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Shambhala

4.23 of 5 stars 4.23 · rating details · 1,917 ratings · 128 reviews

There is a basic human wisdom that can help solve the world’s problems. It doesn’t belong to any one culture or region or religious tradition—though it can be found in many of them throughout history. It’s what Chögyam Trungpa called the sacred path of the warrior. The sacred warrior conquers the world not through violence or aggression, but through gentleness, courage, an

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Published September 28th 2010 by Shambhala Publications, Inc. (first published 1984)

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Nov 09, 2007 Christopher Cordry rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: all those blessed with a precious human birth

This book is awesome. Trungpa's writing style is a little bit quirky, but if you can appreciate the subtle humor, you will enjoy it.

I wish someone had given me this book when I was a teenager. It's like a manual for being an adult--a mature human being living in the world. It cuts straight through our habitual patterns of thought and action, our addiction to comfort, our laziness and our delusions.

Trungpa occasionally delves into esoteric territory (e.g. the chapters on invoking drala, or magi...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Linda Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: spiritual seekers

Recommended to Linda by: Peter Mt. Shasta

Shelves: 2012, own-in-hardcopy, spiritual, reviewed-5-stars

I will be honest - I found this difficult to read but by sheer power of stubbornness I slogged through it and tried to learn the philosophy. There's a lot of wisdom shared on right living and the path of a spiritual warrior. It was not at all what I expected! The path is very subdued and subtle. I took notes on every chapter... I'll share a few with you.

Chapter One: Creating an Enlightened Society
Basic secular human wisdom can solve the problems of this world. There's a discussion of where Shamb...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Electriczen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"There is a basic human wisdom that can help solve the world's problems. It doesn't belong to any one culture or region or religious tradition - though it can be found in many of them throughout history. It's what Chogyam Trungpa called the sacred path of the warrior. The sacred warrior conquers the world not through violence or aggression, but through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge. The warrior discovers the basic goodness out into the world for the peace and sanity of others."

Chogyam...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Sherry rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this book, especially after being introduced to Chogyam Trungpa's Shambhala way by some of his disciples at the ALIA Leadership Institute I just went to in Halifax and the track on "Leader as Spiritual Warrior" that I took with Meg and Jerry as the guides.

Finishing the book on my little porch on my cabana at the Finca Mistica on the Olmetepe Isle on Lake Nicaragua this morning, I delighted in the second to last chapter on authentic presence where I discovered the four dignities and final...more I love this book, especially after being introduced to Chogyam Trungpa's Shambhala way by some of his disciples at the ALIA Leadership Institute I just went to in Halifax and the track on "Leader as Spiritual Warrior" that I took with Meg and Jerry as the guides.

Finishing the book on my little porch on my cabana at the Finca Mistica on the Olmetepe Isle on Lake Nicaragua this morning, I delighted in the second to last chapter on authentic presence where I discovered the four dignities and finally understood more the teaching that has been grating on me since Meg and Jerry put it forth: we need to give up fear and hope to become fearless warriors. I'm still having some trouble giving up hope but am getting closer to understanding why it is necessary to do so to become the warrior they invite.

Okay, the four dignities are meek, perky, outrageous and inscrutable!

Quote:
Meekness is basically experiencing a humble and gentle state of being, while perkiness is connected with uplifted and youthful energy. Outrageousness is being daring and entering into situations without hope and fear, and inscrutability is the experience of fulfillment and uncontrived, spontaneous achievement.

The analogy for meekness is the tiger in its prime, who moves slowly but heedfully through the jungle....The tiger walks through the jungle with mindfulness. But because the tiger likes his body and his bounciness and sense of rhythm, he is relaxed. From the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, there are no problems. His movements are like waves, he swims through the jungle. So his watchfulness is accompanied by relaxation and confidence. For the warrior of meek, confidence is a natural state of awareness and mindfulness in the way he conducts his own affairs.

The principle of perky is symbolized by a snow lion who enjoys the freshness of the highland mountains. The snow lion is vibrant, energetic, and also youthful....The warrior of perky is both humble and uplifed, as well as fundamentally youthful.

Outrageousness is symbolized by the garuda, a legendary Tibetan bird who is traditionally referred to as the king of birds. The garuda hatches full-grown from its egg and soars into outer space, expanding and stretching its wings, beyond any limits. Likewise, having overcome hope and fear, the warrior of outrageous develops a sense of great freedom....The warrior of outrageous also possesses great mercy for others. Because you have no obstacles to expanding your vision, you have immense capabilities of working for others.

