Program Details

Way of Shambhala: Rigden Weekend with Kalapa Acharya Adam Lobel

The contentment, joy, fearlessness, and wisdom explored in the Way of Shambhala culminates in unconditional confidence. The Rigden is a representation of our basic enlightened nature and embodies the principle of unconditional bravery. Historically, Rigdens were enlightened rulers — those who could rule their world based on their unwavering experience of basic goodness. This weekend workshop introduces the teachings of enlightened leadership.

With the great problems now facing human society, it seems increasingly important to find simple ways to bring compassionate and strong leadership to the world, even in small ways. This weekend emphasizes genuine confidence and steadfastness in facing the world's challenges and includes a formal transmission of windhorse practice, and study of the Six Ways of Ruling.

PRE-REQUISITES: 
Completed Shambhala Training Level V: Open Sky AND Way of Shambhala Course 5: Wisdom in Everyday Life OR completion of the Sacred Path program and some introductory Buddhist classes. 

Acharya Adam Lobel
Adam began the path of meditation when he was 16 years old after his first taste of real pain, outrage at social and ecological injustice, and wondering a bit too much about what reality was all about.  He soon encountered the writings and vision of the Tibetan meditation master, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.  Inspired by the path of warriorship and the vision of enlightened society, he pursued meditation retreats and training in the Shambhala Buddhist path.  Adam traveled in Tibet, Nepal, and India, studying Buddhism with masters from various traditions.  He pivotally connected with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala lineage, while on retreat in Parphing, Nepal in 1997. He was co-editor of the Sakyong’s book Turning the Mind into an Ally.  

Adam was named an Acharya in 2004 and completed a Masters of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, where he is helping to establish a track for Buddhist ministers and chaplains.  His research focuses on philosophy, phenomenology, meditation, and the Great Perfection tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

In 2008, the Sakyong named Acharya Lobel the Kalapa Acharya. The Kalapa Acharya presides over the Pillar of Practice and Education within Shambhala. Acharya Lobel is particularly responsible for curriculum and path development as well as training Shambhala teachers.

Adam is a doctoral candidate at Harvard University and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has a ten-year-old son, Javin, who is a Jedi Knight in training. 

Discounted price available for those who are redoing the program.

Note: This schedule, like life, is subject to change. If you cannot afford to pay the full program fee, see our generosity policy.

Online Registration

Please register for this program in advance by clicking on the "Click here to register" link below. After filling out the online registration form, you will have the option of paying online through PayPal using your credit card or PayPal account.  If you prefer not to pay online, you can pay by cash or cheque at the beginning of the program.