Community Conversation: Shambhala Global Services

Ten people gathered for a conversation on Sunday, May 5, regarding Shambhala Global Services (SGS) and the Portland Shambhala Center’s relationship to it. What follows is a brief summary of information shared by John Smith and Jack Bodner, as well as questions that were answered at this conversation.

About SGS:

• Shambhala is the global organization of approximately 200 Shambhala Centers worldwide, with about 10,000 members.   Shambhala Global Services is the head office of Shambhala, headquartered in Nova Scotia, Canada. A small staff provide services and resources available to all Shambhala Centers and Groups worldwide (and rural land centers), which are critical to their ongoing operations.
• Shambhala is made up of three legal entities:
  • Shambhala USA, a non-profit organization incorporated in the US
  • Shambhala Canada, also a non-profit organization
  • Shambhala Europe GmbH, a non-profit organization incorporated under Shambhala USA, due to legal complications for religious organizations in Europe
• Previously, this association of nonprofits was called “Shambhala International” (SI) and included the Sakyong Potrang, an organization whose mission is to preserve and continue the teachings of the Shambhala lineage for future generations. The Potrang, which provides salary and parsonage support for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, is now financially independent from SGS.
• SGS provides a number of services to our center, including the training of teachers and meditation instructors, providing communication and organization between our center and others, and coordination of activities that help further the Shambhala dharma. Here is a full list of SGS services. SGS is funded through financial support from centers, as well as by direct donations, which.can be made at this website.
• After a hiatus, the Portland Shambhala Center recently resumed support for SGS, at a level of $250 per month, representing  4% of our monthly budget. In April, a letter was sent to Shambhala Center members regarding the resumption of transfers.  You can contact Jack at [email protected] for a copy of this letter and for further information.
• The relationship between Shambhala and the Potrang/Sakyong Mipham is undergoing changes and is still being worked out. There are legal issues that need clarification. In the meantime, it is important to emphasize that none of our Portland Shambhala dues go to the Potrang or to Sakyong Mipham. Individuals who have a connection to the Sakyong and want to privately contribute to the well-being of the Potrang may do so at this website.

Questions asked about SGS and the Potrang:

• Do our dues in any form go to support the Sakyong or the Potrang? No, SGS is completely independent from the Potrang and no longer shares finances with the Sakyong in any form.
• What are other Shambhala Centers doing right now? How have they been impacted by recent changes and by the misconduct revelations? A few smaller Shambhala Centers have dissolved as members have left. Other communities have seen a decrease in activity, both on the part of members and friends in the community. Some centers are discussing leaving Shambhala. However, there are legal issues associated with doing so that need to be resolved.
• What is the future of Shambhala? This is still unfolding. Although Shambhala and its member sanghas are very fragile right now, there are many people in all levels of the organization who care about Shambhala as well as its vision for enlightened society. The main challenge Shambhala faces is transparency – in finances, in conduct, in addressing abuses of power and misconduct. Although its leaders are virtually all volunteers, they are committed to helping our global community become more accountable and more just in its dealings with members and others.