"Ruling Your World" Discussion Group 2006
During the month before Shambhala Day, when we change from the current Wood Rooster year to the year of the Fire Dog, we are warming up with a discussion group led by Caroline Demaio and Greg McNally about the Sakyong's latest book, Ruling Your World. Just as Sakyong Mipham holds the lineage of his father, the Druk Sakyong, Chogyam Trungpa, his text continues the teachings in his father's seminal Shambhala, Sacred Path of the Warrior. They seem a natural matched set. The premise of the book and discussion is best stated by the author himself, in this quote from Chapter One. In response to King (of Shambhala) Dawa Sangpo's request for teachings on attaining enlightenment in a secular position, the Buddha told him...' " don't be biased. Look at the land and look at your people. If you can develop certainty in the indestructible basic goodness that lies at the heart of everything, then you can rule your world. But becoming a sakyong is a challenging path, since life in the world is full of decisions to make, as well as endless distractions." Taking these instructions to heart, King Dawa Sangpo developed certainty in the view of basic goodness. This vision transformed his kingdom, for it brought inspiration and meaning to people's lives.'
How could we ask for more? This tiny text continues on to give full-blown timely nuts-and-bolts instructions on living the life of a Shambhala warrior in our everyday lives for our own benefit and the benefit of all sentient beings, in all things great and small. Although it is intended to be accessible to all, it is written in the Shambhala language of the four dignities, so a discussion led by practiced Shambhalians such as Caroline and Greg is all the more useful.
The St. Johnsbury
Shambhala Center is located on Eastern Avenue above the Sunshine Boutique,
next door to the Star Theatre.
