Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo & Lama Tsultrim Allione: Shambhala's Sakyong Mipham

[Dorje Shedrub]

Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche on crazy wisdom, saying it should inspire and not harm, and if it does harm, it is not true crazy wisdom.

[Palzang Jangchub]

I'm beginning to think that the only crazy wisdom we really need these days is a radical respect towards women that breaks from the patriarchal norm; that actually acknowledges them as not only being embodiments of the feminine divine, but as human beings, too, and therefore their equal rights to education, the Dharma, etc. A crazy wisdom that doesn't disparage or abuse any beings due to their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, mental health issues, or sexuality.

[Virgo]

I'm beginning to think that the only crazy wisdom we really need these days is a radical respect towards women that breaks from the patriarchal norm; that actually acknowledges them as not only being embodiments of the feminine divine, but as human beings, too, and therefore their equal rights to education, the Dharma, etc. A crazy wisdom that doesn't disparage or abuse any beings due to their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, mental health issues, or sexuality.

You so crazy.

Kevin...

[Schrödinger’s Yidam]

I'm beginning to think that the only Buddha Field we really need these days is when all war, social injustice, disease, poverty, and ecological problems are solved. Plus animal rights, veganism, renewable energy, and a guarantee of personal fulfillment for every individual at birth. Plus this arrangement is locked in so it does not change, it never becomes boring, and no new problems are created by this arrangement. Everything must be just right on my terms, according to my criteria. Then and only then will I put aside my objections, criticisms, and demands. That’s what we need before we can see the world as a Buddha Field.

*****

Sorry for the sarcasm, but the point took less typing that way.

[chimechodra]

I'm beginning to think that the only crazy wisdom we really need these days is a radical respect towards women that breaks from the patriarchal norm; that actually acknowledges them as not only being embodiments of the feminine divine, but as human beings, too, and therefore their equal rights to education, the Dharma, etc. A crazy wisdom that doesn't disparage or abuse any beings due to their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, mental health issues, or sexuality.

These days I feel this is more crazy and outrageous than any other kind of behavior you could demonstrate.

[Virgo]

Yes, when they give faulty teachings that don't work, we get to lock them up in a stockade and throw lemons and other fruits at them.

Kevin...

Kevin...

[Natan]

Lets start by not pretending that everything advanced in the name of Vajrayāna actually corresponds with Vajrayāna Dharma on any level. Lets also stop pretending, in the name of "samaya," that bestowing empowerments is a free pass to abuse students, sexually, financially, and emotionally.

Caveat emptor.

Apparently, we need lemon laws. Anyway, empowerments granted by gurus with no realization have no force anyway.

I hear what you’re saying, but it seems what matters is empowerment come from someone with instructions from the lineage.

“Homage to Vajrakumāra”

“Please bestow...

“Firstly,... in general, power falls into four categories: the power that is attained even without empowerment is the best, comprising that power that is gained by the mind as a result of correctly realizing the view. Power is not attained, even without the ritual empowerment, when the guru as no lineal instructions and the disciple has no vows. Power attained through empowerment is gained by a disciple who has accepted vows from a guru who possesses lineal instructions. And one who has not received the empowerments, although the empowerments have been bestowed upon him, and has gained nothing, even though it has all been given, is like someone whose mind is completely black.”

-Bolt of Lightning from the Blue, p. 303

[Malcolm]

Caveat emptor.

Apparently, we need lemon laws. Anyway, empowerments granted by gurus with no realization have no force anyway.

I hear what you’re saying, but it seems what matters is empowerment come from someone with instructions from the lineage.

“Homage to Vajrakumāra”

“Please bestow...

“Firstly,... in general, power falls into four categories: the power that is attained even without empowerment is the best, comprising that power that is gained by the mind as a result of correctly realizing the view. Power is not attained, even without the ritual empowerment, when the guru as no lineal instructions and the disciple has no vows. Power attained through empowerment is gained by a disciple who has accepted vows from a guru who possesses lineal instructions. And one who has not received the empowerments, although the empowerments have been bestowed upon him, and has gained nothing, even though it has all been given, is like someone whose mind is completely black.”

-Bolt of Lightning from the Blue, p. 303

Yes, as well as having done the retreats, etc. Nevertheless, giving samaya to students requires having an iron belly for dealing with broken samaya, and a guru who has no realization will just be ruined if they are not careful.

[Mr. G]

A Look At The #MeToo Movement In The Shambhala Buddhist Community

Buddhist nonprofit spent half a million dollars on leader they knew was accused of sexual assault

[Mr. G]

Buddhist teacher quit Shambhala in ‘protest’ before his own sexual misconduct allegation went public

[Josef]

Buddhist teacher quit Shambhala in ‘protest’ before his own sexual misconduct allegation went public

Not at all surprising.
Having met Rinzler I have always been shocked that he is considered a teacher and has been able to get published.
The vetting process for "teachers" in Shambhala is absurdly vacuous.

