In Tibet, there are stories about a legendary kingdom that was a source of learning and culture for present day societies. According to legends, this was a place of peace and prosperity, governed by wise and compassionate rulers. The citizens were equally kind and learned, so that in general, the kingdom was a model society.
While it is easy to dismiss Shambhala as pure fiction, it is also possible to see in this legend the expression of a deeply rooted and real human desire for a good and fulfilling life. Many Tibetan Buddhist teachers consider Shambhala not as an external place, but as a potential within every human being.
The first principle of Shambhala vision is not being afraid of who you are. We seldom think of bravery as fear of self, but I suggest that fear of self, fear of our own strength, and fear of our true potential is indeed a significant restraining bolt attached to our nature. Shambhala vision teaches that in the face of the world’s problems, we can be heroic and kind at the same time. But our true potential is so powerful, so significant, that it frightens us so we shrink into our own cocoons fearfull of unleashing our full potential into the world.
This fear of self is not limited to a select few, but infects each of us, and is drummed into our psych from an early age. But if there was ever a time, now is it for each of us to gather ourselves and become brave. We must try to think beyond our homes, beyond the fires in the fireplace, and beyond just going to work in the morning. Your potential is needed to help the world, and Shambhala calls each of us to overcome our fear of greatness.
To be continued…….
Leave a Reply +