The Arrow is founded upon the principle that we humans possess basic goodness. The arrow represents fearlessness. It symbolizes our boundless insight as well as skillful means. This journal will investigate how we can skillfully apply the principles of basic goodness to society—the notion of creating enlightened society. Such a society is not a utopia, but an awake society that naturally illuminates humanity’s basic goodness.

The Arrow will explore how basic goodness can be applied to economics, politics, education, environment, as well as sciences and the arts. My hope is that this exploration will aid in shifting the paradigm of how we regard our society. Many of us feel overwhelmed. There is a palpable sense that we are on the verge of giving up on ourselves. Yet we harbor a hidden feeling that within humanity, the embers of goodness exist. Can we raise our collective energy to fearlessly ignite humanity’s most precious gift? How the world will be in the future depends on what we accomplish now.

The Arrow is an attempt to participate in our future. It is a forum for approaching life’s challenges from the perspective of goodness and strength with vigor. This is bravery. We are fully aware of human faults and injustices. We know that when we are fearless, even problems can spark inspiration.

I hope this journal is the spark that allows us to meet the world’s challenges with a sense of possibility. I am delighted that Kai and Gabe were inspired to create it. If we can collectively apply our hearts and minds to leading life with wisdom and skillfulness, we can all be active participants in guiding humanity toward a good and bright future.

– Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

February 2, 2014
Foreword to Volume 1

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Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is the head of Shambhala, a global network of meditation and retreat centers grounded in the inherent goodness of humanity. The Sakyong is the lineage holder of the Shambhala tradition, guiding thousands of students around the world in the path of meditation. The eldest son of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, he is author of the bestselling Turning the Mind into and Ally, the award-winning Ruling Your World, Running with the Mind of Meditation and The Shambhala Principle. The Sakyong teaches meditation and social transformation while also guiding a number of humanitarian projects.

The Sakyong is also the wisdom holder for The Arrow and has been a major source of inspiration for the creation of this journal. As a Senior Advisor to the editors, his support, counsel, and encouragement have been invaluable. In his most recent book, The Shambhala Principle, the Sakyong initiated an important conversation about the intersection between a spiritual path and ethical cultural and social engagement. The Arrow hopes to broaden and deepen this conversation.