Inscrutability is represented by the dragon. The dragon is energetic, powerful, and unwavering. But these qualities of the dragon do not stand alone without the meekness of the tiger, the perkiness of the lion, and the outrageousness of the garuda....Inscrutability is a state of wholesomeness within which there is not gap or hesitation. It is therefore a sense of truly living, of actually leading your life; it is a feeling of hardcore solidity, but at the same time you are continuously sharpening your intelligence. Question and answer occur simultaneously and therefor inscrutability is continuous.

Chogyam Trugnpa died at 47 in Halifax. Imagine his teachings if he'd lived longer.....perhaps he does....(less)

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Feb 04, 2011 Saskia Marijke Niehorster-Cook rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I believe I began reading this book back in the 80's and then left it unfinished. last year, I picked it up again and began the slow process of reading it. Unfortunately, the only version I had for this book was in Spanish. I think that the translation was poor and therefore it made the book be too slow and inaccurate. Written by an eminence in the field, Chogyam Trungpa, this book describes the rightful path of a warrior. By warrior we do not mean an aggressive person with warring in the heart,...more

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Oct 28, 2011 Jordan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, buddhism, read-but-unowned

The first part was really interesting, the second part definitely lost me, and the third part was a mix of the previous two. Mostly what lost me in the second part was Trungpa's constant redefining of words to mean something only vaguely similar to their normal usages. It was frustrating to have to constantly remember that fearlessness didn't really mean fearlessness and magic didn't really mean magic. I know sometimes concepts don't translate well into English, but I really wish he could have c...more

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Nov 23, 2008 Charlie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: spirituality

Hmmm, once upon a time Trungpa comes out to a large audience waiting to hear his lecture. He was late. When he finally appears, dead drunk, he stumbles to the mic and states simply, "You read the book" and walks away. For this the people in attendance had paid five bucks.
I'm glad that so many Americans have found Buddhism to soothe their agnostic needs to have a God who does not exist but as the author of this book states about his final (and arguably best) text, "it's secular". Trungpa was a f...more

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May 17, 2013 Frank rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It is undeniable that one characteristic of human beings is: they fight.

When I chose three books to take along on the airplane last week, it seemed a remarkable coincidence when I noticed that they all dealt with the subject of fighting.

It was probably inevitable that this would eventually happen, given how fighting is a main activity of humans.

The books are: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk, Shambhala by Chogyam Trungpa, and 100 Tips for Amateur Players Vol II by Youngsun Yoon.

Fight Club is a nove...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Stuart Haden rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first book that I have read by Trungpa who is widely admired for developing Buddhism in the West. A short read that flows beautifully I am looking forward to exploring more of his work.

I particularly liked his views on synchronizing the mind and body, harmony, authentic presence and the ego. Here is one of my favourite quotes.

When you express gentleness and precision in your environment, then real brilliance and power can descend onto that situation. If you try to manufacture that p...more

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Jan 31, 2012 David Guy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've probably read this book five or six times; I just seem to know when I need to. Supposedly it is talking about a secular practice that is not specifically Buddhist, but it's quite apparent that Buddhist thought and practice are behind it; only the terminology has been changed. Somehow or other I find this to be Trungpa's most inspiring and accessible book, and am always very much inspired by it. It's about basing your life in meditation practice, and learning to live out of that.

Trungpa's l...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2010 Bryan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

People occasionally ask me if I attended Naropa University. My response is that if I was an adult when I chose were to attend university I would have attended Naropa University.

This popular text by Naropa's founder is required reading there. Though nominally secular, Buddhism is at the core of this spiritual primer. Not that different from other introductory Buddhist texts, this book is nice breath of fresh air, or a foot in the door for those wanting to learn more about Buddhism (or just the w...more

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Oct 14, 2009 Mara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Inspiration from the ancient Tibetan Kingdom of Shambhala as a means to strive for an enlightened society in modern times carries powerful messages. The Buddhist foundation is grounding while expanding to encompass all beings in a non-religious way of life mentality focused on fearlessness, egolessness, and soft-heartedness. These and related characteristics are the "true face" of the warrior.

