Shambhala Community Survey

Executive Summary

SECTION 1: 

DEMOGRAPHICS AND PARTICIPATION

15. In what ways do you contribute to your local Shambhala Centre/group? (check all that apply)
		Response Percent	Response Count
I practice regularly at my centre		57.0%	310
I attend programs and talks		82.5%	449
I attend community events		72.6%	395
I teach programs		24.6%	134
I give public talks		19.1%	104
I assistant-direct programs		23.5%	128
I am an active meditation instructor with on-going meditation students		25.9%	141
I am an active Shambhala Guide		9.0%	49
I am active member of my Dorje Kasung squad		13.2%	72
I coordinate programs		29.0%	158
I coordinate open houses and/or community events		12.5%	68
I staff programs		41.7%	227
I volunteer at open houses and/or community events		32.4%	176
I staff open meditation periods (as umdze, gatekeeper)		30.1%	164
I work with families and childrens' programs/events		7.4%	40
I work with arts programs/events		13.2%	72
I have a volunteer responsibility at the centre (such as cleaning shrinerooms, maintaining the library, writing the newsletter, maintaining the website, doing the finances, etc.)		31.8%	173
I have a paid position at the centre		3.1%	17
I am a member of the centre's council		20.6%	112
I am a member of another leadership group within our local sangha		11.9%	65
I pay regular dues to my centre		83.6%	455
I give one-time donations to my centre for specific projects		38.8%	211
Other (please specify)		20.4%	111
	answered question		544
	skipped question		12

[Questions 16-18 are reported in section II]

19. How frequently do you participate or volunteer in events/programs/practice at your local Shambhala Centre or group?
		Response Percent	Response Count
5 or more times per month		25.8%	135
2-4 times per month		36.3%	190
once per month		15.6%	82
less than once per month		22.7%	119
	answered question		524
	skipped question		32

20. If there are barriers to your participating/volunteering more frequently, which of these apply?
		Response Percent	Response Count
There are no barriers		18.0%	93
Work obligations		53.3%	276
Family obligations		34.7%	180
Travel distance		21.4%	111
The centre/group is not physically accessible to me		1.9%	10
I cannot afford the cost of programs		11.4%	59
I am not informed of what is going on at the centre/group		2.9%	15
I find the local sangha unwelcoming		4.6%	24
People do not see my views as important		5.2%	27
People use jargon that I don't understand		3.7%	19
I do not find my centre/group a comfortable place to be		6.8%	35
Other (please specify)		32.6%	169
	answered question		518
	skipped question		38

Answers from Statistical Exploration of Data:

1. Is the survey sample representative of the larger Shambhala community? YES

2. Overall, do centers differ in socio-demographic variables of their members? NO

3. Are socio-demographic variables associated with frequency of participation? NO

4. Is there a connection between the size and age of the center and the frequency of participation? YES

5. Is there a connection between the ways that members participate and the frequency of participation? YES

6. Is there a connection between the reported barriers to participation and frequency of participation? YES

SECTION II: 

COMMUNITY CARE, DIVERSITY AND SENSE OF BELONGING

16. How important was "being part of a community" in your attraction to join Shambhala?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Very important		44.4%	235
Somewhat important		37.1%	196
Not important		18.9%	100
	answered question		529
	skipped question		27

37. Is there any change in the policies and/or operations of your Shambhala Centre or group, that would significantly improve your experience of being part of this community?
		Response Count
		292
	answered question	292
	skipped question	264

ANSWERS FROM STATISTICAL EXPLORATION OF DATA:

7. Are there any associations among the current sense of belonging to the Shambhala community, the importance that people give to the sense of belonging and the importance of belonging that people had in the initial attraction to shambhala? YES

8. Is there an association between the sense of belonging to the Shambhala community and the presence of major life stressors? NO

9. Is there an association between the sense of belonging and whether the center offers organized ways of assisting with major stressors? NO

10. Is there an association between the sense of belonging that members experience and the sense that the center is a welcoming environment for families and children? YES

