Please join us for the online practice of the Sadhana of Mahamudra on July 7, 2020 at 5:00 PM MDT, 7:00 PM EDT for Carolyn Eve Kanjuro. Carolyn passed on July 5, 2020. The Sadhana will be led by Judy Lief and is open to all.
The sanghas of Orgyen Khamdroling, Boulder-Denver Shambhala and others across the US and around the world mourn the passing of Carolyn Eve Kanjuro, an author, producer, director, actor and the last wife of the late Japanese Kyudo Master Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XX.
Carolyn started practicing Tibetan Buddhism with Trungpa Rinpoche in 1975. She attended Vajradhatu seminaries with this community in 1978, 1979 and 1986, and remained a devoted student ever after. In 2000, she began practicing Kyudo, the way of the bow, under Kanjuro Shibata XX, who was brought to the US by Trungpa Rinpoche. She lived with Kanjuro Shibata XX as his wife and translator and continued Kyudo practice for the rest of her life.
Her theatrical training in NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts (class 1987) led her to run Golden Key Theatre for young people in Halifax, Nova Scotia and began producing audio recordings of famous storytellers called the “Secrets of the World” series. “The Monkey Mind Meditation Deck: 30 fun ways for kids to tune in, chill out, and open up” was recently published by Shambhala Publications, and four more titles will be published posthumously.
Her devotion to dharma practice and her teachers, most recently Anyen Rinpoche, founder of Orgyen Khamdroling, inspired all who had the pleasure of spending time with her. The Orgyen Khamdroling sangha were, and continue to be a strong support during her dying process, holding regular practice sessions at her home over the past two months. A writer, performer, artist, and teacher, Carolyn was an inspiration and mentor to many during her lifetime, and an example of true warriorship in her death. She will be deeply missed, but her devotion, playfulness and loving heart remain vivid.
In her honor you may donate to The Tibetan Literacy Project. Condolences may be sent to Ian Sheppard at ianscottsheppard@gmail.com, her husband and devoted partner these last 7 years.
Thank you Connie for posting that link. I am one of the people that Carolyn partnered with in recent years and her intelligence, media skills, entrepreneurial vigor and all-around sparkling presence incalculably enriched my work and life. I am deeply saddened by her passing.
Carolyn, you are in my heart and in my practice. I feel you well and clearly. I see your transparent blue eyes, your smile, your blond hair, your beautiful skin. The way you were present when we would talk. This was a long time ago, at KCL. You and my daughters, Geneviève and Amélie, became friends. I remember Pearl, your mother. You spoke French!
I am looking forward to knowing more about you, through your books and your friends. Please, do not forget us, send us your vision and help! Warmly, Gisèle
Dear Carolyn,
Heartbroken and sad. From the earliest years, you have always been a bright light, a dedicated practitioner, filled with kindness and the sharpest of insight, a brilliant artist, filled with creativity. You are family to so many of us. May you feel loved deeply, especially at this time of transition. I know you will go towards the light.
Sending you much love during this time. May you soar!
Nicki
People might like to know that Carolyn lives on in her creativity, as both a writer and nurturer of children's dharma books. In 2017, she won the first ever Khyentse Foundation Children's Book prize, in cooperation with Shambhala Publications' 'Bala Kids' imprint, for her book, "Sit with Me: Buddhist Meditation for Kids" (to be published this September). Here is an interview with her about the award, quite poignant in light of her passing. What a wonderful legacy!
https://khyentsefoundation.org/childrens-book-award-impact/
