Victim Blaming Disguised as Dharma

Bob Thurman recently did a podcast on abuse in Buddhism, and though he said some  things that some may find helpful in the examination of the issues raised by abuse in Buddhism, I think we need to talk about the part where he fosters one of the ideas that enabled abuse and victim blaming in …

Dangerous Ideas that Support Abuse

Orgyen Tobgyal promotes violence In Paris last year at the Rigpa Centre, Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche publicly said about spiritual teachers, "Such great beings, whether it coresponds to western ideas or not, if they kill someone, it's fine.Whatever they do is for the benefit of sentient beings" and "Beating hard increases wisdom." Click here to see …

Why Rigpa Students Find it Hard to Challenge Sogyal Rinpoche’s Abuse

When Rigpa students study Ngondro, they are indoctrinated with teachings that make it very difficult for them to challenge their teacher’s abusive behaviour. Below are some of the key ‘teachings’ that supported the idea that we had to do whatever Sogyal asked of us and that everything he did, even if it didn’t ‘appear’ to …

Seeing the Master as a Buddha, an Examination

This week we have a post by Joanne Clark. One belief on Tahlia’s list of “Beliefs We Need to Examine” has spoken particularly strongly to me: You must see your master as the Buddha if you want the blessings of the Buddha;  This belief pervades Tibetan Buddhist culture. I had received that instruction myself, first …