Application Deadline:

ABOUT SACRED WORLD ASSEMBLY

This assembly introduces students into the vajrayana teachings and practices of our Shambhala and Buddhist lineages.

Students will receive the traditional vajrayana transmission and begin their Shambhala ngöndro – the preliminary practices for receiving the Rigden Abhisheka. The Sacred World Assembly is a complete entrance into the sacred outlook of Shambhala.

In applying for the Sacred World Assembly, students are requesting to be accepted as vajrayana students of the Sakyong. Thus, attendance in this program requires a personal connection and commitment to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the teachings of the Vidyadhara, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and the Shambhala Buddhist mandala.

PREPARATION

Students applying to Sacred World Assembly will need to have completed the following in advance of the program:

• Enlightened Society Assembly (or the hinayana and mahayana sections of the former Vajradhatu Seminary) and its pre-requisites.
• Refuge and bodhisattva vows, which are required before receiving vajrayana transmission.
• Warrior Assembly
• A 3-5 day solitary shamatha-vipashyana retreat
• Membership in your local Shambhala Meditation centre/group or a Shambhala International membership if you live in a remote area where center membership is not possible. Students who don’t live near a centre can become a member of Shambhala by contacting Adrienne Gauthier at ace17@cox.net
  Students from Europe not living near a local centre can contact Christine Drabek to arrange a Shambhala Europe membership.

HOW TO APPLY

The application process for Sacred World Assembly is managed by Shambhala International. Applications are reviewed by the Seminary application review committee, under the direction of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Acceptance is determined based on the student's level of preparation and understanding of basic dharmic principles, and their readiness to undertake the further commitment inherent in becoming a vajrayana student.

Applications for this year's Sacred World Assembly can be filled out online in the box to the right. Applications will be reviewed only after all parts of the application have been received:

1. The completed application form.
2. At least two completed recommendation forms (submitted separately from the application) from the following people:
   1. Your meditation instructor
   2. The Director, Head of Practice, or Head of Study from your local Shambhala center or a Shambhala acharya.
3. A $25 US application fee
   (Can be paid online with Visa or Master Card)

• Please note: For those who don't have a Visa or Master Card, the application fee for programs at Dechen Chöling can be paid directly to Shambhala Europe. For information about how to arrange payment, please contact Christine Drabek at drabek23@googlemail.com .

SCHEDULED ASSEMBLIES

SUBMITTING RECOMMENDATIONS

To submit a recommendation for a program applicant, select the program they are applying for above and follow the instructions under Recommenders.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The host centre sets aside a portion of the revenue from each of its programs for financial assistance. Please note: In order to maintain consistent policies between the programs when they're held at different locations, normal discounts offered by the practice centers do not apply.

After you have applied for the program, you will be provided a link to the Program Financial Assistance Application. Financial assistance awards will be determined based on relative need.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Information on pricing, application requirements, who to contact, etc., can be found in the program fact sheets for the individual Sacred World Assemblies. To access the fact sheet, follow the link for the program you are interested in under the section, "Scheduled Assemblies " above.

Please note that the program fee includes an honorarium for the Sakyong and for the teaching faculty.

You will have an opportunity to make a lineage offering called a tangra, at the end of the program. You will also have an opportunity to make a gift to the lead acharyas at the end of the program.

Return to the Advanced Program Page.