Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The Shambhala lineage was founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, holder of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Trungpa Rinpoche is regarded as one of the most influential Buddhist teachers of the 20th Century.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, son and Dharma heir of Trungpa Rinpoche, is now the spiritual head of Shambhala. He is the incarnation of Mipham the Great, who is revered in Tibet as an emanation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. The Sakyong shares his time and responsibilities equally between East and West.
Acharya Pema Chödrön
Acharya Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun, resident teacher at Gampo Abbey, and the author of such popular books as The Places That Scare You, When Things Fall Apart and Start Where You Are. Her life experiences as wife, mother, and school teacher, and her years of study and practice with Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, uniquely empowered Pema to speak directly to the heart issues of both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Acharyas
Acharyas, or senior teachers, are appointed by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche to represent the Shambhala Buddhist teachings on his behalf.