The Sakyong and Rahm Emanuel: Spirituality and Government

Sakyong Rahm Emanuel Chicaco

Ethan Nichtern and Ponlop Rinpoche

 It was great to wake up this morning and see that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche was welcomed to Chicago City Hall by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The Sakyong, head of the Shambhala community (and my own teacher), was in Chicago teaching a weekend program on the problem of violence in our society. It is, of course, heartwarming to see a contemplative leader being given such respect by a major elected official in our society. The Sakyong's new book, the Shambhala Principle is due out next week. It includes great ideas about enlightened economics, compassionate leadership, and enlightened government.I also signed this "Manifesto on Basic Goodness" which the Sakyong published in the Huffington Post. I'm not usually into something as strong as a "manifesto," (I prefer DECLARATIONS - haha) but this is definitely one I can get down with.Meanwhile, I spent the weekend in New York City, first with the wonderful immersion students at the Interdependence Project, and then as part of the panel discussion at the Rubin Museum of Art with this guy. He is one of my favorites Buddhist teachers, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. We were on a panel commemorating the life and legacy of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. It was a fun time to look back at a masterful pioneering figure and how we might carry his legacy forward. (We also goofed around a bit).(follow Ethan on Facebook or Twitter)