Chögyam Trungpa was a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and the founder of the Shambhala tradition. Born in 1939, he fled Tibet in 1959 after the Chinese invasion and later settled in the West, where he played a significant role in introducing Tibetan Buddhism to a Western audience. Trungpa was known for his innovative approach to teaching, blending traditional Buddhist practices with modern psychology and culture. He established several centers, including the Naropa University in Colorado, which focuses on contemplative education. Trungpa's teachings emphasized mindfulness, compassion, and the importance of personal experience in spiritual practice. His influential books, such as Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, continue to inspire many on their spiritual journeys.