Our Centre’s First Shastri

On November 19, David Kahane took his formal vow as Shastri for Edmonton from Acharya Susan Chapman.

Shastris are senior teachers appointed by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of Shambhala, to serve a particular Shambhala Centre.

You can watch a video of the ceremony; see the September official announcement of the appointment; and read Ben Hines’ reflection on the Shastri role.

Shastri roles include:

• To bring the current understanding of Shambhala vision and teachings to their centres, to be a reference point for questions about the path, and in particular to help establish and nurture the Way of Shambhala curriculum as the core path.
• To teach programs using the innovative pedagogies of Shambhala and to guide others in offering these teachings.
• To bring along other teachers and meditation instructors.
• To work collegially with other senior teachers.
• To provide path guidances to students of all levels.

 

David is the first Edmonton Shastri, and will work closely with Centre leadership to develop our community and Centre.