Shambhala Training in Victoria

"The Art of Being Human"
Shambhala Training Level I
Director: Mark Hazell

A great deal of chaos in the world occurs because people don't appreciate themselves.

-Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche from
Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Shambhala Training is a progressive series of weekend workshops that uses the wisdom of meditation to introduce students step-by-step into the path of working with one's mind in the context of everyday life. This program is founded on the belief that the practice of meditation can help people of all walks of life and followers of any spiritual tradition become more aware in their own lives and more compassionate and courageous with the world around them.
This program is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced meditators. Please join us for talks, discussions and brief sessions of sitting and walking meditation.

Friday, October 31, 2008 starting at 7 p.m. (until about 9:30)
Saturday, November 1, from 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (lunch provided)
And Sunday, November 2, from 9:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Cost $75.00 (seniors and students $60.00)


Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre, #1 - 2033 Belmont Avenue
Victoria, B.C. V8R 3Z7 (Located at the corner of Belmont Ave. and Pembroke St. in the former Belmont United Church building).

To register or inquire, please contact the Victoria Shambhala Centre via
Emailing: mmadventures@shaw.ca or phone John at 250-598-6433

Pre registration will ensure your space and will help coordinators prepare the space.
Don’t let a lack of funds stop you from inquiring about this program.

Learn to Meditate

Learn to Meditate
Saturday, October 18, 9:00 – Noon
Meet your mind and your body on the spot during this three hour session which will include: periods of sitting and walking meditation, working with your mind and your posture along with discussions about the practice offered and your experience with it.
The practice being offered is Shamatha-calm abiding.
Everyone is welcome – no previous experience required.
Suggested donation for the program $10.
To register or for information contact John at mmadventures@shaw.ca or by calling 250-598-6433
Shambhala Buddhism arose from the mind terma of the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a master within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Boddisatva Warrior

The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies presents

“Bodhisattva Warrior: Six Paramitas”

With Silas Rosenblatt
and Dr. Jim Sacamano


Tuesday evenings 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
(upstairs shrine room, sitting practice at 7:00pm)
October 28th, November 4, 11, 18 & 25
With an intensive day, Saturday Nov. 29th


In the Buddhist tradition having developed a powerful aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of sentient beings one takes the vows of a Bodhisattva. Thus the spiritual path becomes a process of developing fearlessness and the open heart with which to engage the world. This course presents the six transcendent actions or paramitas of the bodhisattva path.




Dr. Jim Sacamano, founder of the Medicine Buddha program, is a senior teacher at our centre. An early student of Ven. Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. formerly his representative and teacher in
residence at Berkeley and in Halifax. Silas Rosenblatt. a student
of the Sakyong. Mipham Jampal Trinely Dradul Rinpoche. is a
meditation guide at the Victoria Shambhala centre.

Shambhala Community Study Programs cost $60 - $45
(sliding scale depending on your financial means)


To register: contact: David Clarke (rangdral@yahoo.com)

Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue, Victoria BC, V8R 3Z7. 383-9108
www.shambhala.org/centers/victoria

Weekend Non-Residential Vipassana Retreat with Joanne Broatch - October 25 & 26

This retreat will be appropriate for both new and experienced meditators. It will be taught by Joanne Broatch. Information: http://www.victoriavipassana.org/retreats.htm

With Jack Kornfield as her guiding teacher, Joanne has been practising Buddhist meditation in the Theravadan tradition since 1980, and teaching since 1994. Her spiritual journey has included inner work with humanistic psychologists of the 60s and 70s; later, Diamond Heart work and Process Painting; and more recently investigating Spiritism and etheric healing in Brazil. She is particularly interested in the importance of faith and lovingkindness in physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

Retired from work as a business writing consultant, writer and editor, Joanne has focused on supporting the growth of sangha in Western Canada, especially in smaller communities in the west. Now semi-retired as a dharma teacher, she teaches retreats, groups and classes primarily in British Columbia and Western Canada.

