Sogyal Rinpoche in disgrace. Part 4: Sangye Nawang

www.bodhitv.nl
In july 2017, Sogyal Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhist organization Rigpa, fell into disgrace, following accusations of sexual and physical abuse. Eight prominent students of Rigpa and Sogyal Rinpoche wrote a letter about the misconduct of their spiritual leader. Sangye Nawang, a buddhist monk and Director Technique for Rigpa International, was one of them. Sangye speaks with Menno Bijleveld through skype, from his hotel room in Bangkok.
The interview is made by Menno Bijleveld. In July 2017, Menno decided to terminate his membership of the Tibetan Buddhist organization Rigpa. It also meant the end of his 25 yearlong relationship with Sogyal Rinpoche, Rigpa’s spiritual leader. Increasing rumours and messages concerning sexual, physical and psychological abuse and his extravagant lifestyle choices have damaged his faith in Sogyal as a spiritual teacher. In his view, a buddhist teacher who preaches love and compassion should also embody these qualities himself.
Following his own feelings of confusion and anger, as well as the struggle of others, he took up the idea to interview several people who are involved in this difficult situation. How do they perceive the actions of Sogyal Rinpoche? How do they cope with the accusations? And to what extend do Sogyals teachings remain valid?
With these series Menno wants to re-evaluate his relationship with buddhism and the dharma.
www.bodhitv.nl

[@rossmorebaz]

Honestly.. when i first heard about these events .. I couldn't believe it, I was completely shocked..Now i just feel so completely disappointed by Sogyal Rinpoche and his actions...... The most important thing for me is that the Dharma is still the Dharma .... .. the teachings arent Sogyal Rinpoches teachings, they are the Buddhas teachings, and they are still valid and will always be true.. Even now after we know all about what Sogyal Rinpoche has done ...I will still always be a buddhist ..I won't lose my beliefs and nor should you .. .. As for Sogyal....He has created some very bad Karma for himself.. He will have to face that someday... The Tibetan book of living and dying really helped me during difficult times in my life and for that I am very grateful ...but its so sad what he has done because I used to admire hm so much.... HE who preached the wisdom of EGOLESSNESS in fact had the biggest EGO of all

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

Bucky Longtree i am saying this as a black american woman, please seek help

[@Cleo2706]

I believed it right away, something was too odd in how he liked to dominate and humilitate in public, feels more like a Narcistic Pervert than a high Guru he claimed loudly to be SORRY

[@nancyhooper7715]

I believe the accusations completely. He only flirted with me, but it was all very strange and baffling coming from someone who is supposed to be devoted to a spiritual life. Even the little things like dying his grey hair black. Why would a spiritual teacher care about the physical in that way? He was quite abrupt with me also, and now I think it was because I ignored his flirting and asked a spiritual question (I respectfully asked permission to first), and after he answered he harshly motioned me away like I was an irritating mosquito. I just kept seeing the contrasts with other spiritual teachers I’ve known. It’s very sad reality. Bless everyone involved. I wish all great progress.

[@taoman85]

I feel the same way. My mom just died and she was abusive. I took care of her the last several years. I was in disbelief at 1st. And, I struggle with his teachings.

[@fabianminor7876]

While I was doing a three year Tibetan retreat at Karma ling the whole norhla Rinpoche sex scandal came to light, it was horrible and I'm thankful for that experience because I no longer follow blindly anybody or anything

[@simpernchong]

PC Sim 1 minute ago (edited) If you have not realise No-self and this gain stream entry during your practice with whichever teacher, then, in my opinion, the organisation is not benefiting the practitioner or the teacher himself is not sufficiently awakened and thus a potential fraud. No need to go about analysing whether the teacher is authentic or not. A proper Buddhist Training should be able to awaken the practitioner sufficently so that full enlightenment is inevitable. Stream entry is not really very difficult, with proper guidance and training.

[@wiredwithwalsh6282]

Menno! Excellent work! I am so impressed. It is brave to do what you did. I was a fan of that monster for a while, but never a member. Man, they beat people in Japanese Buddhism, they beat people in Tibetan Buddhism and someone told me that it happens in Thai Buddhism as well. Could it not be the "toxic masculinity" of Buddhism, which really has no respect for women.

[@6Uncles]

song name?

[@louisemariec3608]

It's very clear when you understand he's a narcissist! I always found the Dalai Lama to be a more stabilizing and loving influence and I still like him but believe Rigpa to be a cult.

