2006-05-23 - BLOSSOMING OF THE SUN DAY PROCLAIMED IN HALIFAX

In honor of the auspicious occasion of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Semo Tseyang Palmo Ripa's upcoming wedding in Halifax, His Worship Mayor Peter Kelly and the members of the Halifax Regional Council are proclaiming 10 June 2006 Blossoming of the Sun Day in Halifax Regional Municipality.

The Shambhala flag will fly over City Hall. A 12 foot by 8 foot Shambhala flag will fly from the signal mast at the Citadel, the highest point in Halifax, and site of the opening lhasang on 8 June. It will be displayed along with the Union Jack, flown in honor of the city's most important events.

The full text of the formal declaration follows.

May all beings rejoice!

BLOSSOMING OF THE SUN DAY
10 June 2006
PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Shambhala honors the radiance and brilliance of the world manifest in the innate wakefulness of all human beings. Shambhala vision finds its natural expression in personal openness, compassion and confidence. Cultivating these qualities is the pathway to a fully human society; and

WHEREAS, This vision was made manifest in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by the great Tibetan Buddhist meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who wrote:

"The Shambhala teachings are founded on the premise that there is basic human wisdom that can help to solve the world's problems. This wisdom does not belong to any one culture or religion, nor does it come only from the West or the East. Rather, it is a tradition that has existed in many cultures at many times throughout history."; and

WHEREAS, Halifax has played a unique role in the bringing of this vision to the west. Twenty years ago Trungpa Rinpoche and his family made their residence in Halifax, establishing it as an international center of Buddhism. It was here that his eldest son was empowered as Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage and spiritual director of Shambhala. The Halifax Shambhala community has become an integral part of our city and is widely appreciated for its contributions to our spiritual, educational, and social life; and

WHEREAS, With the Blossoming of the Sun festival, Halifax today celebrates the coming together of two renowned lineages exemplifying Shambhala vision: Sakyong Mipham Jampal Trinley Mukpo and Semo Tseyang Palmo of the ancient Ripa family of Tibet, headed by His Eminence Terton Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche;

NOW, THEREFORE I, Peter Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, do on this joyous occasion of the Blossoming of the Sun wedding in Halifax of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Semo Tseyang Palmo Ripa, hereby designate 10 June 2006, as:

BLOSSOMING OF THE SUN DAY

in the Halifax Regional Municipality, and urge all members of our community to recognize this special occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

HENCE, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Halifax Regional Municipality to be affixed this 30th day of May 2006.

Peter Kelly, Mayor

(This announcement was from the Shambhala News Service)