Registration:

Please copy and complete the registration form below and email it back to the registrar, Rod House, rodhouse@shaw.ca. Once you have registered, he will contact you with more info. We encourage people to set aside both days for this retreat, although there will be space for people only able to do one day. If you are a new meditator and can only do one day, it is suggested that Saturday would be the day to come and not Sunday as basic instructions will be given on Saturday. Please let Rod know if you are only coming for one day.

REGISTRATION FORM

Victoria Vipassana Community
2-day non-residential retreat
Date: October 25 & 26, 2008
Teacher: Joanne Broatch
Place: Goward House
2495 Arbutus Rd., Victoria

Thank you for your interest in our upcoming retreat. Please copy and complete the following form. Return it to the registrar, Rod House, at rodhouse@shaw.ca as soon as possible.

1. Name:
2. Email address (or street address, if no email):
3. Phone number:
4. Will you be attending both Saturday and Sunday? Yes or No If no, please specify which day you will be attending?
5. Are you able to offer another meditator a ride? Yes or No If yes, please indicate your neighbourhood or geographical location.
6. Do you need a ride? Yes or No If yes, please indicate your neighbourhood or geographical location
7. Are you able to billet out of town meditators? Yes or No If yes, please specify how many.
8. Do you need to be billeted? Yes or No.

Cost:

We have been using the practice of generosity, or dana, (dana is the word for generosity from the language in the Buddha's time) to cover the costs (rental, teacher's travel, etc.) of putting on the retreat over the past few years and will continue to do so. We suggest a $30 donation for the weekend to cover our costs. Any extra money left over goes into a Scholarship Fund for folks in our community who have an interest in doing longer retreats but not the funds to afford that. If the $30 is beyond your means, though, that is fine. Please feel free to come and simply donate what feels within your means.

There will be a basket out at the retreat for all donations. The teachings themselves are offered by the teacher freely in the Buddhist tradition of over 2500 years. If you feel the teachings have been of value to you, there will be an opportunity to practise generosity, or dana, for the teachings at the end of the retreat. This money will go directly to the teacher. There will be a basket out at the retreat for this. More information will be provided about this at the retreat.

Reverend Master Meiten-Vancouver Island Zen Sangha

ACCOMODATION NEEDED: For Reverend Meiten, a female Zen Buddhist monk. Need a 2 to 3 bedroom home, (3rd to be a small office), with very few or no steps, centrally located; IDEALLY with a big enough room for up to 15 people to meditate twice a week, with suitable parking nearby. Price range - $1000 to $1500. Please contact Pamela 544-4338

Tibetan Buddhist Teachings Fall 2008

Tibetan Buddhist classes in Victoria, Duncan, and Nanaimo

This fall join Ngakpa Kalzang to explore Buddhist teachings including the Four Healing Powers of Mind and the Four Noble Truths.

Victoria classes will be Thursday evenings October 2nd to November 20th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Oak Bay Library meeting room.

Nanaimo classes will be Wednesday evenings October 1st to 22nd from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Nanaimo Public Library (harbourfront).
Duncan classes will be Sundays as per our usual schedule.

Registration for Victoria or Nanaimo is a suggested donation of $50.00. For further information and to register please contact:
Thubten Choling in Duncan, Tel: 250-748-6028
Email: info@thubtencholing.com, Website: http://www.thubtencholing.com/

Medicine Buddha



Know Thyself ♥ Love Thyself ♥ Heal Thyself

An Invitation to Buddhist Healing Tradition

For those seeking to heal themselves, or to assist in the healing of others.

For beginners or long-time practitioners of meditation.

In pursuit of healing, we will learn and practice both Meditation and the Medicine Buddha Sadhana, a profound teaching on medicine and healing from the Tibetan Vajrayana Tradition.

