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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Sakyong?
The current Sakyong is Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, eldest son of Vidyadhara the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The Sakyong is the spiritual head and primary teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. A Sakyong, or "earth protector," is one who inspires a sense of sacredness, caring for others, and basic goodness in both individuals and society as a whole.
Who is Chögyam Trungpa?
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche was Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche's father. A meditation master from Tibet, he was one of the first Tibetans to introduce Buddhism to the West. He was the founder of Shambhala Training and most of the training we receive today is based on programming that he initiated. He was the guru of many of the present teachers within the Shambhala mandala. Often referred to as the Vidyadhara, he passed away on April 4, 1987.
What does Rinpoche mean?
Rinpoche is an honorary title meaning "precious one."
What is a sangha?
Sangha is a Sanskrit word for the community of people who study the dharma.
What is the dharma?
A Sanskrit word with many meanings. In this case it means the teachings, particularly of the Buddha.
What are the names of the cushions?
The rectangular cushion is called a gomden - one of the Tibetan terms for meditation - gom - to become familiar with & den - seat. The round cushions are called zafus and are from the Zen tradition. The mats are called zabutons.
Why do people bow when entering or leaving the room?
It is used as an acknowledgement, a reminder and a boundary. It is an acknowledgement of the importance of the activity that takes place in the space. It acts as a reminder to the person bowing that they are about to practice meditation. As a boundary, it reinforces the notion of actually practicing while in the space and of taking the mindfulness training with you when you leave the space.
Why is there someone sitting at the front of the room?
The umdze is basically the time keeper. She/he keeps track of the time for meditation, or walking, or meal breaks. The role of the umzde is to be an example for those practicing mediation, to sound the gong for sitting and walking meditation and to be a point of contact with the world outside the meditation hall where necessary. This relieves others in the room of having to wonder what's going on here or there.
What do the gongs mean?
One gong signals the beginning and ending of shamatha meditation. Two gongs end a period of practice, which is to be followed by an offering of food, tea or a meal. Three gongs start and end the session for the day.
What is the clacker stick?
The gandi is used to signal the end of walking meditation, and to tell us that it's time to go back to our cushion.
How do I use the Library?
For non-members, there is an annual $5.00 library fee to borrow reading material. Please provide your contact info on the sign-out sheet provided on the main shelf of the bookcase trolley. Books and magazines should be retuned after three weeks. You may take the material out for an additional three weeks, but be sure to note this on the sign-out sheet so that the item does not end up on a missing list.
Is there a correct pace in walking meditation?
Not too slow and not too fast. Position yourself in the middle of the space available to you in the circle. If people are crowded behind you - you are going too slowly. If you are walking closely to the person in front of you and there is a lot of space behind you - you are going too fast. Be aware of where you are in the universe.
When the umdze strikes the gandi, pick up your pace and walk briskly, still clockwise, to your seat. Remain standing on your zabuton, with hands still in the walking meditation mudra, until the umdze sits down; then all sit down.
Can I get up and leave the room whenever I want?
You are free to leave the room whenever you wish. There is however a meditation room etiquette. As much as possible enter and leave the meditation hall or shrine room during walking meditation, not during sitting meditation.
What is the role of the Gate?
In our sangha, each group meditation session has someone acting as Gate. Their role is to maintain the container, that is the sense that when people enter the meditation room they are stepping into a place of practice, distinct from the outside world. The Gate helps to ensure that persons entering the shrine room outside of walking meditation do so calmly and respectfully. The person serving as the Gate also opens the door to the meditation room during walking periods, and closes it when we are sitting.
What does the banner at the front of the room mean?
The white background is representative of space or spaciousness of the mind. The yellow circle represents the Great Eastern Sun. The four bars represent the dignities or qualities of a Shambhala Warrior. Orange is the dignity of Meek, represented by the Tiger. White is the dignity of Perky, represented by a Snow Lion. Red is the dignity of Outrageousness represented by the Garuda, and Blue is the dignity of Inscrutable represented by the Dragon.
What does it mean to Dedicate the Merit?
To dedicate the merit is to acknowledge that the activity just completed is a virtuous one and that we do not seek to hold onto any benefit deriving from that for our personal gain, but offer it for the benefit of all sentient beings. Whatever good comes out of the time we've been meditating/studying is sent out to the whole universe.
How can I support the St. John's Shambhala Meditation Group?
You may support this meditation group by: coming to a group sitting; offering to help open for group sitting; participating in programs and by offering food or assisting in the organizing for programs; and by any financial offering you are able to give. Financial contributions can be issued an income tax receipt, which you can use under the charitable donation portion of your tax form. If you are practicing regularly, helping with activities, and donating regularly, you may wish to become a member of Shambhala. (Please see the Group's treasurer for details.)
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