An Offer and a Request to the Portland Shambhala Community

Hello everyone,

You might have remembered a post I made here last year describing an event I was able to attend in San Francisco last May, the Ziji Collective Global Summit. It was an incredible experience for me, linking up with so many other young Shambhalians, and my first experience seeing the Sakyong in person. Not only was it an unforgettable experience, it also provided me with a deepened understanding of the importance of the Shambhala teachings, and many connections which have continued. It really motivated me to continue my work in our local center, and I have continued to be active since, you’ve probably seen me running around, fulfilling my Council duties, staffing some program, or leading the Young Meditators Group.

The Summit is happening again this year, and it looks to be just as powerful of an experience- this year it will be held in Mexico City, and will be followed by a 5-day retreat with the Kalapa Acharya Adam Lobel at Casa Werma. This year promises to provide not only the connections and wonder of last years retreat, but couple it with deep training both in our contemplative tradition, as well as in some concrete skills, including training on hosting groups, social meditation and being a leader. I am planning on attending this event, but need a little help.

I come to my sangha with an offer and a request. I offer to share any and all merit I may gain by attending this, both by motivating me to continue to give my time for our community- leading more effectively and skillfully in my Council role and in my role leading the Young Meditators Group- and share with any and all of you the experiences and training I received so we can all take part in it.

My request is for a little financial help for me to make the trip; I have purchased the ticket, but being fresh out of college and still saddled with debt, it was a significant challenge and I ended up having to put it on a credit card. I set up a Offering Bowl, which you can view here, where I am asking for people to help me raise the money to cover the costs of my flight. Any money you could afford to give to this would be much appreciated, and I promise to share with you whatever I can when I get back. I’m willing to buy anyone coffee and tell you all about it when I get back!

Using the blog to fund-raise is a new experiment that John and I discussed. It may be something that future community members could use in the future. We’d like to hear how you feel about using this community resource for this purpose, and may come out with a policy for it soon. Please share anything you’d like to say in the comments, or write us.

Thank you for considering, and see you around soon!

 

-Corey