Please join us for 4 Monday nights (7:30 pm-9:00 pm)
starting September 29, 2008 (no class October 13)
Cost: $40 – practice materials included
The Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
2033 Belmont Avenue

Please call 383-9108 for more information or registration
www.victoria.shambhala.org email: victoria.shambhala@gmail.com

Introduction to Zen Meditation-Victoria Zen Centre

September 27th-November 22nd, 2008(Saturdays from 9:00-11:30am)

September 27th-November 24th, 2008 (Monday eves. 7:00-9:30pm)





If you are interested in learning how to meditate, this is the course for you. For people that are seeking to reduce stress, clarify a busy mind, improve focus and awareness, boost immune function, improve sleeping patterns, or gain insight into the mental, physical, and emotional habits that are preventing you from living life fully, this course offers a gradual combination of study and practice, individual and group interaction, and personal guidance that will provide a strong foundation to experience the profound change that Zen meditation practice offers. The fee for this eight week course is $395* and includes:

• Eight weekly Sessions for a total of twenty hours of class time.
• A free meditation cushion for each participant to keep.
• Chanting practice CDs.
• Weekly course materials and Practice Manual.
• Small class size (max.8).
• Teachings and group discussions on eight core aspects of Zen Practice.
• One-to-one meetings with Eshu.
• One free practice consultation with Eshu upon completion.

LIBERATING OUR GIFTS

"LIBERATING OUR GIFTS" - with Margo McLoughlin at Sleeping Dog Farm and Retreat Centre on Sat., Sept. 6

BE A REBEL! COMMIT RADICAL ACTS OF REFLECTION!

TAKE A VACATION FROM THE WORLD & DISCOVER YOURSELF


This upcoming Retreat hosted by the Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living at the Sleeping Dog Farm and Retreat Centre will allow us to take a luxurious trip - inside of ourselves.

The rewards are precious time for stillness, solitude and silence - rare and radical behaviour in modern frenzied life, according to our Retreat Guide, Margo McLoughlin.

As we quietly walk through the organic gardens and grounds, whisperings of the soul will have an opportunity to be heard.

As we slowly enjoy the delicious wholesome lunch, gratitude and awareness will flourish.

As we listen to Margo and meditate in the sanctuary, mindfulness will be deepened and compassion awakened, thus allowing CLEAR MIND. CALM SPIRIT. RIGHT ACTION.

Bio for Margo McLoughlin:

Margo McLoughlin is a Victoria storyteller and writer. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Harvard Divinity School, where she taught Introduction to Insight Meditation for three years.

Retreat poster: serfiles/Liberating_Our_Gifts_Flyer_-_Church_of_Truth.pdf

For additional information, please visit: http://cot.seedwiki.com or phone Linda at (250) 380-6383

BE MINDFUL of the final day for the Early Bird Price of $65 (includes a wonderful lunch provided by Retreat Centre) - SUNDAY, AUG. 31; After this date, cost will be $75

Three-Day Sesshin-Salt Spring Zen Circle

Dear Friends,

The Salt Spring Zen Circle, which practices in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, will be offering our annual September three-day sesshin. The retreat is non-residential and everyone is welcome to attend.

Sesshin begins at 7 PM on Friday, September 26, 2008 and ends at 3 PM on Sunday, September 28.

Cost: $80 for entire sesshin, including all meals, plus dana (donation) for teachings by poet and Zen teacher, Nanfū Peter Levitt.

We do our best to arrange billeting for off-island visitors on a first come first served basis, so please register early.

For details and to receive a registration form, please contact Ann Colburn at acolburn@verizon.net or call Judith Daylen at 250-537-2062

Reconnecting to Life

Reconnecting to Life, with Jackie Larkin and Maggie Ziegler, 7th Annual Residential Retreat
Saturday, November 8 - Tuesday, November 11, 2008
New Location, Glenairley Centre for Earth and Spirit in the lovely Sooke Basin.
$440, scholarships available


This popular retreat welcomes everyone who cares about our planet and all its beings and our scholarship program ensures accessibility. This is a time for social justice and environmental activists to slow down for a few days and connect to their own passionate hearts, and with with others who love this world with its extraordinary challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and human suffering. It is a time to find refuge and renewal in our hearts, in nature and in community, and to find ways forward which are heart-felt, thoughtful and sustainable.


