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Feeling Frustrated and Disappointed with Shambhala's History of Sexual Misconduct self.Buddhism
Submitted 9 days ago * by bckids1208two
For the past several years I've been a regular attendee of my local Shambhala group. There's a lot that I love about it: the accessibility and practical focus of the teachings, the community, the abundance of literature, the clear and structured courses, Pema Chodron, and the philosophical worldview of basic goodness and improving society. But I have always been uncomfortable with Chogyam Trungpa and Sakyong Mipham's pictures and the throne in the shrine room. I grew to be more comfortable with the idea that they are symbolic of the historic legacy of the teachings even as I became more uncomfortable with the personal behavior of Chogyam Trungpa that I learned about.
It seemed to me the community had dramatically changed since his death and I figured he was kind of an overturn all social conventions and re-envision society kind of guy. He was riding the sexual revolution and was probably an alcoholic to boot. I came to accept that he was a flawed person and feel grateful he brought the teachings he'd learned to the west.
Yesterday Sakyong Mipham issued a public apology for engaging in sexual relationships that have harmed people in the community. It was a huge disappointment, but also, his apology really rubbed me the wrong way. " I have recently learned that some of these women have shared experiences of feeling harmed as a result of these relationships." I have no idea what happened and I appreciate that the Shambhala leadership is investigating and trying to change the community. Saying that the women were "feeling harmed" implies to me he thinks they weren't actually harmed and he did nothing wrong. Of course, I don't know what he did or didn't do. If it follows the #metoo pattern we're used to, Sakyong probably did some messed up stuff. The whole situation leaves a bad taste in my mouth and the idea of going to the center with his picture on the wall in the shrine room is very unappealing right now.
The small town Christian church I went to growing up was thrown into turmoil by the married pastor sleeping with the mom of one of the families. Although I was just a teen and a bystander, it was pretty traumatic to see my community devastated by the bad behavior of a spiritual leader. The pastor and his family moved and I never saw his children again; I had known them their whole lives. I kind of feel like, great, here we go again.
I'd love to hear the community's thoughts on this situation and any shared experiences.
Some comments.
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[–]Type_DXL 1 point 8 days ago
Wow, I didn't realize the "Vajra Holder and Possessor of the Victory Banner of the Practice Lineage of the Karma Kagyu" entailed having consorts and having a drinking problem and driving around sports cars. What religion is this for again?
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[–]TharpaLodroshambhala 3 points 8 days ago
The Karmapa is head of the Kagyu lineage. For some reason Western converts struggle more with the sex and drinking than do Tibetan masters.
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[–]Type_DXL 5 points 8 days ago
Maybe because it's in direct violation of the precepts? If he can't control his actions, then how can he control his mind? And if he can't control his mind, did he really succeed along the path?
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[–]TharpaLodroshambhala 3 points 7 days ago
Well you're asking the right questions. Maybe the answers aren't as straightforward as you'd first assume. The fact that he has such widespread support from many more orthodox instructors should leave you at least open to the possibility.
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[–]SamtenLhari 3 points 8 days ago
Everyone has an opinion. Pretty much the whole point of Vajrayana is to transcend opinions.
[–]ShortTermMemoryLoss 9 points 8 days ago
I think the earthquake that is transforming the landscape of how women are seen and treated is painful but necessary. It can be revolutionary and how we respond is key. However, the responsibility should be on perpetrators, not you or the victims. I have great respect for Al Franken, because he owned his failings and stepped down. He didn’t make excuses or place blame, he didn’t make anyone offer proof, no investigation or trial. If this abuse of power has been going on for decades, then maybe your choice to express your rejection of that possible enabling system will help it change. At the least, I would insist they take those pictures down, until their long overdue investigation is done. If enough people splinter, maybe they will take action more quickly.
Please don’t mistake my condemnation of misogyny as a complete rejection of Shambhala. I agree that the Shambhala community is a wonderful group with many excellent teachers and that the baby shouldn’t be thrown out with the bath water.
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[–]TharpaLodroshambhala 9 points 8 days ago*
This kind of thing really hurts. I love the Shambhala teachings and I think they're extremely necessary for our age. It's so upsetting that the people most responsible for carrying the Great Eastern Sun vision have done such harm.
With regards to the Sakyong himself, I have to say that while I'm disappointed I'm not surprised. He's been remarkably hands off with regard to the sexual abuse that's been coming to light so far and wrote a letter earlier in the year that I (and others) felt was wholly insufficient.
Project Sunshine is due to release their follow up report on Thursday and they explicitly mention the Sakyong, so I imagine we'll know more soon.
Corboy note links to Project Sunshine documents here:
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