[@silvertenzin]

LouiseMarie C They’re ALL cults of self righteousness under the charade of compassion & kindness. I’m a Tibetan myself but I found Jesus as the only Truth & the WAY to heaven. Stay vigilant 😎

[@Cleo2706]

I copy a prayer by HH Sangy Nyenpa destined to avoid false gurus: Whatever happens in my life, good or bad, Praised or blamed, glorifies or disparaged, as causes and conditions to accomplish enlightenment, may I be able to bring them onto the path. Whatever wealth, drin and food, lack essence and illusory, by realising the correct view may I be able to take the essence of all. A "big name" teacher without wisdom deceiving others while lacking realisation who craves "gain", these three, may I never meet in this life or the next. Those who turn empowerments and instructions into "business" Use monasteries for power and position and its property for private ownership, these three may I see them like poison and weapons Angye Nyempa wrote this with sadness

[@ashleygarden6906]

The music!!! So disturbing. Why? I hate when this happens in documentaries.

[@catrionamundle597]

I am so glad to hear S identified as a narcissist. This was my first thought - when I was sitting in a kitchen with him and a few others in North London and watched him preening himself, giving infinite attention to his fingernails as he manicured them, completely and utterly ignoring the rpesence of everyone else. But - it was the first time I had been exposed to the ideas of Tibetan Buddhism, so I continued attending his evenings, even though I was castigated by a Jungian friend who protested that he was visibly and unethically manipulating females in the audience with low self esteem. The moment of realisation came when, for the first time, I felt deeply touched and moved by what he was saying, and realised that he was actually reading the writings of a Dzogchen master - a real master, with real understanding. However I have to admit that he had some special ability to make himself obeyed! Once I had a coughing fit; he said stop coughing, and I found myself able to stop, to control it. My own embarrassment and desire to stop had not been enough, but somehow his command worked.

[@Cleo2706]

your impression was genuine, he's a puffed up EGO

[@renntobs]

You are so glad?! Ist dies eine buddhistische Haltung? Bah!!

[@Cleo2706]

I guessed something was wrong with him, although he had a lot of talent and wit. And yes, of course its good the thing finally finished in a scandal, which it really is, especially for bouddhists. There are enough honest lamas, but the better they are, the more choosy they are to pic their students.

[@simonherz370]

Thank you. Good work. Helps a lot.

[@EvelynMarrast]

The background music is too loud.

[@1951kvk]

In the Sakya School, we never talk about crazy wisdom.

[@johnwhitneypettit6945]

Excellent, informative discussion with Sangye Ngawang. Practically all the disgraced "gurus" in the world are narcissists in some degree. It's a fairly hopeless condition. They rarely seek to change. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder#Treatment

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

John Whitney Pettit absolutely. my zen teacher wasnt sexually abusive (at least i hope not) but he definitely was NPD. I have NEVER met anyone with such a large and fragile ego which is ironic considering the whole point of buddhism. Most people leave him but he still has his weird cohort of groupies

[@cujfugvjhffhchch491]

Narcissistic deceiver . Looking up to anyone is the start to wrong , Respect of the soul is one level . 🙏

[@ratpark5008]

Behave as badly as you like and call it crazy wisdom.

[@wendyshoowaiching4161]

Do you understand what you are talking about. I am 35 years in Buddhism. I notice you don't really acquire the full depth of understanding Buddhism's text. There are 4-5 vehicles of Buddhism. The Tibetan-5 sects, the Mahayana, The Thai (Hinayana, small vehicle), The Tao, ....., I can't remember, 84,000 dramas. The several hundreds of monk and nuns precepts, The mental cultivation, the vast universe of merit transference, how to achieve buddhahood (road map) etc etc. Even for 35 years, I have not fully know the full 100% text knowledge, the stages of physical and mental cultivation (purity & defilement). Its a lifetime after lifetime of cultivation accumulation of merits to buddhahood cultivation. I am sad because of some misunderstanding, you bad mouth the genuine good Buddha's teaching. Just remember, no one can give you cultivation merits but your own hardwork only. So after so many years as a blind faith followers, you didn't learn anything to keep silent is golden. To reach Enlightenment , understand these key words 1. Karma (Study these well): 1. Good Karma ( 2. Bad Karma (Defilement)

[@Samrushtonblight]

Classic authoritarian narcissism. It's amazing how often the spiritual community empowers and enables these monsters.

[@Cleo2706]

He perverted the teachings to cover up his manipulations and abuses. Who can compare with Naropa? Who really understands the meaning of Naropa's actions? But oh, how handy to justify abuse. "I'm much softer than Naropa, you're lucky". Nyingmapa's should take their teachings of Guru Rimpoche anyway, and he had very LOVING relationships with his mistresses who became very famous yoginis.