Jackie Larkin and Maggie Ziegler are active in labour, social justice and environmental movements. Both have extensive facilitation experience and have co-facilitated Reconnecting to Life retreats together for many years. Their work, inspired by the writings and mentoring of Joanna Macy - eco-philosopher, activist and workshop guide - also integrates a wide range of diverse experiences and influences.


For registration and scholarship information, contact Jackie Larkin at jlarkin@gddc.com or Maggie Ziegler at maggieziegler@telus.net

Victoria Street Retreat

"When we go... to bear witness to life on the streets, we're offering
ourselves. Not blankets, not food, not clothes, just ourselves."
- Bernie Glassman, Bearing Witness

On Tuesday, July 29, the UVic Zen Meditation group will be followed by a discussion with Sensei Genro Grover Gauntt of the Zen Peacemakers Order. Sensei Grover Gauntt is the dharma successor of Bernie Glassman and student of Taizan Maezumi Roshi for twenty-five years. He will discuss with the group his experience of leading street retreats all over North America.

July 29th, 2008 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: University of Victoria, Interfaith Chapel
(http://uvic.ca/buildings/cha.html)


What is a Street Retreat?
For those who do not know, during the street retreat, a group of participants live on the streets with no resources other than true nature. They experience homelessness first-hand, having to beg for money, find places to get food, shelter, to use the bathroom, etc. By bearing witness to homelessness, we begin to see our prejudices and boundaries directly and to recognize our common humanness. Participants are together throughout the retreat, meeting several times a day for meditation and sharing, and spend the night together as a group.

For information, contact Eric Jordan: ericremyjordan@gmail.com

Movie night at the Victoria Shambhala Center

Movie night at the Victoria Shambhala Center
Thursday July 24th ... Garbage Warrior.

What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common? Not much unless you're renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing. For 30 years New Mexico-based Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony. However, these experimental structures that defy state standards create conflict between Reynolds and the authorities, who are backed by big business. Frustrated by antiquated legislation, Reynolds lobbies for the right to create a sustainable living test site. While politicians hum and ha, Mother Nature strikes, leaving communities devastated by tsunamis and hurricanes. Reynolds and his crew seize the opportunity to lend their pioneering skills to those who need it most. Shot over three years and in four countries, Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century.
Film starts at 7 pm,
By donation – proceeds to go to the Shambhala center
#1 - 2033 Belmont Avenue
Victoria, B.C. V8R 3Z7
(250) 383-9108
About Film for Thought
The truth of change or impermanence is central to the doctrine of Buddhism. At no other point in history has humanity endured such a period of dramatic change, touching all aspect of life. Rarely do we have an opportunity to pause amidst this whirlwind to reflect on our place in the cultural, political, social, and environmental transformation we find ourselves in. Film for Thought explores the theme of Buddhism and change in our modern world expressed through contemporary films and documentaries.
After the viewing there will be an opportunity to share thoughts and feels through a facilitated group discussion for those who are interested.
Volunteers and ideas needed
If you would like help out with Film for Thought movies or have relevant movie suggestions lease contact Silas at silasmail@gmail.com

DOBOOM TULKU DIRECTOR OF TIBET HOUSE talks on FIELD OF MERIT

DOBOOM TULKU



DIRECTOR OF TIBET HOUSE

CULTURAL CENTRE OF H.H. HOLINESS THE

DALAI LAMA, NEW DELHI

will give a public presentation on:



FIELD OF MERIT



Victoria Shambhala Centre Thursday, August 7, 2008 7:00 pm



Admission: Suggested $10 donation



Doboom Rimpoche will speak on the unique tradition of Tibetan Buddhist

Concept of “Tshog Shing”, known as “Merit Field” This is the use of artistic

display in the form of Thangka painting showing a assemblage figures to

meditate on. The centre figure being that of the main deity the practitioner is

meditating on. Surrounding this figure will be the representation of the Lamas,

or the root- Gurus, followed by various images of personages and deities

arranged according to their hierarchy, in accordance with the order stated

in the text precribed for the particular Sadhana practice.