11. Is there an association between sense of belonging and participating in a Deleg? YES and NO

12. Is there an association between the sense of belonging and whether the center has taken any steps to welcome or accomodate diversity issues? Mostly No

13. Is there a difference in sense of belonging among vajrayana students versus non-vajrayana students? YES

14. Among vajrayana students, is there a difference in sense of belonging depending on who they consider their main teacher? YES

SECTION III: SEEDS OF (DIS)HARMONY

38. Regarding harmony/disharmony in your local sangha, which seems most true to you:
		Response Percent	Response Count
The sangha is very harmonious		12.6%	62
The sangha is mostly harmonious		40.4%	199
There is some conflict/disharmony, but not at a level that seems damaging to the overall health of our community		41.5%	204
Conflict/disharmony are frequent and/or severe enough here that I feel the overall health of the community is being damaged		5.7%	28
	answered question		492
	skipped question		64

39. To what extent do you agree with the following statements about your local centre/group governance?
	Strongly agree	Agree	Neutral	Disagree	Strongly disagree	Not applicable	Response Count
The centre director/group coordinator is well respected and supported	38.1% (185)	46.0% (223)	10.5% (51)	3.3% (16)	0.6% (3)	1.4% (7)	485
The Executive Committee (Shambhala Council) is well respected and supported	23.3% (108)	43.5% (202)	23.3% (108)	3.2% (15)	1.1% (5)	5.6% (26)	464
The local leadership communicates well with the community	20.4% (98)	43.8% (210)	21.3% (102)	11.0% (53)	1.9% (9)	1.7% (8)	480
The local leadership understands the needs of the community	14.6% (69)	42.7% (202)	31.9% (151)	6.8% (32)	2.5% (12)	1.5% (7)	473
The centre is well-governed	20.7% (98)	45.5% (215)	23.3% (110)	6.8% (32)	2.3% (11)	1.5% (7)	473
I am aware of how the leadership of our centre/group is appointed and, if I have a question about that, I know who to ask	29.8% (139)	34.3% (160)	13.9% (65)	12.9% (60)	6.4% (30)	2.6% (12)	466
Comments (optional)							122
	answered question						489
	skipped question						67

40. Are job definitions and duties clear in your local centre?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		33.1%	166
Somewhat		42.2%	212
No		6.6%	33
I don't know		18.3%	92
	answered question		502
	skipped question		54

41. If job definitions and duties are not clear in your local centre, does this contribute to disharmony in the sangha?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		17.0%	61
Somewhat		30.4%	109
No		15.9%	57
I don't know		36.6%	131
Comments (optional)			46
	answered question		358
	skipped question		198

42. To what extent do you agree with the following statements about the Dorje Kasung at your local centre/group (answer only if the Dorje Kasung are present in your local sangha)?
	Strongly Agree	Somewhat Agree	Neutral	Somewhat Disagree	Strongly Disagree	I don't know	Response Count
The Dorje Kasung are a very helpful presence at our centre/group	38.3% (153)	26.5% (106)	15.0% (60)	5.8% (23)	3.8% (15)	10.8% (43)	400
The Dorje Kasung and the centre/group leadership work well together	26.8% (106)	25.5% (101)	12.1% (48)	4.3% (17)	1.0% (4)	30.3% (120)	396
The purpose of the Dorje Kasung is understood by members of the community	8.1% (32)	33.2% (132)	15.6% (62)	19.6% (78)	8.8% (35)	14.6% (58)	397
The role of the Dorje Kasung is respected by members of the community	20.4% (81)	35.5% (141)	17.1% (68)	7.1% (28)	2.3% (9)	17.6% (70)	397
Comments (optional)							124
	answered question						401
	skipped question						155

