Richard Sylvester began his journey in the Shambhala world in 1978. His early training was within the NYC community and at Karmê Chöling, filling various roles as co-coordinator of the Ashe Society and Warrior of The Shambala Lodge. After leaving New York in 1998 Richard spent 10 years leading a Shambhala Group on Nantucket Island, while playing with his jazz ensemble, working as a contemplative counselor and teaching on and off the island. He later spent 14 years in Rhode Island, eventually holding the seat of Shastri for the Shambhala Meditation Center of Providence. There he taught many programs as a student of SMR, and as The Center's main teacher, while on The Scorpion Seal Path. He now resides in Milford Connecticut, playing music, delightfully engaged in his private therapy practice, and leading a small shambhala study group. Richard is a student of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.