dzogchungpa wrote:Sara H wrote:Are you serious?
Sara
Yes.
Ok.
Saying this in a loving way, I'm going to be straightforward about this, because you asked, and so I think it's fair that you get it without me waffling.
I don't think it would be right of me, for you to ask a direct question, and for me to not be respectful of you for that, by not giving you a straight answer.
Although this may be hard to hear.
...
The whole AIDS/disciple fiasco comes to mind.
Someone died because of that. That kind of thing is definitely illegal, and blatantly harmful. He showed complete disregard for the health and safety of those people his disciple was sleeping with, at at time when people were dying of AIDS left and right, and continued to encourage that kind of behavior.
A lot of people might have gotten infected too.
Sexual misconduct is generally seen as harmful, because there can be some pretty drastic consequences as a result.
Cocaine use is not keeping the Precept regarding intoxicants, as well as being a felony.
He was breaking the law to use and buy it. Apparently there was a car accident because of his drunkenness, if that's true, he was putting many people's lives at risk while driving under the influence, not to mention breaking traffic laws.
The whole stripping the clothes off those people and having his goons punch them, is pretty well considered assault and battery under Colorado law. As well as not allowing them to leave when they wanted to.. That's a federal offense.
Telling his disciples to do those things, that's conspiracy to commit a crime...
He basically committed several serious felonies on more than one occasion.
He set an example that basically said not only is it ok for someone to disregard the laws, personal rights of others, public safety, other peoples' right to be free from assault, etc, but also, as he was claiming to be a Buddhist, was setting a horrible example as a Buddhist teacher by doing that, as all of that conduct, is clearly not something the Buddha would have condoned.
And so due to his high profile, by doing that he was defaming Buddhism as well.
I don't mean any offense to you, or any of his disciplines, or related people.
I used to live in Boulder, and had very positive, if limited experiences with Tibetan Buddhists there.
And I certainly don't think Trungpa was a horrible person or anything.
He was just doing the best he could, with the Karma that he inherited from previous lives
But, you asked, so I'm just giving you an honest answer the best I see it.
I agree with Catmoon.
He was a human being, human beings make mistakes.
He did great good. For Buddhism, and for Tibetan Buddhism in general. That's quite apparent.
And he also did some harm.
Those two things co-exist. And are a part of his legacy.
We can acknowledge the harm, and have compassion for him has a human being, and still appreciate his wisdom, and the good that he did.
It doesn't have to be one or the other.
Respectfully,
Sara
Observing your mind is a good idea.