Shambhala Level III: Warrior in the World

“Shambhala vision teaches that, in the face of the world's greatest problems, we can be heroic and kind at the same time. Shambhala vision is the opposite of selfishness. When we are afraid of ourselves and afraid of the seeming threat the world presents, then we become extremely selfish. We want to build our own little nests, our own cocoons, so that we can live by ourselves in a secure way. But we can be much more brave than that."

 – Chögyam Trungpa

In Shambhala Level III we began to develop fearlessness by examining our habitual tendencies. We are now willing to experience our life without relying on the cocoon. We can begin to engage the world directly and extend the attitude of fearlessness to our activities. 

Jose, Debbie, Daniel and Dennis

Shambhala Flag

The twelve warriors attending Level III at Healing Waters this past weekend wish to extend their heartfelt gratefulness and thanks to the gracious and wise instructors, Louis Allen, and Debbie McCubbin. 

Debbie McCubbin and Louis Allen
The Instructor

Louis is a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and an authorized meditation instructor in Shambhala International. Together, he and his wife Madeline Conacher own and operate Juniper Hill Retreat Centre two hours east of Toronto. Louis delivered the teachings with humor, kindness and wisdom. 


Debbie, who is also an authorized meditation instructor in Shambhala International is a member of the Mississauga Shambhala Centre. She has a website, Seeing Clearly, where she expresses how people can learn to be more present in the moment and connected to others. Debbie taught with grace, understanding and joy. 


Together, Louis and Debbie taught us to be daring Shambhala warriors in the world.

The Buddha touches the earth

Louis makes a point with
Maureen and Dawn

We are grateful to the hard work of the fearless event coordinators, Jean Gunner and Craig Zink. Together, they planned, organized, ordered food, and made sure everything went smoothly, allowing for an environment conducive to teaching, learning and a joyful experience for all- instructors and students alike. 


The food from East Aurora's Elm Street Bakery was wonderfully delicious and fulfilling! 

Daniel, Craig and Ed

We are thankful for the selfless efforts of the staff. They helped Jean, Craig, Debbie and Louis guide the successful weekend: Marcia Berkowitz, Stacy Nazzitto, Debra Phair-Rahn, Rick Guerin and Trudy Stern. Everyone worked hard and pitched in to prepare for the weekend events, clean up, wash dishes and make the weekend run smoothly.

Stacey and Trudy


"When there is daring, you dare to do something: you put forth your vision fearlessly."  ~ Chogyam Trungpa

Jose, Jean and Ed
Thank you, Jose, for taking such awesome photos of our weekend.


From us all, a special Thank You to Felicitas for creating and giving access to such a beautiful and peaceful location, Healing Waters. 


To Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the founder of Shambhala;
To Sakyam MRinpoche, Shambhala's fearless leader.

Conversation and tea

Instructor's meditation seat.

The Warriors of Shambhala Level III, March 23-25, 2012.
Front L:R- Craig, Dawn, Jean, Jose, Patricia, Trudy, Ed, Bob
Back L:R- Mari, David, Patty, Dennis, Debbie, Rick, Jen, Louis, Stacey, Maureen, Debra, Felicitas, Marcia, Daniel 

When we have faith in basic goodness, we let go of doubt, which is daring. Experiencing fear directly, daring to let go, we relax with gentleness and softness and experience fearlessness.  Because we have fearlessness we can truly care for others and be warriors in the world.