The Awakened Householder: Vision, Practice, and Enlightened Society

February 26, 27 & 28 — Save the date for a weekend with Mark Thorpe, Master of the Kalapa Court and head of the Sakyong’s household.

mark_thorpeWhether you are sharing an apartment with roommates, raising a family, living solo, or empty nesting, this program will assist you in creating a uplifted environment that supports your intentions to be awake and brings a sense of dignified relaxation to your daily life.

The Shambhala teachings recognize that human beings are, at a fundamental level awake and compassionate. Furthermore, human beings are capable of cultivating a society that manifests these qualities and that such a society begins with recognizing that our home is the real starting point in applying these principles – how we engage with our families and our home environment is the cornerstone for building an enlightened society. With playful commitment, we can uplift our home life and establish a powerful basis for transforming our families, communities, and the greater society.
This program will introduce and explore these unique Shambhala teachings on Awakened Household described as Court Practice. It will include the practice of meditation, presentations, discussions, and excercises.

On Friday evening, February 26, Saturday February 27, and Sunday morning, February 28, Mr. Mark Thorpe, Master of the Kalapa Court of Shambhala will present a multi-faceted program based on teachings of the Sakyong from “Ruling Your World.” This program is designed to:

  • Introduce members of the Shambhala sangha to the notion of Awakened Household as essential to cultivating enlightened society beginning in our homes and extending to our Shambhala Center and beyond
  • Deepen understanding of Court view and practice
  • Provide a training opportunity for those interested in further service to their centers.
  • Raise funds for the establishment and maintenance of the court in the Midwest
  • Offer deeper reflection and discussion of the principles of Awakened householder practices

This program will be offered in distinct modules as follows:

Friday evening is open to all members and will introduce the view and practice of Awakened Household.

Saturday is open to members who have completed Shambhala Training Level 3 and beyond.

Saturday evening is a fundraiser dinner to support the establishment and maintenance of a court in the Midwest and to provide a training opportunity for individuals desiring to serve in the court.

Sunday morning is open to those of have completed Sacred World Assembly and beyond and will offer a short talk and longer discussion of court view and the practice of Court awakened householder

Friday, February 26th, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

$20 full / $25 patron

Mr. Thorpe will teach on the view and practice of Awakened Household practice as it manifests at the Kalapa Court (the residence of the Sakyong and the Sakyong Wangmo), at our local Shambhala Center, and in the Court of the Householder—our own homes.

This talk is open to members of Shambhala and will address:

  • What is the principle of Awakened Household.
  • Why it is part of Shambhala culture.
  • How it manifests in the Shambhala Center and in our homes.

Participants are strongly encouraged to read the Sakyong’s book “Ruling Your World” prior to the event.

Click here to register.

Saturday, February 27th, Two sessions

Pre-requisite: Completion of Shambhala Training Level 3 or beyond

Session 1: 9:00 am to 12 noon

$35 full / $40 patron

Click here to register.

Mr. Thorpe will explore more deeply why culture and decorum are so important in Shambhala. This session involves instruction and practice specific to Court service, the direct service we offer to visiting teachers as well to the Sakyong. The pre-requisite for this session is completion of Level 3, “Warrior in the World.”

Session 2: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

$35 full / $40 patron

Mr. Thorpe will provide more detailed instruction for those interested in offering their time to the Midwest Court Service. This would involve service to the Sakyong when he is at public talks or other venues during his visits to the Midwest region. Participants will deepen their skills by serving at the Midwest Court Service Fundraising Dinner later in the evening.

Click here to register.

The Midwest Court Fundraising Dinner, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Open to program participants and all Shambhalians

$50 per plate

Required: RSVP no later than Saturday, Feb. 20th

A delicious and beautiful meal will be prepared and served to guests. All proceeds will go directly to fund the work and materials needed for the reoccurring visits of the Sakyong to the Midwest.

Participants in both Saturday sessions will have the opportunity to offer Court service to the guests of the Midwest Court Service Fundraising Dinner, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Saturday evening.

Click here to register.

Sunday, February 28th, 9:30 am to 12 noon

Open to those who have completed Sacred World Assembly and beyond

$40 full / $45 patron

Mr. Thorpe will present a brief talk going more deeply into the importance of court view and practice to the future of Shambhala. A discussion will follow the talk.

Click here to register.

About Mark Thorpe:

Mark Thorpe has been a student of and personal attendant to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, since the 1970’s. He has held a multitude of leadership roles in Shambhala, particularly in the Dorje Kasung, the group responsible for the service and protection of the Sakyongs, their family, and the greater Shambhala community. Currently he is the “Master of the Kalapa Court,” charged with overseeing and managing the Sakyong’s family household.