On Sunday February 14, 2010, the Burlington Shambhala Center gathered for a day of practice, recognition of members, listening to Sakyong Mipham’s address and revelry!

Beginning with a lhasang as we entered the shrine room, we meditated together and then chanted the Elixir of Life – a purification and contemplation practice written by the Sakyong.

Director Pat Hoffmann spoke lovingly of community, compassion, and generosity, acknowledging Jim Storrier who is stepping down from the Council role of Community Coordinator, Todd Manley who produced the newsletter for years and Marisa Montagna who co- coordinated Shambhala Training before moving to Karme Choling in January. Then Pat welcomed new members: Sarah Brutzman, Anne Damrosch, Janice Solek-Tefft, Kenneth (K.)Tefft and Sarah Holt-Gosselin (pictured here) Welcome!!!!

Photos: Kathy Webb

Acharya Judy Lief conducted the Warrior of the Center retirement oath ceremony for Julie Soquet and conferred the Medal of the Great Eastern Sun in recognition of Julie’s contribution as our last Warrior. The Sakyong has created an Office of Decorum and Culture which is in development (see future blogs for further information!).

After a reading of the Center I Ching by Charlotte Brodie, 52 Meditation leading to 50 The Cauldron and a lovely Tea break, we re-entered the Main Shrine room to listen to the Sakyong’s address. Prior to that we had the first international on-line roll call. Each center regionally had a chance to wave and say hello to the greater sangha. We called out “Burlington Hoh” and all hands up!

For the Sakyong’s address go to the Shambhala website: Shambhala.org

Then there was Food (thank you especially Chuck and Judy Lief).

And Music

And dancing.

And Friends

And Family