The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

Trungpa Rinpoche, founder of the Shambhala Buddhist community, established Vajradhatu International (now Shambhala International) in Boulder, Colorado. He spent time studying maps of North America trying to determine the location that was most suitable for the dharma to take root. He came across the region of Nova Scotia, took two trips across it, felt that it was good land. Trungpa Rinpoche moved to Halifax in 1986 and asked his community to uproot and move with him. Many of his close students did so, but had trouble finding employment and residence status. Rinpoche died shortly after arriving in Canada. Those students who persevered established a strong Buddhist community with local sangha housing, sangha businesses (owned and operated) and social and religious events held at the center. The community was led by Rinpoche's dharma heir, the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin, who was originally charged with starting the Halifax Shambhala Center. Though the reasons are unclear, Regent abruptly left for Ojai, California. The community was heartbroken having lost their Tibetan teacher but continued on their own, with senior teachers leading the center. Shortly after the Regent passed away in 1990, Trungpa Rinpoche’s eldest son Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche was appointed as the new head of the lineage. He took up residence in Halifax and travels frequently. The center today is a mix of people from different backgrounds and generations. Some see Sakyong as their teacher, others see him more as the head of the lineage they connected them through Trungpa Rinpoche. Regardless, today the community is strong and active.

Activities and Schedule

Buddhist practice is conducted daily. An open house series is held 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday night. For Sunday, a gathering is led for half hour of meditation beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a talk at 11:30 a.m. and a pot-luck brunch from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. In addition, various teachers visit, give dharma talks, lead weekend retreats and programs. Lastly, Shambhala training levels are often held at the center, as well as video showings and dharmic art programs such as ikebana or kyudo. There is a newsletter for the center, entitled “The Banner.”

Demographics

The members of the Shambhala center are predominantly Caucasian, middle to upper class, English-speaking people. There are a variety of ages involved, but the more senior positions, such as teachers and heads of departments, are usually held by students of Trungpa Rinpoche who are in their fifties.

Description

Set just outside downtown Halifax, the center is a three-story building. The basement is a shrine room with offices for archives of various teachers’ work. The main floor is a receptionist office with a dharma book library, a mud room area, a kitchen, and a sizable shrine room. This is the space where teachers give dharma talks as well. On the top floor is the headquarters of Shambhala International, where there is office space for the heads of departments such as Practice and Study, Programs, and Finances. The entire building is colorful to say the least, and embodies the radiance of the teachings presented within it. The center is also a scent-free building.

Researchers

Researchers Ravenna Michalson and LodroRinzler and Staff Member Ryan Weimer all contributed to this profile.