Regional Collaboration Practices in Shambhala

1. Regional Collaboration Practices in Shambhala John David Smith for the Pacific Northwest Regional Conference

2. Based on Interviews with… Chris Tamdjidi Amy Conway

3. A vision of administration • Joining heaven and earth • nurturing people on the ground level • Creating the cradle of loving kindness • In context • As a path • On a budget • Intentionally • Always a work in progress…

4. Themes from Europe • Regional care more than governance • Shambhala as a community of teachers • Scarcity of teachers in London • Helping people visualize their paths • Oversight for teacher training • Coordinate training and teaching assignments • Annual refreshers, prep for next step • Coordinator: a 5 year appointment • Delegate as far as possible • Learning about learning • People won’t travel before Level 3

5. Types of regions in Europeas of 2003 • Small emerging groups – • many small emerging groups • share their experiences, and pool their energies • benefit from the clear guidance of one or more mentors • Medium groups and centers – • a collection of older groups or smaller centers • share experiences as administrators and coordinate programs • Strong center with satellites – • one or two strong centers actively supported smaller centers • main center actively spends time sending human resources and funds

6. What brings NCS Centers closer together • Energy from Pema, the Sakyong, Pres Reoch • Pema’s programs funded position • Regional effort to put on • Pema’s intervention & instruction • you need to work together • SMR’s vision of a Dzong • Community events – apart from teaching situations • Regional mid-summers day • Shambhala Ball? Not quite there this year, but hopefully next year • Regional teaching events • Acharya events • Eva Wong – talk on “setting the throne of the king” • Oct 2010 will be the last Pema event • That event could fund several years • Need another funding model after that • Centers contribute but it is a pittance

7. Support example: Grass Valley QC • The one sadhaka was moving to Berkeley • Wondered whether to disband the group • Only 1 person had gone to Dhatun • Other Shanghas showed up at their sitting times • Lots of crazy stuff – mixing different traditions • Amy talked to the 2 Umdzes • Described Shambhala rules • They wanted to remain in Shambhala: in name and in practice • Amy met with the group. Had dinner, gave a dharma talk. Talked up Shambhala Online resources. • Arranged for 4 visits from a Davis MI / teacher. Amy recruited Davis MIs. • Followed up afterward • Stay tuned

8. What “keeps things going along” in the NCS Region • Programs with President or Eva Wong • Working with Shambhala principles to articulate a regional vision • Continual reminders of the Mahayana view • Schedule 4 meetings per year for center directors

9. Capacity-building programs in the NCS Region • Shambhala Guide program every year • MI training • AD training programs • Teacher Training • Vow ceremonies These do not generate revenues, but are service essential offerings NCS Centers have not paid for regional administration

10. Regional Coordinator Responsibilities in the NCS Region • SI Ambassador/Liason – Sakyong’s Council • Leadership – develop the vision • Governance – Board development, appointments • Financial Management – Budgeting, control • Support Regional Programs – Pema, SMR • Quality – decorum, practice, study, teaching • Communication – meetings, newsletters • Taking care of sangha / Desung • Administration - manage

11. Impact of the Internet • A tool for regional coordination • Waiting 4 weeks for VROT response • Now Shambhala International can deliver instruction directly • Give remote people jobs of supporting remote activities • Face to face foundation • Meditation Instruction • Practice programs