The nation-state Bhutan and the shambhala Buddhist community, based in Halifax, Canada, are both headed by crowned leaders. In fact, the fifth king of Bhutan and the second queen of shambhala were coincidently enthroned in the same year.Are such coronations the epitome of wisdom traditions we can join, or mere remnants of marginal, crumbling cultures? What is a sane and invigorating way to relate to such events? Avoiding the extremes of idolatry and indifference, is there a genuine alternative that is more thean a safe compromise in the middle? If we explore such questions with a happy mixture of sharp intelligence, earthy humor and openness, we may discover unexpected vistas.