Information on Misconduct Allegations & Organizational Changes

Many of our community have seen in the news or heard that the worldwide Shambhala community is going through a very challenging time.  The head of of the Shambhala lineage, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, has been accused of clerical sexual misconduct.  The purpose of this page is to provide information, recent communications, and resources for the community.

In response to this allegations brought forward:

  • There is currently an independent investigation underway. During the course of the investigation, the Sakyong has removed himself from any teaching and administrative functions in Shambhala.  Statements have been made, which are being investigated by an external, independent organizations.

  • An Olive Branch has been formally contracted by Shambhala International to provide support during these challenging times.  Please refer, below, for more details.

There are also the following changes to the Shambhala International organization:

  • All members of the Kalapa Council (the central governing body of Shambhala) have voluntarily stepped down. A phase-out of this process will occur to provide support until a new leadership body is in place.

  • A Transition Task Force, consisting of 7 members and a facilitator, has been formed to meet, request community input, and appointment a one-year Interim Board and Process Team for Shambhala. 

  • Working in tandem with the Interim Board, the Process Team will work with the community to develop an appropriate and healthy governance structure for Shambhala world-wide.


Resources

The following are resources are to assist individuals in keeping informed and responding to this difficult situation in the community.  Please do reach out for any further information or supports that are needed.

  • Shambhala International has created a web page for community care resources, including updates, FAQs, and initiatives in place to reduce harm and facilitate healing.  Please refer to this web page for more information and updates in communication.  Further information and progress by the Transition Task Force are available on this web site.

  • An Olive Branch has been contracted by Shambhala International to provide support to the community.  To learn more or participate in the services offered to the Shambhala Community, including reporting of abuse or harm, please refer to their recent letter to the Shambhala community. 
    Services are being provided in these areas:
    • Neutral place to report accounts of any incidents of misconduct or harm that will include a toll free telephone line
    • Drafting new policies and procedures
    • Victim advocacy
    • Planning for and training incoming leadership
    • Facilitating regional meetings
    • Working to promote reconciliation

  • Avalon Sexual Assualt Centre – If you need to speak with someone urgently about what is arising for you in relation to all of this recent news there are excellent resources in our Halifax community. Avalon Sexual Assault Center is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 4:30 pm, and offers a wide range of resources. You can call them at (902) 422-4240.


Halifax Shambhala Centre

Here at our local Halifax Shambhala Centre, we are still committed to offering teachings on meditation with the view of fundamental worthiness, and goodness. We do not condone violence, or sexual misconduct/harm.  Locally, we will be hosting education sessions for our members so that we can expand our awareness around issues relating to power dynamics, consent, and sexualized harm. During this time, the Halifax Centre offers support to the community and continues to offer classes, retreats, and meditations.

We are committed to being genuine and open through this difficult time.  Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you want further information about what has unfolded thus far in the Shambhala community locally or internationally. We will do our best to address any questions or concerns you have.


Care & Conduct Policy

Shambhala is committed to a practice, study, and work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is each person’s right to be free from harassment, mistreatment, and discrimination. In addition to being bound individually and as a community to basic Shambhala and Buddhist standards of conduct, we are also citizens of the larger communities in which our centres are located worldwide and, therefore, must abide by public laws. These include but are not limited to laws pertaining to alcohol, drugs, and sexual conduct. Each individual has the right to practice, study, and work in an atmosphere that is free from discrimination.

If any individual is concerned that the behavior of a member of the Shambhala community, including any of its office-holders, may not have been in accordance with this statement of principle, please contact us. Any such communications will be handled in accordance with the procedures set down in Shambhala Care and Conduct, a copy of which is available at our centre. Please contact our Centre Director  to initiate a complaint or to discuss this policy.