Buddhist leader steps aside after misconduct alleged
Halifax-based organization has started investigation over reports of sexual abuse
The spiritual leader of an international Buddhist organization based in Halifax is stepping back from his duties pending the outcome of an independent investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.
In a recent letter to the Shambhala International community, the office of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche said he fully supports a third-party investigation and wishes to provide the time and space for it to occur. Inspired by Tibetan Buddhism, Shambhala is one of the largest western Buddhist movements with more than 200 meditation centres around the world.
Mipham’s father, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, visited Nova Scotia in the late 1970s and soon after made Halifax the world headquarters for Shambhala Buddhism, encouraging many Buddhists — largely from the United States — to move to the province while prompting locals to join the community.
Meanwhile, members of the Shambhala governing council are also stepping down, saying that despite the “groundless situation” Shambhala can emerge healthier and more supportive.
“We recognize that parts of our system are broken, and need to dissolve in order to make room for real change,” nine members of the leadership body said in a letter.
They said they will “exit responsibly,” and have hired Halifax law firm Wickwire Holm to investigate the allegations.
The upheaval within the Buddhist community comes after a report last month by Andrea Winn detailed sexual misconduct allegations against Mipham.
In the report, multiple unnamed women accuse the Shambhala leader of heavy drinking and using his attendant to “procure women students for his own sexual gratification.”
The women describe being torn by their devotion to Mipham as their guru, alleging they were cast out of his inner circle if they resisted his sexual advances.
They also alleged that members of the Shambhala leadership were aware or enabled his behaviour.
None of the allegations has been proven in court and no charges have been laid.
Mipham, who is often referred to as the Sakyong, was unavailable for an interview Monday.
In the letter to the Shambhala community, Mipham’s office said he was entering “a period of self-reflection.”