Recognizing and appreciating the basic goodness of life as it is, being compassionate to yourself and ot...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Robert rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Research on this author is necessary. The man who wrote this book is, flawed, human and yet he held a position of spiritual authority. What he has made available in this book to the westerner is invaluable. Though I wonder, without a teacher, or further research would a novice completely understand. I read this book in a discussion group, we met weekly to discuss chapters read. The early chapters seemed familiar to teacher and student alike who are versed and familiar with Buddhist spiritual pra...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Sara Gray rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this for a course on meditation and contentment I'm taking from the local Shambhala Center. I can always tell when a book is good for me by how wibbly/weepy I get while I read it, and I had that feeling during almost every chapter of this book (save for the last ones, which were on more esoteric Tibetan hierarchy stuff that went over my head). It wasn't so much that it made me sad, though there was a little of that...more that it's such a relief to read about and try to adopt the belief t...more

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Sep 18, 2012 Luke rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not knowing exactly what to write, I wanted to write a review to remind myself of the key points in this book and share something that is likely not on most people's radars. Much of this book can't be summarized or fully captured in a blog post, but I think the quote below gives you an idea of what you'll find in here. The basic premise is that we need to fully accept what it means to be human, taking our "bad" with the good, and facing this fact—embracing our humanness—is an act of being a warr...more Not knowing exactly what to write, I wanted to write a review to remind myself of the key points in this book and share something that is likely not on most people's radars. Much of this book can't be summarized or fully captured in a blog post, but I think the quote below gives you an idea of what you'll find in here. The basic premise is that we need to fully accept what it means to be human, taking our "bad" with the good, and facing this fact—embracing our humanness—is an act of being a warrior. And actually it teaches to not think of things as "good" or "bad" in our nature, but merely as a state of being what we are. Once we can accept this, then we can begin to move forward in "uplifting our lives."

A great deal of chaos in the world occurs because people don't appreciate themselves. Having never developed sympathy or gentleness towards themselves, they cannot experience harmony or peace within themselves, and therefore, what they project to others is also inharmonious and confused. Instead of appreciating our lives, we often take our existence for granted or we find it depressing and burdensome. People threaten to commit suicide because they aren't getting what they think they deserve out of life. They blackmail others with the threat of suicide, saying that they will kill themselves if certain things don't change. Certainly we should take our lives seriously, but that doesn't mean driving ourselves to the brink of disaster by complaining about our problems or holding a grudge against the world. We have to accept personal responsibility for uplifting our lives.

In order to get the most out of this book, I had to be open. There are many phrases and whole chapters in here that are written in such a way that they almost seem like something from a cheesey, B-rated kung-fu film. Being open though, I was able to get past some of these awkward styles and really see the lesson being offered. There is also a whole chapter on meditation and the author admits outright that it's really just a beginning guide and that you can't fully grasp the concept without studying with a practiced mentor. Still, I found it quite useful and have used it from time to time to gain some peace in my day-to-day.

Much of the underlying message is guiding the reader through releasing fear:

Acknowledging fear is not a cause for depression or discouragement. Because we possess such fear, we also are potentially entitled to experience fearlessness. True fearlessness is not the reduction of fear; but going beyond fear.

Another key point in this book is not just moving beyond fear but also hope. It sounds strange at first, but I think the point was that in hope, we often have expectation. And expectations often lead us to disappointment and resentment of others. I have found that practicing being in the present moment, the "now", has allowed me to move beyond fear and expectation, and therefore has allowed me to find moments of peace in the midst of my chaotic life. Most of my anger, depression, restlessness is due to regretting something that has already happened, or worrying about what will happen. This book has been an invaluable guide for figuring out how to approach and overcome fear in my life.

This book can be a lofty and awkward read at times, but if you're open, I think it's an excellent place to begin figuring out how to overcome many things rooted in fear (anger, stress, depression, resentment, etc.) It will at least provide a different way of looking at yourself and the world around you, and I think that's always something worth checking out.(less)

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Nov 04, 2011 Laura Patterson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Confession: I didn't finish this book. Realization: It doesn't matter.

Last year I read Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, also by Trungpa. Both it and this book are the kind you can read, chew on, chew on, then come back to. Its a part of a journey. That being said, they could also be used as part of a very intentional practice, which I hope to get back to.

If you've ever wondered how to delve into the layers of your psyche without the use of drugs, pick up this book. The use of imagery is p...more

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Jul 11, 2009 Nicholas rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lifestyle, philosophy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. A guide on how to live you life properly. Could lead to a lot of narration. Same as the Alchemist.

Quotes:

"That is the definition of bravery: not being afraid of yourself."

"In spite of all our problems and confusion, all our emotional and psychological ups and downs, there is something basically good about our existence as human beings. Unless we can discover that ground of goodness in our own lives, we cannot hope to improve the lives of others."

