Advancing Our Wealth

Lineage & Wisdom

Our ultimate wealth is basic goodness: the open heartedness and appreciation that can easily be seen in the eyes of a mother looking at her child, that is the inheritance of all beings, and that crosses all human divisions and boundaries. Based on the recognition of this deep and universal richness, Shambhala is an ideal of human potential that comes from the high mountain culture of Tibet. There this profound and practical tradition flourished for over 1,000 years before being brought to the west by the Sakyong lineage during the second half of the 20th century.

A Strong Foundation

The Sakyong lineage represents a living tradition that exists to awaken our commitment and loyalty to creating a society built around the dignity and wisdom of our basic goodness. The result has been the development of the Shambhala community.

In financial terms, this has resulted in a constant stream of generosity supporting the vision of Shambhala over nearly 40 years. Included are the gifts and service provided by many thousands of members and friends, supporting over 150 urban community centers on four continents, eight rural retreat and program centers, and numerous educational and cultural projects.

The foundation of Shambhala’s financial wealth is most clearly seen in our real estate assets. Since the first purchase of Tail of the Tiger (Karmê Chöling) in 1970, the Shambhala community has continued to invest in land and buildings that house its activities. Today these assets have an estimated net value of over $25 million.

A Future Built on the Past

The Sakyong Foundation’s goal is to help sustain and promote the vision of the Sakyong lineage by

• Collaborating with patrons and leadership towards the successful realization of many projects aligned with our mission around the world.
• Continuing to build the value of our real estate portfolio, by supporting the acquisition of land and buildings and the construction of new and upgraded facilities.
• Creating a second ‘pool’ of more liquid wealth – in the form of endowments that will provide long-term support for Shambhala vision. Most successful long-standing educational and religious organizations have significant endowments. They support growth and new innovation, scholarships and capital expansion. They provide liquidity during times of organizational stress – whether caused by economic conditions or other obstacles. Endowments are built over the course of generations, and the majority of endowment funds come from bequests.

Please help The Sakyong Foundation create the future we aspire to. Please consider contributing to the ongoing vision of the Sakyong as expressed by his effort to advance our wealth for the benefit of ourselves, our children and future generations.