Diana Mukpo, known as Lady Diana to the Shambhala International Buddhist community for whom she was considered a leader, died at her home in Florida on September 10 at the age of 71.
Born Diana Judith Pybus in England in 1953, she married Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche at age 16. As Trungpa’s partner, Mukpo played an active role in shaping Buddhism’s presence in the English-speaking world—helping establish communities, practice opportunities, and the Shambhala Training curriculum that gained a lasting foothold in the West. The two remained married until Trungpa’s passing in 1987. Mukpo later described these years in detail in her memoir, Dragon Thunder: My Life with Chögyam Trungpa (2006).
Mukpo remained a central figure in Shambhala, both as a symbolic protector of the community and as custodian of her late husband’s literary estate. She oversaw the preservation and publication of his teachings, which continue to influence Buddhist practitioners worldwide. Shambhala International continued to grow for several decades, eventually counting some 200 centers and study groups worldwide under its umbrella.
More recently, the Shambhala community faced controversies including allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power by Trungpa’s spiritual heir Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and other senior teachers and leaders. The community experienced several difficult years, the departure of Mipham Rinpoche, and the loss of many members. Mukpo publicly addressed the pain of those harmed, and expressed regret for not speaking out sooner—though many former members felt the community’s response remained insufficient.
Mukpo is survived by husband Dr. Mitchell Levy, and her children Tagtrug, Gesar, Chandali, Ashoka, and David.
