Gampo Abbey Monk to Raise Funds for "Way of Shambhala" Curriculum

Gampo Abbey is delighted that one of our monks, Ziji Shönnu, will be participating in the mandala-wide Shambhala Sit-a-Thon to raise funds to support development of the new The Way of Shambhala curriculum. You can sponsor Ziji as he undergoes a heroic marathon of meditation on September 29th. Read Ziji's letter below for more information about the Sit-a-Thon and the Way of Shambhala curriculum, along with links to the sponsorship site where you can make a pledge to support Ziji's efforts.

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Dear Ones,

Without a doubt, the world we live in is only getting speedier and more aggressive. It is hard to check the news without seeing some new form of hostility to our environment, foreign lands, or within our own neighborhood. For this and many other reasons I have begun meditating in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and have become a monastic at Gampo Abbey, the monastery of Shambhala.

The Way of Shambhala is a series of courses I have explored which provide an experiential overview of meditation practices, wisdom teachings, and contemplative arts rooted in the ancient traditions of Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhism. This is a path of self-discovery that is rooted in the simple, but revolutionary premise that every human being has the ability to cultivate the mind's inherent stability, clarity and strength in order to be more awake and compassionate in everyday life. At Gampo Abbey, these courses have been taught by our Gampo Acharya, Ani Pema Chödron, and are a large part of our training as monastics.

This September 29th I will be engaging in a Sit-a-Thon to provide support for the further development of this important curriculum. While I have enjoyed it in its current form there is still much work to be done in developing manuals, training teachers, and making available these tools of compassion. On Wednesday, September 29th I will be engaged in peaceful abiding meditation for as long as I’m able to sit within the 24 hour period. I would like to invite you to consider sponsoring me for a part of, or for my entire, meditation marathon.

By mixing the practical technique of meditation with the personal experience of insight, I believe we can take the challenges of daily life in our modern society as opportunities for both contemplative practice and social action. The Way of Shambhala is one set of tools that is enabling me to do just that. I hope you will consider sponsoring my efforts to help propagate these tools for peace.

To sponsor me in the Shambhala Sit-a-Thon you can click here to make a pledge or donation (be sure to enter "Ziji Shonnu" as the name of the meditator for whom you're pledging support). Alternatively, simply e-mail the following information to SitForShambhala@gmail.com:

YES! I would like to provide support for peace through the Way of Shambhala:

I would like to sponsor Ziji Shönnu:
o $5.00 an hour
o $10.00 an hour
o $20.00 an hour
o $35.00 an hour
o Other amount: ________

Shambhala will follow up with you about your pledge following my meditation marathon. Thank you so much for your support of this endeavor and of the Way of Shambhala.

With warm regards,

Ziji Shönnu


CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT ZIJI'S SIT-A-THON FOR THE WAY OF SHAMBHALA
(be sure to put in "Ziji Shonnu" as the name of the meditator for whom you're pledging)