Each of the four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, has its own system and

style of representing these images. Doboom Rimpoche will focus his talk

on the general concept and tradition of this particular aspect of Tibetan

Buddhism. Rimpoche will also explain the liturgical, historical other important aspects of images of deities. Tibetans attach great importance to the images of deities, irrespective of the material such images are made from. Also there are other spiritual and historical value system Tibetans consider when devotees acquire possession of images. Rimpoche will enlighten us on these Tibetan nuances with regard to figurines, images, paintings etc. of spiritual value.



Rimpoche will give the talk directly in English and he looks forward to a lively

session of “questions and answers.”



Doboom Tulku recognized as the incarnation of his previous incarnation at the

age of three and brought to Tehor Dhargye Monastery, Kham in Easterrn Tibet.

He remained until he was 12 years old, when entered Drepung Monastery

study Buddhist philosophy. He escaped in 1959 to India and remained with

the rest of monks who escaped at place called Buxa, in North Easter India and

continued his religious studies. Later Rimpoche joined the Instititute of Higher

Tibetan Studies, under the auspices of the Sanskrit University of Varanasi

and graduated with a Geshe Acharya Degree. Rimpoche’s full biography will be

available at the Shamabala Centre, when he gives his talk on August, 7, at 7:00pm

“Ikebana – The Path of Flower Arranging"

The Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
presents a Summer Workshop
“Ikebana – The Path of Flower Arranging”
with Lee White
Sunday August 10, 2008
10 am to 4 pm
(Registration & set-up at 9.30 please)
Cost: $40 (includes flowers/plant materials)
Pre-registration is essential as space is limited – please contact Linda at lgould@shaw.ca
Upon registration you will be given a list of supplies to bring

(Lunch break: please bring your own – tea will be served). 
In 1982, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche formed a new school of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) inspired by his own training and vision.
Kalapa Ikebana, as this school is called, promotes the study and practice of flower arranging, often working closely with masters of other schools of ikebana.
Lee White is one of the founding members of the Victoria Shambhala Centre.  She has studied and practiced ikebana for many years, and is also an accomplished calligrapher. 
Location – Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
 #1- 2033 Belmont (at Pembroke)

Self-Transcendence Triathalon August 3, 2008-Volunteer Request

Hello all,

I received the following email request from Sheila Flood of the Victoria Multifaith Society this morning. Apparently the Sri Chinmoy Triathalon held annually at Elk lake is in need of some volunteers in order for it to run smoothly. Please see below for details!

If you can help please contact the race Volunteer coordinator Patricia Irwin at 250-592-5355 or email info@scmt.ca

Thanks for your willingness to make this worthwhile event run smoothly.

Eshu

____________________________________________________________________

Dear VMS Members,

The Self-Transcendence Triathlon/Duathlon will be held August 3, 2008. The Race Director, Sumitra McMurchy, has asked if a request could go out to our members asking for additional volunteers (about 25 more are needed).

This is a grassroots, community kind of race, intent on providing a very supportive atmosphere for athletes. The organizing group is a meditation group--the Sri Chinmoy Centre of Victoria. http://www.srichinmoy.org/

There are many perks involved, as you'll see in this letter that explains the details:
http://slc.bc.ca/attach/volunteerXrequestXmultifaithXsociety.doc

If you do volunteer, please mention that you received the invitation through the Multifaith Society.

For more information about the race see http://www.victoriatriathlon.com/

Thank you,
S. Flood,
VMS Secretary

8th Annual Buddha In The Park

Buddha In the Park 8th Annual 3 Day Retreat in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Tenting and RV set up available, Community Kitchen during the three days of Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 25 - 26 - 27th JULY. Reservations to: buddha@penlan.com
How Many Buddha's, Oneness of the Person and the Law, The Wisdom Teachings of the Lotus Sutra, 40 topics for research, study and discussion. Personal Empowerment, Spiritual Development, Meditation and more.
The Buddha's teachings are always free, donations based on ability and value received most appreciated.
Mahayana Nichiren Tradition, 3 Days for You.
Visit www.penlan.com for information and directions.
Namaste, Nam-MyoHo-Renge-Kyo
Respectfully, Henry, Buddha Guide Teacher,Author

