Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior (Paperback)

by Chogyam Trungpa (Author), Carolyn Rose Gimian (Editor) "IN TIBET, as well as many other Asian countries, there are stories about a legendary kingdom that was a source of learning and culture for..." (more)
Key Phrases: ultimate drala, drala principle, inner authentic presence, Great Eastern Sun, Shambhala Training (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Trungpa's warrior is a most appealing figure, embodying qualities that every spiritual tradition would hold dear. The principal discipline recommended here—being genuine moment after moment—allows one to discover the magic inherent in phenomena, where the synchronization of body and mind becomes an attunement to the natural order."— Yoga Journal "Trungpa's clear-headed vision shows us that celebrating life is based on appreciating ourselves. This book is a masterpiece of clarity and insight."— East West Journal "Shambhala provides a clear depiction of the results and, thus, the reasons for meditation practice as a source of strength for daily living and spiritual growth."— Body, Mind & Spirit --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
In this practical guide to enlightened living, Chögyam Trungpa offers an inspiring vision for our time, based on the figure of the sacred warrior. In ancient times, the warrior learned to master the challenges of life, both on and off the battlefield. He acquired a sense of personal freedom and power—not through violence or aggression, but through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge. The Japanese samurai, the warrior-kings of Tibet, the knights of medieval Europe, and the warriors of the Native American tribes are a few examples of this universal tradition of wisdom. With this book the warrior's path is opened to contemporary men and women in search of self-mastery and greater fulfillment. Interpreting the warrior's journey in modern terms, Trungpa discusses such skills as synchronizing mind and body, overcoming habitual behaviors, relaxing within discipline, facing the world with openness and fearlessness, and finding the sacred dimension of everyday life. Above all, Trungpa shows that in discovering the basic goodness or human life, the warrior learns to radiate that goodness out into the world for the peace and sanity of others. The Shambhala teachings—named for a legendary Himalayan kingdom where prosperity and happiness reign—thus point to the potential for enlightened conduct that exists within every human being. "The basic wisdom of Shambhala," Trungpa writes, "is that in this world, as it is, we can find a good and meaningful human life that will also serve others. That is our true richness."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; Worn, Moisture Stains edition (March 12, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877732647
• ISBN-13: 978-0877732648
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #152,097 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a beginners guide to Shambhala, June 21, 2000

By	George Schaefer (Croydon, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Shambhala: The Sacred path of the Warrior is a book I read on whimsy. I read this book originally because of the relationship Trungpa had with Allen Ginsberg. I was curious so I picked up a copy of this book. It was enlightening because this is the real deal unlike a lot of the half baked Zen Buddhism invoked by many beatnik types. One need not drop acid to gain wisdom here. If you want the hokey, trippie hippie Buddhism, forget this book. Trungpa is writing of an ancient code of warriorship. It is an inward, spiritual journey drawn from the Tibetan warrior culture. One who reads this and learns the lessons it teaches will be assisted in overcoming self doubt and negativity. This is not a book of violence. It is really a guide towards overcoming violence. It is about learning mastery over oneself. I was inspired to be better after reading this book. It made me believe in the possibility of transcendence. That is saying something, too. It is a very motivational book.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sacred Warrior - Purity of Heart, Nobility of Soul, February 26, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Denmark) - See all my reviews

Enlightening ! Full of Wisdom ! Buy It ! Make a Difference ... for your self ... and for society ! This book was first given to me by a Tibetan Master, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, in 1985 when I asked him about Shambala (the enlightened society). Jamgon Kongtrul was a living example of compassion and wisdom. Even though he did not know me as I was just one among one a crowd, he immediately gave me this enlightening book. Since then, I have been buying it and giving it to many people. It is his legacy. (Trunpa and Jamgon comes from the same Tibetan Buddhist lineage.) This book is not about following a religious dogma or path. It is about how to live a dignified and meaningful human existence. The sacred warrior is not only brave and honorable but gentle and kind at the same time. The sacred warrior do not live in a world of deceit and superficiality. She or he is a geniune human being who is always considerate to others and her/his environment. Trungpa says that the bravest warrior is the one who can open her/his heart to others and wears no masks nor armor to hide her/his weakness. We all have the inherent potential to be sacred warriors. And by doing so, we will help contribute to make the world a better place to live in. Trunpa says that instead of trying very hard to change other people, our society, our families, and situations, we should first change ourselves and our negative attitudes first. It is only when we change our innermost selves and our myopic views of life that we can make a difference and geniunely help transform our society to a better place to live in. When we choose to be sacred warriors, that will be our lifelong existentialist quest. Be prepared for a new way of living human existence.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Find and open to the goodness you already have in your life., December 28, 1999

By	Paul J. Cote (West Hartford, Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

When I saw the title of the book, I thought it was going to be pretty hokie. First, I picked it up in the library, and after one cursory reading, I had found some simple stuff that affected me tons. It affected me because it was so simple to implement right here and now. No funky sanskrit here. Highly practical. Although I had been meditating for many years and also had some experience practicing the way of mindfulness, the techniques in this book opened me right up!