43. In Buddhist monastic traditions, one important way to protect the harmony of the community is through the practice of virtuous speech, and the avoidance of un-virtuous speech. Our sutrayana teachings tell us that non-virtuous speech includes gossip, slander, harsh words, and idle chatter. We would like to learn more about how virtuous and non-virtuous speech effect sangha in non-monastic settings such as our Shambhala Centers and Groups. Is non-virtuous speech (in any of its forms) common among members of your local sangha?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		15.0%	75
Somewhat		37.4%	187
No		30.8%	154
I don't know		17.0%	85
Comments (please specify)			126
	answered question		500
	skipped question		56

44. If non-virtuous speech (in any of its forms) is common, to what extent does it contribute to disharmony in the community?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Not at all; non-virtuous use of speech does not create disharmony in our local sangha		11.0%	44
Somewhat; non-virtuous use of speech occasionally causes problems or flames disharmony in the community		47.1%	189
Quite a bit; the non-vituous use of speech is a major contributor to disharmony in the community		13.7%	55
I don't know		28.2%	113
Comment s (optional)			67
	answered question		401
	skipped question		155

45. To what extent are these sources of disharmony in your local Shambhala community?
	Not at all a source of conflict	Rarely a source of conflict	Sometimes a source of conflict	Very much a source of conflict	I don't know	Response Count
Lack of physical space in the Shambhala Centre	23.8% (114)	25.1% (120)	36.6% (175)	4.4% (21)	10.0% (48)	478
Lack of time in the schedule at the Shambhala Centre	18.4% (87)	25.4% (120)	32.3% (153)	3.6% (17)	20.3% (96)	473
Diversity issues	28.3% (132)	24.4% (114)	17.6% (82)	1.1% (5)	28.7% (134)	467
Money issues	11.8% (56)	15.9% (75)	40.6% (192)	12.1% (57)	19.7% (93)	473
Mis-use of drugs or alcohol	41.9% (197)	21.7% (102)	10.4% (49)	1.1% (5)	24.9% (117)	470
Sexual misconduct	40.0% (187)	20.5% (96)	8.5% (40)	1.5% (7)	29.5% (138)	468
Lack of respect for the teachings and/or leadership of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche	45.4% (216)	23.1% (110)	15.5% (74)	4.2% (20)	11.8% (56)	476
Ignorance of the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche	43.7% (209)	27.0% (129)	11.3% (54)	2.7% (13)	15.3% (73)	478
Lack of respect for Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche	56.5% (266)	23.1% (109)	7.0% (33)	0.8% (4)	12.5% (59)	471
Younger students feeling disrespected	30.4% (143)	19.6% (92)	15.1% (71)	2.8% (13)	32.1% (151)	470
Elders feeling disrespected	32.8% (155)	21.8% (103)	15.0% (71)	4.4% (21)	25.8% (122)	472
Relatively few members doing all of the work at the centre/group	7.5% (36)	13.0% (62)	42.6% (203)	18.7% (89)	18.2% (87)	477
Comments (optional)						104
	answered question					488
	skipped question					68

46. Communities, like families, vary in how effectively they respond to conflict/disharmony when it arises. In this question, please consider how your local sangha typically responds to conflict/disharmony.
	Very true	Somewhat true	Somewhat untrue	Untrue	I don't know	Response Count
There is a clear process that is broadly understood and agreed upon for working with conflict/disharmony	4.2% (20)	24.6% (116)	13.6% (64)	23.5% (111)	34.1% (161)	472
Conflict/disharmony is generally resolved straightforwardly and effectively	7.2% (34)	31.4% (148)	16.1% (76)	15.5% (73)	29.9% (141)	472
Conflict/disharmony is generally avoided or minimized, so issues don’t get resolved	9.1% (43)	36.5% (173)	14.8% (70)	10.8% (51)	28.9% (137)	474
Persons involved in the conflict/disharmony are placated or pacified so that the real underlying issues don’t get resolved	6.0% (28)	32.1% (151)	12.3% (58)	12.8% (60)	36.8% (173)	470
A person, or small number or people tend to get blamed for conflict or disharmony without the real issues ever being addressed	5.1% (24)	18.7% (88)	10.6% (50)	24.8% (117)	40.8% (192)	471
Comments (optional)						67
	answered question					479
	skipped question					77