"The problem is that, when we begin to realize the...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Pam rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, asian, non-fiction, reading-slowly-in-bits

Cannot make up my mind whether this was supposed to be deep philospohical stuff that went over my head or a lot of prattling on and on about nonsense. I am leaning toward the latter. To me, this was thinly veiled psycho-babble mixed with advertising for his schools. He wants us all to live good lives, helping others, being kind, blah blah blah... but then he himself says, "but somebody's got to wear the three-piece suit" meaning if the rest of us are running around with flowers in our hair, we s...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Joan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: top50-wisdom-books

I recommended this recently to a person dear to me. She was looking for a peaceful way to stake out her own space in the world and become her true, astonishing self. I suggest reading it along with Peck's Road Less Traveled. One for the Self, the other for Relationships. After that, all is a footnote (as Whitehead said about Plato, until Alfred's Process and Reality blew Plato and the Western cannon out of the water.)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 13, 2010 Todd Settimo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the book that lit my way when I was going through the Trials. It was my Dark Night of the Soul, my Season in Hell...whatever you want to call it.

In my experience, things happen and people and books tend to appear as they're needed. This book was needed then and taught me that even when I was reduced to nothing but myself, my Self was more than adequate for any task set before me.

A classic not to be missed.

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Feb 04, 2013 Steve rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book as part of a religion class my freshman year of college and I was astounded. The insight this book provides on the nature, methods and power of meditation gave me a path into another form of spirituality that I had never known much about or considered before. I would recommend this read to people interested in learning more about eastern philosophy, especially Tibetan Buddhism.

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Jun 17, 2012 Charlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this book! Or rather the ideas in it! To read this book you need to open your heart and mind to the art of possibility. It is somewhat difficult to do because at times you find yourself shutting down especially if the language as you interpret it does not concur with your worldview. Persevere with courage and meekness and you will experience an "unfolding" if you like.

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Jul 25, 2011 Dan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I feel as though I've forgotten much of it. this is one of the few books i intend to read a second time. I remember really liking it at the time and I think I'd highly recommend it and I do intend to read his other books. A pretty interesting author who I think most do a great disservice to by simply criticizing how he appears on the surface in his private life.

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Mar 04, 2012 Athena rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book has gotten me through some TOUGH times. I have the pocket size version, I keep it in my purse and I read it in doctor's office waiting rooms, things of that sort. I always feel more centered and sane even after a few pages of it. Seriously, everyone should read this book. The world would be a better place.

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Apr 08, 2009 Jim Dougherty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As far as self development books go, this one is okay. It's insistent and repetitive, but th emessage is good, it comes accross clearly, and (of course) the nature of it couln't be simpler.

Read it a few years back and there were parts i couldn't relate to. Not having that issue this time through.

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May 28, 2013 Jack Waters rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2013, scanned-books

I recommend an interested person read this book annually. Trungpa here offers a secular spirituality that could benefit a person of any faith, or those without any faith. You needn't be well-versed in any prior principles to understand the advice.

He encourages each person to be a warrior by understanding the basic goodness of humans, and using courage, gentleness, and awareness to pass along the wisdom so as to strengthen humanity.

I've turned to the book in times of turbulence and times of calm,...more

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Jul 06, 2009 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: faith-spirituality, read-again-someday, non-fiction

Perhaps if I hadn't just completed a weekend Shambhala training this wouldn't have resonated so deeply. But I suspect that this is one of those books that allow you to take from it whatever wisdom is most meaningful for you at this point in time ... making it a book to be read again and again.

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Aug 03, 2012 Susan Botich rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this book! It's inspiring as a kind of workbook for personal peace. I am re-reading it now. And probably will re-read many times. Every time I read it, I get something new from it. I highly recommend this book to all who are seeking/striving for increasing self-awareness.

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Jan 17, 2013 Douglas rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-recent

Abstract. At times I hunger for the author to have more command over language, and the examples and descriptions within could be made more personal and direct. However, this is stuffed with profound insight. Ideas and notions that really invite us to sit down and understand who we are. A religious tract that is nearly devoid of religion.

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Jan 06, 2012 Devika Koppikar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book basically tells you that by appreciating the present, you can see how wonderful the world really is. You don't have to go out and make great things happen, but accept things as they are and revere greatness in everyday things.

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About Chögyam Trungpa

Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (Tibetan: ཆོས་ རྒྱམ་ དྲུང་པ་ Wylie: Chos rgyam Drung pa) was a Buddhist meditation master, scholar, teacher, poet, and artist. He was the 11th descendent in the line of Trungpa tulkus of the Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism. He was also trained in the Nyingma tradition, the oldest of the four schools, and was an adherent of the rimay or "non-sectarian" movement...more

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Books by Chögyam Trungpa

Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness

The Myth of Freedom and the Way of Meditation

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Quotes from Shambhala

“A great deal of the chaos in the world occurs because people don't appreciate themselves.” — 34 people liked it

“The essence of warriorship, or the essence of human bravery, is refusing to give up on anyone or anything.” — 33 people liked it

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