A group of Rigpa members, including a Board member of US Rigpa, recently sent a letter to Rigpa headquarters in England, detailing over a decade of emotional, physical and sexual abuses of his followers on two continents. Incidents mentioned include Sogyal publicly humiliating and abusing a nun on stage at a teaching in front of over 1000 attendees, by punching her in the stomach. The letter states that Sogyal's behavior is in such flagrant violation of Dharma principles that it has disillusioned some followers with Buddhism.
The Rigpa administration has responded, saying that "Rinpoche" has gone into retreat to reflect, and that an investigation will be pursued.
Both letters were published in the Dharma magazine, "Lion's Roar".
Sad that it took decades for these concerns to finally be taken seriously. Even after a court case against Sogyal in the 90's, the abuse issue was swept under the rug, and countless additional followers, including individuals in mourning who sought counseling from Sogyal in their bereavement, fell prey to his manipulations and predatory behavior.
Buddhism is supposed to be the path to liberation from suffering, not the cause of suffering and the genesis of scandal.
[buddhism-controversy-blog.com]
[www.lionsroar.com]
[www.lionsroar.com]
The Rigpa administration has responded, saying that "Rinpoche" has gone into retreat to reflect, and that an investigation will be pursued.
Both letters were published in the Dharma magazine, "Lion's Roar".
Sad that it took decades for these concerns to finally be taken seriously. Even after a court case against Sogyal in the 90's, the abuse issue was swept under the rug, and countless additional followers, including individuals in mourning who sought counseling from Sogyal in their bereavement, fell prey to his manipulations and predatory behavior.
Buddhism is supposed to be the path to liberation from suffering, not the cause of suffering and the genesis of scandal.
[buddhism-controversy-blog.com]
[www.lionsroar.com]
[www.lionsroar.com]