Click here for Parts 1 and 2

Titled “Entering Now: A Journey into Shambhala Art,” this video is the latest in a series of wonderful Shambhala Art films produced in Ottawa.

This is the first in a series of Kootenay Shambhala member interviews conducted by Bobbie Ogletree to explore the notion of “creating enlightened society,” a central theme of Shambhala, and celebrate our community’s diversity.

JILL KELLY enjoys coordinating Shambhala Training programs, life coaching, and homeschooling her children. She is the Kootenay Shambhala Centre’s Membership Coordinator.

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Bobbie Ogletree: How long have you been practicing Shambhala Buddhism and how long have you been a member of the Kootenay Shambhala Centre?

Jill Kelly: I did [Shambhala Training] Level I in 1998, but took a break. I started getting really involved in 2002 and I started going to the Centre more regularly. I became a member in 2005/2006.

What inspires you at the Kootenay Shambhala Centre?

The community, definitely the community. Having that kind of basic ground of similar views gives me a feeling of confidence. I am referring to the view of taking responsibility for ourselves and how we are in our world. Also, the view of sacred world and each moment being valuable is inspiring.

Is there a way that this can be enhanced?

I could go more often to the Centre, not because of me personally, but because I think it is the members being present there which brings out the Centre’s amazing qualities!

Is there an aspect of the Centre that you think could be improved?

It would be helpful if the Centre could improve access for people with disabilities. The stairs are a hindrance for people in wheelchairs, those who have trouble walking, etc…. I experienced this when I had my knee surgery last winter.

What is one way in which you apply your vision of enlightened society to your work, your family, or a significant relationship?

My work, family, and significant relationship are all in my home. I placed the shrine room in the centre of my home as a visual reminder of sacred world and the practice. It can be difficult to remember innate dignity. I try to be aware of this innate dignity in everything.

How do you maintain your vision of enlightened society in the midst of our chaotic world?

By sitting. It’s a reminder when I sit. It connects me to the present moment and makes me feel that it is all workable. Being aware of one breath and the next reminds me to take one step after another. Also, I believe that the chaos is part of the sacred world. The messiness of it all is okay.

Click here for all member interviews

Thank you Sohan!

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Dharma Punx in New York City mixes the tradition of Buddhism with the ideology of punk rock. Dr. Jon LaPook talks with teacher Josh Korda about how the seemingly different connect with the help of meditation.

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The Kootenay Shambhala Centre is pleased to present Earth Dharma, a five-class course with Russell Rodgers, on Thursday evenings, from May 20th to June 17th.

We will explore our relationship with the earth, our present ecological predicament, and how meditation and other practices can help.

Everyone is welcome. Online participation (through audio recordings and other resources) will be possible. For a full program description click here.

Jane DiGiacomo, a key member of the Kootenay Shambhala Centre’s environment working group, submitted this article.

By Jane DiGiacomo

The Kootenay Shamhbala Centre is taking part in the Transition Nelson Expo and Gathering at the Prestige Lakeside Resort and Convention Centre from May 14th to 16th, and I hope to see you all there!

Transition Nelson is a grass roots movement aiming to organize all sectors of the Nelson area community to plan for a community that can easily and joyfully meet the demands of a future world impacted by climate change and decreasing dependency on fossil fuels.

The Expo and Gathering weekend will include celebrations of Nelson’s progress in this process, reskilling workshops, booths hosted by individuals and organizations participating in the process, and most importantly, a professionally-facilitated community conversation to plan for this future.

The end result of the weekend will be an Energy Descent Action Plan, which will guide the Nelson area community in taking immediate and long-term steps towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Our Centre is hosting a booth on Friday, May 14th. This will give Expo participants a chance to learn about who we are, what we offer, and how our offerings are relevant to Transition Nelson’s focus. Our upcoming Earth Dharma course, for example, may be of particular interest.

Stay tuned for more details about our participation.

Our upcoming Earth Dharma course is highlighted in the May issue of Kootenay Shambhala eNews.

You can subscribe to eNews in the “Email News Sign-Up” section on our home page or by contacting us at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com. (An unsubscribe link is included at the bottom of each message.)

On April 14th, a devastating earthquake hit Jyekundo (Chinese name: Yushu) and environs, an area in present-day Qinghai Province that is 98% Tibetan. Many are dead, many more injured. According to eye-witness reports, most of the buildings in the town of Jyekundo collapsed, and some area monasteries suffered extensive damage.

For numerous stories, and to find out how you can help, follow these links:
• Chronicles of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche: Earthquake devastates Jyekundo
• Shambhala Sun: Helping Tibet: An Online Resource Guide
• Shambhala Times posts tagged earthquake

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This image shows one of several grayscale bookmarks featuring Sohan Ko’s gorgeous Chinese calligraphy now ready for the printer.

Let us know your ideas for future bookmarks, in the comments section below, or by emailing us at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com.

Can’t remember our public meditation hours? Our newly redesigned wallet cards might help. They’re available at the Shambhala Centre.

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