Top: Chokyi Senge, 12th Trungpa Tulku and his tutor Lama Dorje peering out a window of Trungpa's quarters above the main shrine room. Photo by Marvin Ross.

Left: Lady Diana Mukpo seated on a throne at Surmang.

11 Apr 2004 - Message from Lady Diana Mukpo

To the Noble Shambhala community,

I hold fewer aspirations dearer in my heart than the rebuilding of Surmang, the spiritual home of the Shambhala mandala. I share this commitment with the Sakyong who has been formally entrusted by the tulkus and leaders of Surmang with responsibility for the affairs of the Surmang monasteries and their people.

The Sakyong and I have pledged that we will raise the funds necessary to rebuild Surmang Dudtsi-til, the Surmang Shedra (monastic college). The original building, now a ruin, was poignantly described (and drawn) by the Vidyadhara in Born in Tibet. The leaders of Surmang have repeatedly told both the Sakyong and myself that this single undertaking is one of the highest priorities for the whole community.

Fundraising is already underway. You will all remember that the Sakyong ran the Toronto marathon in November. He made a strong showing, raised just under $10,000 for Surmang... and it was great fun.

Now he is going to attempt the demanding Big Sur marathon on 25 April this year. All donations will again go to the building of Surmang Dudtsi-til.

I would love it if we could double or even triple the amount we can raise in support this time. I would urge everyone who feels a deep connection with the spiritual traditions brought to us by the Vidyadhara to consider what you can give in return to Surmang and its people.

This week you will be getting further information through the Shambhala News Service about how you can make a donation.

For now, I would simply ask you to reflect on the tremendous legacy that has come to us from Surmang and what we can do in this particular way to honour that.

Yours in the immense radiance of Shambhala,

Lady Diana Mukpo

(This announcement was from the Shambhala News Service)