Chogyam Trungpa (1939-1987) was the founder of Naropa University, the creator of the Shambhala Training Programs, and the author of many books. This Tibetan meditation master created a manual for living with bravery and gentleness titled Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, which is included in this book and card set. The book includes chapters on "How To Be a Warrior" (discovering basic goodness, synchronizing mind and body, renunciation and daring, letting go), "Sacredness: The Warrior's World" (discovering magic, overcoming arrogance, overcoming habitual patterns, sacred world), and "Authentic Presence" (the universal monarch, shambhala lineage).
These teachings contain much wisdom on transforming one's world and contributing to an enlightened society. In a 16-page booklet, Carol Rose Gimian, who edited the classic, explains the 53 Shambhala slogans, which are printed on cards and numbered in a sequence that generally follows the progression of themes in the book. A stand is included within the box so you can put the slogan on it and use it as a portable spiritual teacher.
This boxed set can become an invaluable spiritual resource for anyone interested in serious practice. Here are a few of the slogans and the commentary by Chogyam Trungpa from the other side of the card:
• Don't be afraid of who you are.
Commentary: The key to warriorship and the ultimate definition of bravery is not being afraid of who you are. Examine your experience to see what it contains that is of value in helping yourself and others. Warriorship is the opposite of selfishness. We become selfish when we are afraid of ourselves and afraid of the seeming threats the world presents. We want to build a little nest, a cocoon, to protect ourselves. But we can be much more brave than that. Even in the face of great problems, we can be heroic and kind at the same time.
• Never give up on anyone or anything.
Commentary: In the wakeful vision of Shambhala, which we call the vision of the Great Eastern Sun, no human being is ever a lost cause. We don't feel that we have to suppress or put a lid on anyone or anything. We are always willing to give things a chance to flower.
• Cultivate authentic presence.
Commentary: Authentic presence is genuineness that radiates both gentleness and brilliance to others. Cultivate inner authentic presence by letting go of selfishness and regarding other people's welfare as more important than your own.
