Vajradhatu - Transition To Shambhala International

Transition To Shambhala International

After the death of Ösel Tendzin, Ösel Rangdröl Mukpo (Trungpa's eldest son, then known as "the Sawang," now Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche) became the new spiritual head. The community had been deeply divided and in distress over the events surrounding Osel Tendzin's death, and repeatedly turned to the elder statesmen of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages for guidance. The succession of Osel Randrol was approved by the heads of both the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages, who encouraged the community to persevere. Jamgon Kongtrul the third, one of the four regents of the Karma Kagyu lineage in the period when the Karmapa had yet to be recognized, issued a statement that "His Holiness and the Kagyu lineage holders are all in agreement that the Sawang Osel Randrol Mukpo should become the lineage holder of Vajradhatu.".

In February 2000, restated articles of incorporation were signed, officially changing the name from Vajradhatu to Shambhala International. The change of name, which began informally with the Sakyong Mipham's assumption of leadership in 1990, reflected his approach of integrating the Shambhala teachings within Buddhism and making them the unifing principle of a Shambhala Buddhist sangha. This transition enabled the organization to avoid lawsuits and consequent financial ruin.