Thank you very much for an inspiring evening around the fire listening to the radio.
