Addressing Issues Surrounding Sakyong Mipham

 

From the Minneapolis Shambhala Center Council

We would like to address the scandal surrounding Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, who was formally installed as the head of Shambhala in 1995.

In early 2018, allegations arose regarding sexual misconduct by Sakyong Mipham.  The Sakyong subsequently acknowledged his misconduct and in October, 2018 he stepped down from his role as spiritual leader and head of Shambhala. The international Shambhala Board also resigned and a new Shambhala Board structure, independent from the Sakyong, was formed.

The Shambhala community worldwide has been shocked and deeply hurt by these revelations.  Many people have been traumatized.  In response, we have been engaged in a process of painful exploration, healing, reimagining how we manifest going forward, and transforming our culture to better reflect and support our continued commitment to our vision.

Shambhala vision is rooted in the principle that every human being has a fundamental nature of basic goodness. Our vision is to inspire compassionate, sustainable, and just human societies.  All of our work going forward needs to be based on this vision and the ongoing commitment of our community to cultivate kindness, bravery, and genuine dialogue.  And we need to continually examine how well we are doing and what more we need to do.

If you would like more information about what we are doing, both locally and at the international level, please contact us at [email protected].