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.

Debbie McGee, St. John’s NF

Debbie McGee lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland with two young cats, two
old dogs, and a middle-aged husband. She also has two grown sons. Debbie
attended Vajrayana Seminary in 2010, and is intent on completing ngondro
this year, with the aspiration of Rigden Abhisheka in 2012. Debbie works
as a video producer in the Distance Education unit at Memorial
University of Newfoundland, and offered to volunteer with Shambhala
Online out of a deep admiration for Heather Scott’s grace under pressure
on Shambhala Day.

Jean Plough, Philadelphia, PA

Jean teaches doctoral dissertation courses for University of Phoenix Online. She previously taught computer K-8 in the Philadelphia Public Schools, where she was a Technology Teacher Leader. Besides meditation, Jean’s hobbies are art (abstract painting), and hiking. Jean has practiced shamatha mediation since 1974, and is Desung for Philadelphia Shambhala Center.

Of her online experience, Jean says “I like being an online moderator because it’s a chance to connect with people from all over. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the dharma without leaving home. There ‘s a special energy about the Shambhala Online programs that’s hard to define. You’re sharing a space with others, getting a window into their world. I like to see people I know online, as well as meet new.”

Marion Buckley, Birmingham, AL

Having established a connection with Shambhala about ten years ago, Marion Buckley’s meditation practice includes preparing for Rigden abisheka this year, and her governance practice is as Director of the Birmingham Shambhala Center. She responded to the call for moderators for Shambhala Online programs as a way to contribute to the greater mandala (with the added benefit of “meeting” a variety of wonderful teachers and participants from all over!). Socially, she retired from her “day job” in 2010, is married and has three cats who occasionally show up online.

If you are interested in knowing more about the opportunities to volunteer with Shambhala Online, please email barbara@shambhalaonline.org

The teacher and the students are never alone at Shambhala Online! We are very fortunate to have a bevy of volunteers to call upon to help ensure the smooth running of our programs and classes. These are the people you meet when you arrive in the virtual classroom; our online moderators or hosts. They are there to help you with your technical set up as well as to familiarize you with the interface before the teacher arrives. The moderator also supports the teacher and can be in communication with them throughout the program.

If you are interested in knowing more about the opportunities to volunteer with Shambhala Online, please email heather@shambhalaonline.org

Our first online “social time” with President Reoch

Shambhala Online Survey Summary

Since our initial, groundbreaking broadcast in November 2007, we have invited participants to complete a survey following each event. The information gathered has been very informative and we are very grateful to those of you who have responded.

Here is a brief compilation of the past surveys for public talks with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, for your information:

General
Total # of surveys completed: 215
Total # of countries represented in survey: 21
Canada, Australia, USA, England, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, Greece, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, China, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovenia, Iran.
Percentage of participants attended as part of a group: 60%

Practice History
1 – 5 years: 24%
More than 10 years: 54%
Attended Vajrayana Seminary: 51%

Technical
PC users: 75%
Watched on computer screen: 69%
Used camera and/or mic during social time: 36%

Comments
This was extremely beneficial & I’m so grateful because I’m somewhat geographically isolated, and travel to programs is expensive. This is a wonderful way for me to maintain a connection to a teacher I have not seen in 2 years. Thank you so much!

What a brilliant idea, it seemed to work beautifully and was extremely valuable. Thanks to all for arranging this.