47. In my community, there are one or more areas of conflict/disharmony which have remained unresolved for 2 or more years.
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		31.9%	157
No		20.1%	99
I don't know		48.2%	237
	answered question		492
	skipped question		64

48. If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly describe the nature of this ongoing conflict (or conflicts). Do NOT provide your Center’s name or the name of persons involved in the conflict.
		Response Count
		166
	answered question	166
	skipped question	390

49. Are you aware that Shambhala has a Care and Conduct Policy that enables members of the community to make a complaint about the behaviour of a teacher, meditation instructor, program director, coordinator or other office-holder, and provides a procedure for investigating and acting on such complaints?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		44.2%	220
No		56.0%	279
Comments (optional)			70
	answered question		498
	skipped question		58

51. If you are a member of a center or group in which conflict/disharmony is generally successfully resolved, please tell us what you think contributes to this success.
		Response Count
		160
	answered question	160
	skipped question	396

52. A final area of particular sensitivity in our mandala is that of unwanted and harmful sexual advances and/or activity between teachers, meditation instructors or other office-holders and their students. Because of the potential for harm, we would like to learn more about how widespread this issue is, and also about the effects of this on students who have experienced it. Are you aware that Shambhala provides teachers and meditation instructors with specific guidelines on refraining from sexual relations between teachers or meditation instructors and their students, including at programs, in order to protect the students’ engagement with meditation practice and the teachings?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		61.8%	309
No		38.4%	192
Comments (optional)			62
	answered question		500
	skipped question		56

53. Within the last five years, have you experienced sexual advances and/or activity by a teacher, meditation instructor or other office-holder when you were their student, wished to talk about it or make a complaint, but did not know who to talk to?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		2.6%	13
No		97.6%	487
	answered question		499
	skipped question		57

54. If you answered yes to the previous question, how did this experience affect you?
		Response Count
		23
	answered question	23
	skipped question	533

55. If there is anything else you would like to add with respect to this section on harmony and disharmony, you are welcome to use the space below:
		Response Count
		123
	answered question	123
	skipped question	433

ANSWERS FROM STATISTICAL EXPLORATION OF DATA:

15. Are there any associations between demographic variables and degree of harmony at the local centre? YES

16. Are there any characteristics of the leadership of the local center associated with the degree of harmony at the local center? YES

17. Are there any associations between the Dorje Kasung and the harmony at the local center? YES

18. Are there any sources that appear to be associated with disharmony? YES

19 Are listed responses effective in preserving harmony and/or minimizing unresolved conflicts? YES

SECTION IV: COMMUNICATION AND PRACTICES

56. Do you feel that your local Shambhala Centre/group communicates with you well about:
	Yes	No	Not relevant to my centre	Not relevant to me	Response Count
Shambhala/Buddhist practice and study opportunities	92.0% (451)	6.3% (31)	0.6% (3)	1.0% (5)	490
Contemplative arts practice and study opportunities	85.2% (415)	8.6% (42)	4.1% (20)	2.1% (10)	487
Kasung practice and study opportunities	49.9% (237)	23.2% (110)	9.3% (44)	17.7% (84)	475
Member support networks	35.4% (163)	46.5% (214)	13.0% (60)	5.0% (23)	460
Social events	90.0% (434)	6.0% (29)	2.3% (11)	1.7% (8)	482
Family events and programmes	64.8% (305)	10.2% (48)	11.0% (52)	14.0% (66)	471
Local news and information about members	54.4% (258)	40.5% (192)	2.1% (10)	3.0% (14)	474
Decisions made by your local leadership	62.3% (293)	34.5% (162)	0.6% (3)	2.6% (12)	470
Comments (optional)					87
	answered question				491
	skipped question				65

