For some months now, in the context of the Buddhist Project Sunshine, allegations of sexual misconduct have been brought against some individuals in Shambhala including, most recently, our main teacher, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. The allegations reported in this project at this point do not involve Dechen Chöling, but mainly refer to incidents which occurred in North America a number of years ago.
A lot of details are still required in order to get an accurate picture of the situation. However, the news of these incidents has shaken us all deeply. We are thinking of those who have experienced harm as a result of these incidents. We are a community that is based on human dignity and mutual respect and we want this to continue to be the case. With regards to these allegations and the ongoing investigations, we at Dechen Chöling are fully committed to transparency both now and in the future.
We are happy that Shambhala has engaged a law firm in Halifax, Canada, for an independent investigation into all the allegations. We are also pleased that Shambhala has asked for the support and guidance from the organisation ‘An Olive Branch’. This specialist organisation will help and give a voice to those people in Shambhala who have experienced harm and will also advise Shambhala in making necessary changes.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has stepped down from all his teaching and leadership activities to allow space for the investigations to take place until the process has come to an end. All the members of the Kalapa Council, the highest governing body in Shambhala, have also resigned from their posts and an interim leadership body will soon be appointed.
The future will bring changes for all of us. But for many of us it is clear that we will continue on the path of confidence and humanity. We believe that all these painful events are an opportunity for growing ever closer to the enlightened society that Shambhala has always aspired to be. We believe in the transformative potential of our community, as we struggle with the challenges that are faced by societies globally.
We invite you to come and visit our centre, have conversations with us and, with other participants and, of course, to deepen your meditation practice which is more important than ever in these troubled times.
More information (pdf upload)
June 27, 2018: Community Message from the Kalapa Council
June 29, 2018: An Update from the Kalapa Council
July 4, 2008: Message from the Kasung Kyi Khyap
July 6, 2018: A Message from the Office of the Sakyong
July 6, 2018: Leadership Transition
July 8, 2018: A Letter from the Women Acharyas
July 10, 2018: A Message from the Sakyong
July 13, 2018: Community Update
July 20, 2018: Investigation of Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
July 20, 2018: Olive Branch, introduction to the Shambhala Community
July 30, 2018: Leadership Transition Announcement