Peace Day at The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya
Sunday, July 20th witnessed two historic events: the first annual Shambhala Peace Day Trail Race, and the Speech Empowerment of The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya.
The trail race drew more than one hundred runners to Shambhala Mountain Center, many for the first time, to enjoy the magic of the land and the beauty and rigors of high altitude running. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche conceived of the race as a benefit for the Konchok Foundation. It is still possible to make a pledge up to $5 or $10 per kilometer for the 15k race. Proceeds will go toward the final stages of rebuilding Surmang Monastery in eastern Tibet. (You can donate to the Konchok Foundation here)
Later in the day, a procession of a different kind wended its way to The Great Stupa. Students of the Vidyadhara, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche carried gold CDs containing a complete set of the Vidyadhara's teachings, collected and preserved by the Shambhala Archives. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Khandro Tseyang led the procession along with family members. During the event, participants of the Vajrayana Seminary and Garchen were treated to a duet of Gesar songs by Khandro Tseyang and her uncle, Tulku Karma Shedrup. Members of the Shambhala Archives—including Carolyn Gimian, Gordon Kidd, and Sandra Kipis—stood to a round of applause for their efforts to make this moment possible.
The Peace Day Trail Race began to the sound of a rifle shot fired by David Mukpo.
And they're off! The 15k trail race took runners down the county road and through nearby National Forest.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and team nears the finish line at the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya.
A strong finish, crossing the bridge leading to The Great Stupa!
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche presides over the Awards Ceremony, congratulating the first place woman runner of the 15k race.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Khandro Tseyang pose with the Peace Race runners.
The procession toward The Great Stupa is led by a kasung on horseback.
Senior students carry gold boxes on their shoulders, containing CDs of the Vidyadhara's teachings.
Khandro Tseyang and her uncle, Tulku Karma Shedrup, perform a duet from the Gesar epic.
Seminary and Garchen participants are gathered for the Speech Empowerment of the Great Stupa.
Photographs courtesy of Michael Sage and Brian Spielmann.
Used with permission; all rights reserved