57. Do you feel that Shambhala communicates with you well about:
	Yes	No	I don't know	Response Count
International programs such as Warriors Assemblies, Seminaries,and Abhishekas	73.8% (361)	19.6% (96)	6.5% (32)	489
International events such as Shambhala Day or the Sakyong Wangmo Empowerment	88.7% (433)	7.4% (36)	3.9% (19)	488
News regarding Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche	81.3% (395)	14.0% (68)	4.7% (23)	486
Other major news stories	59.7% (284)	21.0% (100)	19.3% (92)	476
The financial situation of Shambhala	63.4% (307)	26.7% (129)	9.9% (48)	484
The work of the Sakyong's Council and Mandala Council	51.9% (252)	33.5% (163)	14.6% (71)	486
The Shambhala Congress	57.8% (279)	27.3% (132)	14.9% (72)	483
Comments (optional)				91
	answered question			490
	skipped question			66

58. How do you like to be given information? (check all that apply)
		Response Percent	Response Count
By e-mail		94.4%	472
Online discussion forums - local/international		19.0%	95
By letter		33.8%	169
By phone		12.4%	62
Face-to-face in groups/meetings		52.2%	261
	answered question		500
	skipped question		56

59. Do you feel that you have the opportunity to give input into decisions made at your local centre/group?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		72.4%	356
No		13.4%	66
I don't know		9.1%	45
Giving input is not important to me		5.1%	25
Comments (optional)			73
	answered question		492
	skipped question		64

60. Do you feel that you have an opportunity to give input into decisions made by leaders in Shambhala on the international level (or European level, if applicable)?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		22.7%	111
No		46.3%	226
I don't know		19.5%	95
Giving input is not important to me		11.5%	56
Comments (optional)			61
	answered question		488
	skipped question		68

61. Do you feel that you can communicate easily with people in Shambhala on the international level? If not, please check all that apply:
		Response Percent	Response Count
I CAN communicate easily with people in Shambhala internationally		41.6%	181
I don't know how to contact people in Shambhala		31.3%	136
I really don't know what is going on in Shambhala internationally		38.6%	168
I don't think that my views will be listened to		15.9%	69
I find that people use jargon that I don't understand		5.7%	25
There is a language barrier for me		3.0%	13
I have tried to communicate with people and have had no response		8.0%	35
Other (please specify)			94
	answered question		435
	skipped question		121

62. Do you read the minutes of the meetings of the Sakyong’s Council when these are announced on the Shambhala News Service and posted on the Shambhala website?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Always		10.0%	49
Sometimes		38.5%	188
Rarely		19.7%	96
Never		31.8%	155
Comments (optional)			84
	answered question		488
	skipped question		68

63. In preparation for the recent Shambhala Congresses, did your Shambhala Centre/group have a community meeting to discuss issues to be raised at the congress?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes; and I attended the meeting		11.7%	58
Yes; but I did not attend the meeting		14.9%	74
No		23.8%	118
I don't know		49.6%	246
Comments (optional)			35
	answered question		496
	skipped question		60

64. What further steps would you like to recommend to open up the governance of the mandala so that you feel you could participate more fully, if you so wish?
		Response Count
		152
	answered question	152
	skipped question	404

65. How effective do you find the following Shambhala communication tools?
	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not effective	I don't know	Not applicable	Response Count
The Shambhala website	51.5% (252)	34.6% (169)	1.2% (6)	10.8% (53)	1.8% (9)	489
Your local centre/group website	42.3% (206)	39.4% (192)	6.4% (31)	7.0% (34)	4.9% (24)	487
The Dot	37.3% (180)	38.0% (183)	6.4% (31)	15.6% (75)	2.7% (13)	482
Shambhala News Service	43.6% (207)	22.5% (107)	2.7% (13)	27.6% (131)	3.6% (17)	475
Sangha Announce	29.3% (137)	23.3% (109)	9.9% (46)	28.5% (133)	9.0% (42)	467
Local community meetings	31.8% (150)	37.5% (177)	7.8% (37)	16.5% (78)	6.4% (30)	472
Regional Announcements (email announcements for your local area)	41.5% (197)	29.7% (141)	6.1% (29)	13.5% (64)	9.3% (44)	475
Your local centre/group newsletters	37.4% (177)	22.0% (104)	7.0% (33)	6.1% (29)	27.5% (130)	473
Your local centre/group email list	57.6% (269)	26.1% (122)	4.7% (22)	6.4% (30)	5.1% (24)	467
Your local deleg system	2.8% (13)	9.2% (42)	12.9% (59)	20.6% (94)	54.5% (249)	457
Your local centre/group phone-trees	6.3% (29)	11.0% (51)	11.9% (55)	21.3% (99)	49.6% (230)	464
Other email lists such as Centre talk, Karuna talk, Sadhaka talk, Kasung talk, Kasung announce	13.5% (61)	15.9% (72)	6.9% (31)	34.7% (157)	29.0% (131)	452
Comments (optional)						61
	answered question					497
	skipped question					59

