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Response to Kusung Letter - Shambhala Interim Board
The Interim Board of Shambhala posted a reply to the letter from ex Kusungs. It can be found in full here: https://us10.campaign-archive.com/?u=76e527900434e4c4d8651bf30&id=29668f2921 For convenience, here is the full text of the letter: Dear Shambhala Community, It is from a place of great sadness that we write you today. When we took our seats as an Interim Board, we did so with the positive aspiration of restoring Shambhala culture to one of trust, kindness, and genuine c
Open letter in regards to allegations against Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche of Shambhala International - E
We have received a letter from a group of ex-Kusungs outlining some of their experiences with abuse inside the court and the greater Shambhala community. This will likely be both troubling and validating for many of us, but it is encouraging to see the continued braveness and courage required of those who need to come forward and say what they have seen and heard, if we are to have any real hope of rehabilitating Shambhala. The full text of the letter is posted below. To Pro
How to let anger out? - Thich Nhat Hanh
This is a wonderful teaching provided by Thich Nhat Hanh on recognizing the value of anger and how to transform it from many of its negative expressions into something that is more conducive to positive growth and compassion. I think it is very powerful that he takes the time to offer this teaching, and many others, directly to children, and speaks a lot about the nature of his character. #buddhism
Beyond the Temple - What now Rigpa?
Beyond the Temple, previously the What Now? blog, discusses in this post how they are seeking to move forward with their spiritual lives after suffering the abuses within the Rigpa organization. There are some very thoughtful commentary and reflections found within, many of which are directly relevant to Shambhala practitioners, as we seek to find our own ground to move forward on. Here is one powerful section, perhaps not directly relevant to Shambhala, but certainly on a pa
Buddhist Project Sunshine Complete - Farewell from Andrea
Andrea Winn, the founder of Buddhist Project Sunshine, offers some final thoughts and reflections, after wrapping up two years of arduous effort on behalf of bringing to light the sexualized violence occurring within the Shambhala community. Her entire post can be read here. We are very grateful to her for raising the banner for others to gather under - a very noble, and difficult, act! What I personally found most inspiring about Andrea's message and approach was her unswerv
The Dalai Lama's Clarion Call - Tibetan Review
The Tibetan Review discusses a recent petition presented in person by survivors to the Dalai Lama regarding abuses in Tibetan Buddhist organizations, and his response. It is worth the full read, but here is a rather stark statement from the Dalai Lama, concerning repeat offenders: “These people, they don’t care about Buddha’s teaching. So, now the only thing is: make public, these things. Then people may be concerned about their shame, their embarrassment.” The full article c
Regarding Teacher Misconduct in American Zen
Eido Mary Frances Carney, pictured above, has written a well-thought out and perceptive article discussing the history of the Soto Zen school in America, and steps that it has taken to help reduce the risk of ethical mishaps. Here is a highly notable quote: "It is also extremely important to note and remember that in each instance of sexual misconduct in Soto Zen, the temples and communities dealt with the problem, they sought counseling and outside conflict resolution assist
Reflections on the Wickwire Holms Report - A Message from Carol Merchasin
We received this heartfelt letter from Carol Merchasin today, who asked that we share her words with the community in light of the recently issued Wickwire Holms Report. Her clear perspective, empathy, and understanding are deeply appreciated. Below is the letter we received: This seems like a good day to share my gratitude, regrets, clarifications, and disappointments with the Wickwire Holms Report. Gratitude I am grateful that the Wickwire Holms report is out and that it ha
Shambhala Centers Still Holding “Sealed” Retreats to Venerate a Leader Under Criminal Investigation
Matthew Remski posted this article earlier in January where he calls into question the ethics of continuing status quo in light of the ongoing investigations. He is not the only one; he has provided a copy of a response to the invitation from Patricia Ullman as well - she speaks strongly on behalf of the victims and displays a high sense of ethics. Thank you both Matthew and Patricia for your stances on this issue. #Shambhala #Shambhalaabuse
Former teacher at Boulder's Shambhala accused of sexually assaulting student
William Karelis enters the courtroom at the Boulder County Jail on Friday (Paul Aiken / Staff Photographer - Daily Camera) Community expelled mentor over separate misconduct allegations in 2004. Reposted from the Daily Camera here. #clergysexualmisconduct #buddhism #sexualmisconduct #Shambhala #Shambhalaabuse