The Legacy Project en France and in the Churchill Museum

I left for Paris a week ago. Only now have I found access to a computer and internet. A lot to report. In
Paris, I spent the weekend at the Paris Shambhala Centre, where I was presenting a Shambhala
Training level. Rohini Schiff came from Corsica to translate for me, and I had a number of interesting
discussions with her about the translation of dharma into French and in particular how the CT Legacy
Project can connect with the needs of the European sangha. On Saturday night, the centre hosted a
presentation on the project, which concluded with my showing a series of slides about the
Vidyadhara's life and work. A number of those who attended ( in total about 25) expressed interest in
learning more about the project. it is amazing to see how Chogyam Trungpa has touched such a wide
range of people -- here at the Shambhala Centre in Paris, there was a great deal of heart connection
with his teachings. I was introduced Saturday nigth by Laurance Poublan, the director of the centre,
who was also very kind and helpful to me throughout my stay. The coordinator for the weekend,
Arnaud, is involved in theatre in France and also very involved with ikebana. His arrangements were a
wakeful and beautiful part of the weekend. On Monday, I had lunch with Fabrice Midal and two
publishers from Editions du Seuil, a major publisher of Chogyam Trungpa's work in France. Vincent
Bardet and Jean Luc Girodine expressed a passionate connection to Chogyam Trungpa's work and
impact on Buddhism in France, over foie gras and wine. Vincent published CUTTING THROUGH
SPIRITUAL MATERIALISM in France in 1973. France has the largest collection of books in translation.
After lunch, I went to the Hotel Lutetia with Fabrice, an old, elegant and well known French hotel,
where Fabrice and his group Prajna and Philia put on a reception in honor of the Chogyam Trungpa
Legacy Project. Around 90 people attended, including publishers from a number of French houses,
journalists, television producers, philosophers and some French spiritual teachers from other
Buddhist traditions. Very very interesting and lively group. Fabrice gave an introduction to Chogyam
Trungpa and his importance, then introduced me. I spoke with translation about the work of the
Legacy Project and also expressed appreciation for how Chogyam Trungpa is coming to be seen in
France. I was able to offer thanks to Fabrice for the books he has written and his work and also to
Vincent in particular for his very long commitment to publishing Chogyam Trungpa's work in France.
Vincent and Jean Luc also spoke. Afterwards, as we had cocktails and discussion, I met a number of
those present. I was invited to do an interview for the new French internet channel presenting
Buddhism in France, which perhaps I or someone else can do in the future. I think it was all together a
very good event for presenting the Legacy Project, and in particular, sharing it with a larger cross
section of people. A great deal of effort and good energy was expended by Fabrice and the Prajna
and Philia students. I am grateful for this opportunity. Then yesterday I said good bye to my lovely
and generous host in Paris, Claire, who introduced me to a charming old part of Paris in the 20th
arrondissement. I took the Eurostar train to London, where I was met by Sylvester, who walked with
me to the Churchill Museum and War Rooms. Barry Boyce suggested I see this museum, dedicated to
the life of a great man and also showing the history of a very important era. It was really interesting
for seeing how we might create exhibits using the Vidyadhara's collection of clothing, books, furniture
and other things. I'll have more to say about this later. Last night, dinner at a London restaurant with
Sylvester and Claire, one of the Shambhala center directors, Angie, plus Peter Conradi and Francesca
Freemantle. I was especially glad to talk with Francesca, who knew Trungpa Rinpoche in England in
the very early days. I fear my battery may run out -- so I will close. Tonight, a CT Legacy meeting at
the London Shamabhala Centre. Tomorrow I awake at 5 am to catch a flight to Cologne. I'll try to blog
from there.