National Post (National Edition)
Shambhala retreats investigated
• U.S. authorities are looking into potential illicit activity involving Colorado retreats connected to Shambhala International, a Halifax-based Buddhist organization roiled by sexual misconduct allegations.
A spokesman for the Larimer County Sheriff ’s Office says police have received information regarding possible criminal activity involving the Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colo.
Meanwhile, police in Boulder, Colo., say they have opened an investigation into at least one allegation of sex assault by a Buddhist teacher from his time when he was teaching at Shambhala International in Boulder.
Shannon Aulabaugh, a spokeswoman for Boulder police, said the investigation had been underway since August, but no charges or arrests have been made.
She said the teacher has since left the Shambhala community.
Halifax police spokesman John MacLeod says the force has not received any reports of criminal activity involving Shambhala in the Nova Scotia capital, and says an incident would have to be reported before police would launch an investigation.
Shambhala International — one of the largest Buddhist movements in the western world — has come under intense scrutiny in recent months after a former member published reports from women accusing the organization’s spiritual leader of sexual harm. The allegations prompted Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche to step back from his duties pending the outcome of an independent investigation by a Halifax law firm, expected to be released next month.
The Kalapa Council — the governing body of the Buddhist movement — also resigned en masse. An interim board is overseeing the organization.
David Moore, public information officer for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, said investigators are looking into possible criminal activity involving Shambhala after receiving information, but are unable to provide details about the case.