[conebeckham]

Buddhist teacher quit Shambhala in ‘protest’ before his own sexual misconduct allegation went public

Not at all surprising.
Having met Rinzler I have always been shocked that he is considered a teacher and has been able to get published.
The vetting process for "teachers" in Shambhala is absurdly vacuous.

I don't disagree, but.....what vetting process? For any teacher? Including Tibetan Lamas?

I mean, yes, some centers, esp. those established by major lineage figures, have appointed teachers and there is vetting going on, but these days there are many centers that have been set up by people, of any race/ethnicity/background, with no "vetting process."

Shambhala, being a more established institution, should have had checks and balances in place of course, but at the end of the day.....students need to have Eyes Wide Open.

[chimechodra]

Buddhist teacher quit Shambhala in ‘protest’ before his own sexual misconduct allegation went public

Not at all surprising.
Having met Rinzler I have always been shocked that he is considered a teacher and has been able to get published.
The vetting process for "teachers" in Shambhala is absurdly vacuous.

I would regularly attend the Monday night talkes at the NYC Shambhala Center when I lived there. I remember seeing him talk once and I started avoiding any evenings where he was scheduled, something just felt off with him. It's unfortunate that this feeling turned out to be accurate.

Always listen to your gut!

[Terma]

It is awful that some consider these people teachers. Some people may feel like "belonging" to some kind of group when it comes to big "organizations" such as these. But I can't understand it. If one is really serious about their practice, then isn't it best to seek out authentic Master's from authentic lineages?

I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

[Malcolm]

If one is really serious about their practice, then isn't it best to seek out authentic Master's from authentic lineages?

People think Trungpa was an authentic master, given the sheer amount of accolade he is accorded by highly respected Tibetan masters such as Dzongsar Khyentse and so on. Since they think Trungpa is authentic, it is not hard to understand why they think Shambhala is authentic. Since they think Shambhala is authentic, they think the teachers in Shambhala are authentic.

Trungpa is kind of the third rail in Tibetan Buddhism. Many people do not actually approve of him, but since he built a very successful organization, no one in the Tibetan hierarchy will directly criticize him. For this reason, people will continue to be attracted to Shambhala. They have turned Trungpa into a very successful brand.

[Josef]

Buddhist teacher quit Shambhala in ‘protest’ before his own sexual misconduct allegation went public

Not at all surprising.
Having met Rinzler I have always been shocked that he is considered a teacher and has been able to get published.
The vetting process for "teachers" in Shambhala is absurdly vacuous.

I don't disagree, but.....what vetting process? For any teacher? Including Tibetan Lamas?

I mean, yes, some centers, esp. those established by major lineage figures, have appointed teachers and there is vetting going on, but these days there are many centers that have been set up by people, of any race/ethnicity/background, with no "vetting process."

Shambhala, being a more established institution, should have had checks and balances in place of course, but at the end of the day.....students need to have Eyes Wide Open.

I was primarily referring to the “acharyas” within the organization.

[Terma]

If one is really serious about their practice, then isn't it best to seek out authentic Master's from authentic lineages?

People think Trungpa was an authentic master, given the sheer amount of accolade he is accorded by highly respected Tibetan masters such as Dzongsar Khyentse and so on. Since they think Trungpa is authentic, it is not hard to understand why they think Shambhala is authentic. Since they think Shambhala is authentic, they think the teachers in Shambhala are authentic.

Trungpa is kind of the third rail in Tibetan Buddhism. Many people do not actually approve of him, but since he built a very successful organization, no one in the Tibetan hierarchy will directly criticize him. For this reason, people will continue to be attracted to Shambhala. They have turned Trungpa into a very successful brand.

Okay, this does make sense. Maybe a little off topic here but...

On another level, do you think that lack of merit can be a cause for someone to get involved with these kinds of organizations and "teachers"?

It is a shame. If people take even a little time to examine, they will find that there are plenty of authentic guru's available to us. Once again could this be a merit thing?

[Arnoud]

They have turned Trungpa into a very successful brand.

Yes, by staying quiet they have turned it into a successful brand.

At the same time they give themselves leeway for similar behavior and create a space where such behavior is accepted. And on the circle goes.

[Malcolm]

On another level, do you think that lack of merit can be a cause for someone to get involved with these kinds of organizations and "teachers"?

The Buddha predicted the rise of counterfeit Dharma, and so did Padmasambhava. Counterfeit Dharma existed during the time of the Buddha in the form of Devadatta's teachings.

[Malcolm]

Not at all surprising.
Having met Rinzler I have always been shocked that he is considered a teacher and has been able to get published.
The vetting process for "teachers" in Shambhala is absurdly vacuous.

I don't disagree, but.....what vetting process? For any teacher? Including Tibetan Lamas?

I mean, yes, some centers, esp. those established by major lineage figures, have appointed teachers and there is vetting going on, but these days there are many centers that have been set up by people, of any race/ethnicity/background, with no "vetting process."

Shambhala, being a more established institution, should have had checks and balances in place of course, but at the end of the day.....students need to have Eyes Wide Open.

I was primarily referring to the “acharyas” within the organization.

Well, we should not paint them all with the same brush.