Another Shambhala Day Around the Mandala feature celebrating the Year of the Wood Sheep in the community!
Celestina Leon, Jessica Rothschuh, Christian Florez
by Shambhala New York staff
Photographs by Andrea Reese
On Saturday, February 21, 2015 the Shambhala Meditation Center of New York City hosted a Shambhala Ball gala fundraiser. More than 150 guests attended the event, which celebrated the Year of the Wood Sheep, and raised more than $3,000 to benefit the New York center.
The evening featured special performances from the New York sangha’s many talented members, including acclaimed poet Anne Waldman, actress Lanny Harrison, Terre Roche (The Roches), Dee Dee Vega (Amour Obscur), Katherine Lieberson (Teen), Dylan Roddick, Jason Sebastian Russo and Tara Autovino (Guiding Light, Mercury Rev, Hopewell), Bryan Wade, Jim Storm, and Joseph Mauricio.
Shambhala Ball Committee (L to R: Alison Pepper, Katherine Lieberson, Ericka Phillips, Joe Mauricio, Beth Bloom, Ashley Dinges, Ana Maria Jomolca)
Upon arrival, guests made their way through the center’s Community Room, decorated with white trees and original Wood Sheep art created by sangha members. Entering the main Shrine Room, guests were transported into a magical forest. Tree branches adorned the room’s ceiling and held jewel-toned lanterns which illuminated the dance floor throughout the evening. Two stunning Wood Sheep calligraphy tapestries, created on white suede, flanked the sides of the main shrine.
Guests dined on gourmet hors d’oeuvres including potato kale fritters, halibut tacos, seasonal crudités, and enjoyed custom cocktails, wine, and beer donated by the Brooklyn Brewery.
Jerry Stone and John Sennhauser
A silent auction featured a variety of unique items including meditation retreat packages, original art, concert tickets and backstage passes, and more.
Shambhala New York’s silent auction will continue online through March 16, and is open to members of the international Shambhala mandala. This is a wonderful way to bid on rare items while also supporting the New York sangha. Visit the online auction to bid on:
Performance by Terre Roche
Tsa Tsa: This precious and rare tsa tsa was originally made at Karmê Chöling for the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Shambhala Mountain Center. This beautiful shrine stupa is blessed, and contains relics of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. (Link)
Luminous Mirror by Jon D’Orazio: This beautiful original mixed media piece was created by New York sangha member and artist Jon D’Orazio. Luminos Mirror is currently on display in the Shambhala New York Community Room, inside the tokanoma. (Link)
Performance by Anne Waldman
Simplicity Retreat at Karmê Chöling: Bid on program registration for a Simplicity Retreat; practice meditation in a small group setting, including group discussions, personal time for reflection, reading and enjoying Karme Chöling’s woodland trails and beautiful flower garden. (Link)
Shambhala New York extends a heartfelt thanks to the many members, guests, volunteers and friends who made this memorable evening such a success.
Left to Right: Timothy Quigley, Garry Dial, Lanny Harriso