66. What do you think would help to improve communication locally in your Shambhala Centre/group?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Communication is good already		52.0%	234
Communication could be improved by		48.0%	216
	answered question		450
	skipped question		106

67. What do you think would help to improve communication internationally in the Shambhala Community?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Communication is good already		49.6%	193
Communication could be improved by		50.4%	196
	answered question		389
	skipped question		167

68. Which practices do you most frequently find helpful in supporting and deepening your participation in Shambhala society:
		Response Percent	Response Count
Shamatha/vipashyana meditation		86.6%	428
Contemplation practice		53.8%	266
Tonglen		61.7%	305
Lojong slogan practice		32.2%	159
Stroke practice		24.9%	123
Windhorse practices		46.0%	227
Sadhana practice		36.8%	182
Group practice at your centre/group		67.4%	333
Feast practices		40.7%	201
Kasung service		15.8%	78
The Six Ways of Ruling practice		4.5%	22
Other (please specify)		20.2%	100
	answered question		494
	skipped question		62

69. When you experience frustration and other difficulties in relating to the Shambhala community, which practice do you find is most frequently helpful in enabling you to work with your own mind and the situation as whole:
		Response Count
		398
	answered question	398
	skipped question	158

70. Is there a particular aspect of working with the Bodhisattva Vow (if you have taken that) which has strengthened your participation in the life of your local Shambhala community? Please let us know.
		Response Count
		241
	answered question	241
	skipped question	315

71. If you were to recommend source material for student’s wanting to deepen their understanding of the role of community life in the development of Shambhala Vision, which of the following would you suggest:
	Highly recommend	Moderately recommend	I would not recommend this	I am not familiar with this	Response Count
Collection of Community Talks by Chögyam Trunpa Rinpoche	42.8% (186)	12.2% (53)	2.8% (12)	42.3% (184)	435
Meditation in Action by Chögyam Trunpa Rinpoche	55.3% (239)	25.0% (108)	5.6% (24)	14.1% (61)	432
The Dekyong Manual	7.0% (28)	8.5% (34)	6.7% (27)	77.8% (312)	401
Treatise on Society and Organization by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche	18.4% (78)	11.8% (50)	4.7% (20)	65.0% (275)	423
Ruling Your World by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche	64.4% (289)	22.0% (99)	3.8% (17)	9.8% (44)	449
Other	79.7% (63)	5.1% (4)	0.0% (0)	15.2% (12)	79
please specify 'other' category					116
	answered question				464
	skipped question				92

72. Is there an aspect of community life that has helped you a great deal in your path as a practitioner that you would like to share with us? Please use the space below:
		Response Count
		299
	answered question	299
	skipped question	257

ANSWERS FROM STATISTICAL EXPLORATION OF DATA:

20. Are there any associations between demographic variables and "good" communication? Yes

21. Is there an association between the effectiveness of communication on the local level and the sense of belonging, frequency of participation, harmony and unresolved conflicts? Yes

22. Considering that there are more communication difficulties on the international level, are there variables that seem to have the strongest association with the sense of belonging, frequency of participation, harmony and unresolved conflicts? Yes

23. Is there an association between the practices that are considered most useful in supporting or deepening the participation in Shambhala society and the sense of belonging? Yes