[@ogathingo8885]

Sadly Buddha’s teaching and Non Himalayan/Tibetan students are victim of the new age “ gurus” , who are charismatic, good public speaker and well adapted to western cultures! I feel great sadness to hear their pain especially as Tibetan! I hope in future the students, who want to take refuge to Buddha’s teaching seek their teacher wisely and do not let blinded by fame and cultish environment but Avoid such places…. May you all find the Teachings of Buddha but not trapped by promises of quick enlightenment …. It took Buddha many eons to reach Buddha and any one who promises you an “quick enlightenment “ stay away from such persons.

[@juliasmith5267]

Thank you kindly 💓 This really sounds hard to believe, but I've just seen that Sri Avinash in Australia is now transmitting the enlightened state to members of the public, called the Satori Transmission. 🤲 People are experiencing a what enlightenment feels like through him within minutes. It just seems so rare and precious that I felt the need to share about it. I know I sound crazy but it's actually true! #sriavinashsatori ❤️💙

[@kohkkniew5905]

He lied about going into retreat but was actually having a good time in Thailand! Finally retribution comes ! Abide in the law of karma or become like sogyal!!!!

[@davidozz4068]

How do you know that? As I understood he was diagnosed with cancer right around that time?

[@maymei6742]

As Ajahn Chah, told his disciples, he was glad they saw him as an average person ... because you said you should not look for Buddha in others... instead look for it in yourself

[@JJ-uo9tj]

It's so sad to see how the Western world glorified the lamaism for years, and now the people suffer from the consequences😮 Please stop using "Budhism" to describe Tibetan Lamanism! China warned the world more than 70 years ago about human abuse and killing in this Tibet Lamarism, but was ignored by the Western world, until recent years!

[@silvertenzin]

To control or to have a submissive follower, one has to emotionally break them to the point of low self esteem & self doubt. Then, they’ll RELY on you as the Master because they’re broken already!!!!!!!!!🙏 Get out of ALL religious Cults. They all the same.

[@taoman85]

I don't know if they always break you down. Sometimes you just belie believe in the philosophy.

[@stevenkok1926]

DISGRACE IS NOT THE MIDDLE PATH.

[@oneseeker2]

Took.too many years for Soyal to disappear, all those years harming others!

[@marymoore253]

He tested me psychologically to see my level. Am I strong enough. He beat the ones who shouldn't be there. You have to be invited to work close with him.

[@jacquedaw]

Nope, that was just the justification he used to cover up his abuse and to make people feel special and to not question him, you fell for it. It is amazing how we can distort our thinking if we are in a culture for long enough. I hope one day you realise how elitist your view is and how lacking in compassion. I hope you find the healing to one day experience the true love and compassion of the Buddha and the wisdom to see just how far wrong you have gone. You make Buddhism sound like Darwinism survival of the fittest.

[@stevenkok1926]

Unknown number of people in a state of being trapped in the Dhamma net.

[@nancymcgee9947]

I am so glad that when I sponsored Sogyal Rinpoche was in 1979 when he was just warming up on his bullshit. All he did in Portland is refuse to stay in the Dharma Center because it didn't have a TV. Instead he stayed with my vest friend who was pretty, had a new big screen TV, and slept with him. Caused minimal problems other than being RUDE😅

[@adelaidefoster7320]

Not only Rigpa :/ Tibetan Buddhism has a culture of secrecy which invites these sorts of behaviors

[@Cleo2706]

it invites quite the contrary, sorry, just follow what Lord Bouddha said and you follow the true Dharma and leave these Guignols

[@zinakan]

@@Cleo2706 Tibetan Buddhism sucks. Other forms of buddhism are much better.

[@Cleo2706]

@@zinakan Different religions and different paths of the same religion are all made to meet the different temperaments of sentient beings. And good day

[@dekyiphuntsok2072]

Adelaide Foster On behalf of Tibetan community and the followers of lord Buddha’s teachings I am very sorry to hear such a sad news!!!! There’s no excuses what happened with this cases and I am sure this matters are dealt with according to law of justice. It’s very sad to hear some people criticizing Tibetan culture and Buddhism’s on social media with little knowledge of our rich heritage and culture. Let me answer to Adelaide foster This is totally misunderstanding what you are saying! We don’t have a culture of secrecy or this kind of behaviors are totally against our beliefs and taboos!!!!! Just because one individual done something wrong you can’t blame the whole community and their beliefs!!!

