Dorje Kasung Sector Description

Overview

The teachings held by the Shambhala mandala are presented within a container of wakefulness. Maintaining this container of wakefulness is the practice of protector principle. Everyone shares this practice of protector principle or maintaining wakefulness, but it is the practice particularly associated with the Dorje Kasung.

The term Dorje Kasung means indestructible (Dorje) command (Ka) protector (sung). Indestructible refers to the indestructibility of space - complete openness - that cannot be destroyed or defeated. Ka or command refers to the teaching of the lineage, which present the truth of things as they are and the possibility of establishing enlightened society.

The Dorje Kasung is modeled on the ancient tradition of dharma protectors. Its members are trained in protecting the space in which the teachings are given. This protection extends to the teacher who presents the teachings, the teachings themselves, and the community of practitioners who hear and practice the teachings.

As part of their practice the Dorje Kasung wear uniforms to communicate:

• delight in the disciplines of egolessness and simplicity;
• service to others by being present and available to help; and
• commitment to the continuous path of waking up oneself and one's environment and to manifesting care, dignity, mindfulness and awareness.

Motto:

Victory over War.

War represents the struggle with passion, aggression, and ignorance. Victory is being willing to face ones own and others passion, aggression, and ignorance, and to meet this head on with loving kindness and compassion.

Structure:

When in a Dorje Kasung context, the Sakyong is referred to as The Makkyi Rabjam Jampal Trinley Dradl of Mukpo Dong, or The Makkyi Rabjam, which means "Supreme Commander-in-Chief".
The Dorje Kasung are organized through a network of regions and local squads. The Chicago Squad of the Dorje Kasung is within the Lion Region (Midwest).
Dorje Kasung function through a command hierarchy, which includes:

• Rusung, first in command (ru means area and sung means protect, Rusung=area protector). Term: two years.
• Khenchung, second in command. Term: two years.
• Desung (Bliss- or Harmony-Protector) reports to the Desung Arm and looks after the health and well-being of the sangha. Term: two years.

Kasung are posted on duty for events and weekly sitting at the Center. One-year or lifetime oaths are available to those wanting to formally enter the Kasung path.

Typical Functions in a Shambhala Center:

The Dorje Kasung Chicago Squad protect the space, the teacher, the teachings, and the community in the following ways:

• By an on-duty presence on the regular times that the Center is open and for all major events, including programs taught by major teachers, acharyas, and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.
• By planning and executing the logistics of major events, including protection and transportation of teachers and crowd control.
• By overseeing the security of the Center, including maintaining its physical security, overseeing policies for key issuance, securing the parking lot, and maintaining the internal security of the building.
• By making available the meditation-in-action practice of kasungship within the Center.

The Desung protects the harmony of the community and works with the Health and Well-Being Committee described under the Community Council.

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