“A Warrior Without Anger”: Interview with Andrew Nisbet

Have you visited a Shambhala Centre and noticed suited men or women, holding the space for us? These are the Dorje Kasung, an organization within Shambhala modeled on the ancient tradition of dharma protectors and drala warriors. The protection extends to the teacher who presents the teachings, the teachings themselves, and the community that practices the teachings.

This can manifest in simple roles like acting as a gatekeeper for the Centre, or more elaborate functions like planning and executing the transportation of teachers. In addition, Dorje Kasung can choose to specialize in psychological and physical crisis intervention, personal and building security, or ongoing personal service to lineage holders.

Dorje Kasung training strengthens our capacity to work with heightened and chaotic situations (in our mind or in our environment), and to find non-aggressive means to solve conflicts. The motto of the Dorje Kasung is “Victory over War”.

This month Andrew shares with us how his experience as a Kasung has shaped his practice, on and off the cushion.

Can you describe the role of the Dorje Kasung in Shambhala?

The role of the Dorje Kasung is to provide protection in a holistic sense. In our Buddhist lineage we are closely linked to the concept of Mahākāla, or dharmapāla, which means Dharma protector or defender. Practically speaking, we protect the Centre, ensuring that it’s safe, maintained, and uplifting. We protect the students who attend the Centre so they can relax and experience the teachings completely. We protect non-meditators from practices that can freak out the uninitiated, like some of our chants. We protect the teachers who visit so they can manifest the teachings, and transmit them in as unobstructed a form as possible. In short, we protect the community from obstacles that impede wakefulness.

When did you get involved with the Dorje Kasung? What initially drew you to the practice?

In the mid-90’s the now-Sakyong Mipham came to visit the Edmonton Centre. Len Hunting, a longtime practitioner, needed help with the Kasung role, and asked if I would help out. I had no idea what was involved, but Len said he would train me.

The experience was quite surreal. I remember feeling so stressed. There was so much to keep track of, so much to do, and Len did it all with such skill and compassion. We worked all day, then he took the night watch at the hotel. In the morning, he welcomed people to the Centre, practiced, then chauffeured, all while I struggled to keep up, even after a full night’s rest. Len was a real role model and when I am really struggling with the practice, or have questions, I think “what would Len do?”

What does it mean for you to work with the protector principle? How has this practice manifested in your everyday life?

For me, working in the Kasung role shows how to dissolve the barrier between practice and everyday life. Before I joined the Kasung, the post-meditation experience could be quite jarring, and awkward. I would come home feeling peaceful, but the family would be embroiled in a yelling match, or some other calamity would be playing out.

As a father, husband, and homeowner there are plenty of opportunities to practice protector principles and to work with key slogans that orient Kasung practice. For example, when dealing with teens, “Be a warrior without anger.” As a homeowner, “Mindful of all details, be resourceful in performing your duties.” In meetings, “Be alert before you daydream,” and “Have confidence to go beyond hesitation.” All the slogans are powerful reminders that our lives are our practice.

What do you look forward to for the Edmonton Shambhala Centre in this year of the Earth Dog?

There is a perceived hardness of practicality that naturally permeates the Dorje Kasung. The importance of this is carefully transmitted to new Kasung, but I look forward to exploring how the role can be held with genuine kindness. I also look forward to practicing and sharing the Kasung role with the Sangha, to encourage others to consider this rewarding path.