A Celebration of Life for Barbara Schenkel (Shila Mani)
We invite you to a quiet and loving Celebration of Life for Barbara Schenkel (Shila Mani), a wise and deeply compassionate being who touched countless lives. As the co-founder of Barjon’s Books, Barbara viewed the store as her “living room”—a place of refuge and non-judgmental listening for many. As a devout Buddhist and the former Khemmo (abbess) of the local Sangha, she embodied kindness and peace.
In the spirit of her quiet, reflective life, this will be a drop-in gathering held in the Barjon’s Books art gallery. Please feel free to come at any time throughout the day to share a favorite story, spend a moment in peaceful remembrance, or simply sit quietly in reflection of her loving and non-judgmental spirit.
Saturday, October 4th, in the morning, Shila Mani, known by many as Barbara Shenkel, passed from this plane because of dementia.
Shila Mani was a wise, compassionate being that disliked violence of any sort. She had an affinity with cats and rabbits. But any young animal held her heart. People often sought her out for hugs as they “went right through me”.
Barjon’s Books, which she founded in 1977, for so many years after her husband John passed was her living room. Everyday people came to share their lives with her – often seeking the refuge of “non-judgmental” listening. A few have shared that if it wasn’t for her, they “would not be here”.
In the Dharma Center, Shila Mani was/is a cornerstone of its inception. The Dorje who established the teachings here saw her compassionate being and made her the Khemmo – the abbess of the Sangha. She fulfilled that role from the mid-1990s until she could no longer because of the dementia. Her influence is still felt and her disciples, though missing her physical presence, all benefit from her guidance and showings.
Shila Mani – Barbara – and her partner Vajra Mani – Cena – shared a plant business at their home over the last few years. The plan was – is – to have a space in the yard for quiet reflection and meditation. That will be completed and ready by next spring. Her presence will be felt, to be sure, in the quiet, compassionate way she lived her life. Even at Canyon Creek Memory Care she had their hearts – and they, hers. Some residents would find her and stand close even though no obvious communication was happening.
Thank you for loving her – and for sharing this moment. In that place where we all reside in sameness, she is with you.
Namaste