Shaambhala Art Part One

Shambhala Art part one:
Coming to Your Senses
July,12th 7-9pm, July 13th 9-5pm
W/ Charles Blackhall & Hamish Tucker
Cost $45, lunch included

To be genuine the creative process requires that we first perceive our world directly before we can represent it in an art form or use it as a launching pad for expression. Are we sensing things as they are, or just as we think or imagine they are?
Shambhala Art Part One explores the nature of our perceptions and how our thoughts influence what we perceive. We will learn through meditative discipline and exercises, the source of creativity and the meaning of pure expression. We will learn that when our senses including our mind are synchronized, that our expression becomes vivid, possessing greater richness and accuracy.
Shambhala Art’s purpose is to explore the creative and viewing processes from the viewpoint of a meditative discipline. Shambhala Art does not teach a particular skill or technique. It is about the source of inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to us.

Please do not let finances prevent you from participating
Shambhala Art is good for Artists, Art viewers, and all people interested

To Register or enquire please email victoria.shambhala@gmail.com
Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue • Victoria • BC • V8R 3Z7 • 383-9108

“When your visual and auditory world is properly synchronized and you have a sense of humor, you are able to perceive the phenomenal world fully and truly. That is talent; Talent comes from the appreciation of basic beauty and basic goodness arising from the fundamental peace and coolness of dharma" CTR

.

Meditate & Destroy a film on Noah Levine

Meditate and Destroy is an 81 minute feature documentary on meditation teacher and author of Dharma Punx and Against the Stream, Noah Levine. After a self-destructive adolescence of criminal activity and substance abuse, Noah is now a devout Buddhist. This provocative documentary provides a personal portrait on this unique individual by showing how he uses his punk rock sensibilities to teach others the path of spirituality and community service in urban centers around North America.

Meditate and Destroy features interviews with Jack Kornfield, Ajan Amaro and Stephen and Ondrea Levine.

Tattoos, motorcycles and Buddha are featured in this hard hitting look at how Buddhism has a place in the world of punks. This edgy, but serious documentary provides an intimate account of how Noah has utilized Buddhism to guide him from a life of addictions, self-destruction and violent behaviors to a place of insight.

Not to be missed!!!!! Very exciting to have this film shown in Victoria.

Sarah Fisher the director will have a Q&A after the screening.

After the screening stay for 3 AMAZING BANDS!!!!!!

49th Peril from Vancouver

The Easy Brothers from Vancouver

and

The Mags!!!! from Victoria

DOORS AT 8pm
July 6th @
Lucky Bar
517 Yates St.

$10 suggested donation - no one turned away for lack of funds.
 

Pema Chodron: practicing Peace in Times of War

Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
presents a summer series of video teachings

“Practising Peace in Times of War”

A DVD series with Pema Chődrőn and Richard Reoch
(recorded in California, July 2007)

Tuesday evenings, July 1st through August 19th, 2008
7 pm to 9 pm

Explore the importance of meditation in finding peace and nonaggression in one’s heart, as well as its relevance in the world. These teachings are suited for those new to meditation, as well as those who have been practicing for years.

July 1st The Buck Stops Here
July 8th Cultivating Non-Violent Mind
July 15th Leaning In and Natural Openness
July 22nd Effective Social Action
July 29th Natural Warmth and Compassionate Abiding
August 5th Groundlessness as the Source for Strength
August 12th Meditation Instruction (Richard Reoch)
August 19th Meditation Instruction (Richard Reoch)


No registration required – $5.00 donation per session will help to support our Centre – Thank You!


Pema Chődrőn is an American Buddhist nun in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Cape Breton N.S. She is the author of many books, including The Wisdom of No Escape, Start Where You Are, and When Things Fall Apart.


Richard Reoch is the President of Shambhala International. He is a former public information officer of Amnesty International, the editor of Human Rights: The New Consensus, and he compiled the official manual on combating torture for the Organizational for Security and Co-operation in Europe. He is also a trustee of the Rainforest Foundation and chairperson of the International Working Group on Sir Lanka.