Susan Piver, who this month published her latest book The Wisdom of a Broken Heart 
was recently interviewed on CBS Early Show. She will be teaching a workshop, Wisdom of a Broken Heart, at Shambhala Mountain Center on January 22-24th.
Today meditation has to be practiced collectively as a family, a city, a nation, and a community of nations. – Thich Nhat Hanh
Folks are initially attracted to Shambhala Mountain Center for the pristine land and the opportunity to meet and study with the many brilliant teachers from various traditions that
visit each year. What I personally find most surprisingly delightful about every program that I have attended–and there have been many–is that participants invariably create a heartfelt, caring community. Whether it be an introductory meditation program, a Qigong intensive, or the women’s annual cancer retreat, I am always touched by the kindness and care everyone has for each other — even though many of us just met.
In Buddhism, we talk about taking refuge in the three jewels: the Buddha (teacher), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community). These three jewels are the foundation for all forms of Buddhism. In the West, we have a tendency to focus on the teacher or particular teachings, often neglecting the third jewel that allows these first two to flourish. As Thich Nhat Hanh predicts:
“The next Buddha may not take the form of an individual. In the twenty-first century the Sangha may be the body of the Buddha. We have the power to bring the next Buddha into existence in this century.”
As we begin not only a new year but a new decade, we have the power to create an enlightened society. And it is only through compassion and loving-kindness that we will survive the immense challenges that now threaten our planet.
We invite you visit Shambhala Mountain Center and experience the magic of the land, the profundity of practicing with our incredible teachers, but most importantly, the preciousness of sharing this journey with one another.
Also, if you have been to Shambhala Mountain Center, please share your story. We’d love to hear from you.
Brian Spielmann