The Shambhala lineage is a spiritual tradition that combines elements of Tibetan Buddhism with ancient teachings from the kingdom of Shambhala, a mythical land said to embody enlightened society. It was founded by Chögyam Trungpa, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher who was born in Tibet in 1939 and later spread his teachings to the West.

Trungpa was recognized as the eleventh incarnation of the Trungpa Tulku, a line of Tibetan Buddhist teachers from the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions. However, he also had a strong connection to the Shambhala teachings, as his father, a respected abbot and meditation master, was also a holder of the Shambhala lineage.

The Shambhala teachings were first transmitted to Trungpa's father by his own father, who was a student of the renowned Tibetan master, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye. These teachings were then passed down through the generations of the Trungpa family, until they eventually reached Chögyam Trungpa.

Trungpa was deeply influenced by the Shambhala teachings and saw them as a way to bring the principles of Buddhism into everyday life. He believed that the world was in need of a new societal paradigm, one that was based on compassion, wisdom, and a deep understanding of our interconnectedness. The Shambhala teachings, with their emphasis on creating an enlightened society, were the perfect vehicle for this vision.

In 1976, Trungpa founded the Shambhala Training program, which was based on the Shambhala teachings and aimed to help individuals develop their innate wisdom and compassion. This program, along with other Shambhala teachings, has since spread to many countries around the world and has become a significant part of the Shambhala lineage.

Trungpa's teachings also emphasized the importance of meditation and mindfulness, which are essential practices in both the Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He believed that by cultivating a calm and clear mind, individuals could tap into their own inner wisdom and bring about positive change in the world.

In conclusion, the Shambhala lineage is a spiritual tradition that was founded by Chögyam Trungpa and is based on the ancient teachings of the kingdom of Shambhala. Trungpa's deep connection to these teachings, as well as his vision of creating an enlightened society, has made him a key figure in the transmission of the Shambhala lineage to the West. His teachings continue to inspire and guide many people on their spiritual journey towards greater wisdom and compassion.