New Center Director of San Antonio Shambhala Appointed

Good morning Shambhala,

The San Antonio Shambhala Meditation Center and the Kalapa Court of Shambhala International is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Palmer McLean as the new Center Director of the San Antonio Shambhala Meditation Center, to take her oath on Sunday, February 23, 2014. Palmer has served as the Center Manager of the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center since December, 2010, and will be moving permanently to San Antonio in June of this year.

The outgoing Director, Mr. Philip Castillo, has served the San Antonio community in this role since February 2011, during which time the center implemented a new practice and education curriculum, increased membership by over 40%, navigated difficult financial waters to finish 2013 in the black, and purchased its very first building. Phil looks forward to spending more time with his young family, completing his Master of Public Administration degree, practicing more, and pursuing the recommendation from Shambhala to obtain his teaching authorization.

Palmer McLean was first introduced to meditation and Shambhala at Naropa University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies in 2001. In 2009 she began Shambhala Training, started a regular meditation practice, and began volunteering at the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center. In 2011 she took her refuge vows and received the name Kunga Kundrok, All Joyful Friend of All. Over the years, Palmer has volunteered in numerous ways in Shambhala. She is a Shambhala Guide, NCO-in-Training of the Dorje Kasung, has staffed programs in Austin and San Antonio, and has coordinated programs in Austin, San Antonio, and for the South Central Region of Shambhala, including two Regional weekthuns. She has also helped start and facilitate the Austin Young Meditator’s Group and End of Life Community Meetings. Palmer has offered meditation instruction at an Austin corporation and at Gatesville Women’s Prison. Last summer she attended Warrior’s Assembly and is anticipating attending Sacred World Assembly this summer. Palmer is delighted to be making the transition from Austin to San Antonio and stepping into the role of Director for a Center and sangha that she has known and loved for many years.

The appointment of the new center director follows an open recruitment process initiated in October 2013 by the governing council of San Antonio, in accordance with local, regional, and Kalapa Court appointment procedures. The new director will chair the local governing council including senior representatives of the Three Pillars, also appointed by the Kalapa Court, and represent San Antonio on the South Central US Regional Council.

The San Antonio Shambhala Meditation Center is in a strong and unique position to benefit the lives of thousands of South Texans by providing a beautiful and gentle container for these ancient and potent Shambhala Buddhist teachings. It’s important to honor all of the dedicated warriors who have served in local leadership, the dozens of volunteers and patrons, and all those who have given their energy and hard work to make enlightened society possible. As we enter this new phase, we should contemplate how the San Antonio Shambhala Meditation Center can best serve the vision of our lineage, personal awakenment, and social transformation.

In basic goodness,

San Antonio Shambhala Meditation Center