Barbara Zielinski, Administrative Assistant

Barbara began her Dharma practice in Cambridge/Boston in 1976. She emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1989 with her son Sam, where she worked in administration at local universities, and most recently at the ALIA (formerly Shambhala) Institute in Halifax.
Her inspiration in coming to Nova Scotia was to be part of a “Shambhala Village” and Barbara has finally found her home ground in Tatamagouche. She has a long-time connection with the Kasung Land at Dorje Denma Ling, where she is currently living as caretaker and member of the Dorje Kasung Land Group which stewards the land. She is slowly learning (and becoming an activist!) about sustainable forestry practice, and is happy to see the next generation(s) developing a connection and love for the land.
Barbara has been assisting Heather with Shambhala Online administration since April of 2010 – communicating with new students and old friends, obseserving registration trends, occasionally holding (virtual) hands as we embrace this new technology together – and appreciating the opportunity to be working from home while serving the world-wide Sangha in this style of proclaiming the Dharma.

Behind the scenes at the Shambhala Lineage Festival. This was my view from behind the computers!

An historic first for our Shambhala Community was the September 25th Shambhala Vow and Enlightened Society Vow ceremony held online. The idea was to unite the worldwide community and ignite planetary lungta by connecting together all at the same time! More than 3000 people around the world received these vows from the Sakyong, who was broadcast from Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through the tremendous hard work and effort of many, people were able to recite the vows in their native tongue. Our executive director, Ms. Carolyn Mandelker, has heard from many groups and centres since the festival. They express their joy at having been included in this way, and many even asked that we have more worldwide events of this nature in the future.

Chris Morel (in Paris), Halifax, NS

Chris Morel is a long-time Shambhala practitioner, originally from NYC, and now residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his wife, Mary Campbell.

Chris became interested in computers and technology while working in the Vajradhatu Finance Office in the early 1980′s. Following this, he received a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Colorado in Boulder and has worked in a variety of technical positions.

In the Shambhala realm, he has participated in various campaigns with the Dorje Kasung, is an active Kusung, and recently worked on the new Halifax Shambhala Centre web site. Other interests include biking, squash, and music (Gagaku, Jazz, and music improv).

As a moderator for Shambhala Online, Chris appreciates the opportunity of helping those in all areas of the globe to connect with Shambhala teachings on meditation.