[@virginialiarrea3953]

Slowly slowly the true is coming out, so many fallowers can wake up and leave the cult.

[@eastwestblason7213]

He died 4 years ago

[@pablorivera376]

We must learn to recognize the wolf behind any disguise.

[@Rhombohedral]

for the ending of the video to turn to the dalai lam I woudl questionthat especially as his holliness has been a major part of the propagating for decades of the problem with him actively silencing and ridiculing the whole issue the DL on this very issue 20 years ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXu5nmqEedx-f6s but i would agree a true comassionet teacher might help what i think might be good self help the book by Berzin *Relating to a Spiritual Teacher: Building A Healthy Relationship* what deals in depth with dealing with abusive teacher and when its time to move on and how to heal. and it is also a good training for those that want ways to measure and asses a potential guru, as that is a major topic as well So instead of trying your luck with HH DL, I would strongly suggest invest 18$ in that book And Berzin is a very good source as well very connected to the DL, without being the DL

[@stevenkok1926]

Unknown number of people in a state of mental confusion.

[@stevenkok1926]

Unknown number of people being threatened to keep silent or else.

[@stevenkok1926]

Unknown number of people know not what is egolessness or bodily contact is all about in any kind of psycho-physiology practice.

[@moonmissy]

I don’t know why all these people can follow a guy like this? A teacher must set example and live by what they teaches. That’s the yard stick to measure a good teacher. Crazy wisdom is just an excuse to abuse. Maybe Marpa was just abusive and his student couldn’t get over it even after enlightenment. It happened so long ago, the story could have been conflated so many times.

[@WoodstockG54]

For an outsider, it makes it difficult to navigate who is who and because of this type of shit, I turn my back on the dharma. Like with the Catholic Church. that does nothing to correct the situation , you’ll find nothing from these teachers. Evidently, Sogyal mustn’t believe in the dharma.

[@normanseagull4027]

Power corrupts and can also be an aphrodisiac no matter what they look like.

[@sebastiank9175]

Buddhism and dharma is perfect ! humans are not, at the end of the day don't loose focus and sight of our aim that is to learn dharma and find our buddha nature. we need wisdom to judge at times and not to believe blindly. Wether its true or not in the end we are all responsible for our own karma.

[@kwixotic]

All this makes Sogyal the Jim Jones of Tibetan Buddhism.

[@michael1345]

That is a ridiculous comparison. One is deep disappointments and regrets. The other was death. Which one do you think you can come back from.

[@ngaswan1383]

This is insane signal in the name of guru , take it in justice and learn some lesson .

[@humanbeing130]

Beaware of the preachers: Those who preach love, need love Those who preach god, need god - Charles Bukowski Fuck cults ! You need to be the light in yourself You are the master and the student. - Jiddu Krishnamurti Grow up

[@jlindsay4417]

This abuse would probably never developed and continued so long if Tibet had it’s country and culture intact. The social upheaval and changes may have let Sogyal continue despite his narcissistic personality disorder. Perhaps a more intact community could of caught it sooner? NOT blaming! Just thinking how culture copes with drastic hange

[@jlindsay4417]

Change

[@simpernchong]

If you have not realise No-self and this gain stream entry during your practice with whichever teacher, then, in my opinion, the organisation is not benefiting the practitioner or the teacher himself is not sufficiently awakened and thus a potential fraud. No need to go about analysing whether the teacher is authentic or not. A proper Buddhist Training should be able to awaken the practitioner sufficently so that full enlightenment is inevitable. Stream entry is not really very difficult, with proper guidance and training.

[@ancentcena3872]

Black magician fighting back 😂😂😂😂

[@marymoore253]

The women in Bangkok wore only black so that there would be no compition among them and they chose their own clothes.

[@stevenkok1926]

RIDICULOUS.

[@wisdominspiredlife]

This experience does not define Sogyal's life. Us mere mortals cannot fully comprehend the meaning of all the events in his life. the vast majority of his legacy is positive with some apparently highly regrettable aspects.

[@simpernchong]

PC Sim 1 minute ago (edited) If you have not realise No-self and this gain stream entry during your practice with whichever teacher, then, in my opinion, the organisation is not benefiting the practitioner or the teacher himself is not sufficiently awakened and thus a potential fraud. No need to go about analysing whether the teacher is authentic or not. A proper Buddhist Training should be able to awaken the practitioner sufficently so that full enlightenment is inevitable. Stream entry is not really very difficult, with proper guidance and training.

[@Gela799]

Ik wil alles stoppen, stop gewoon en laat wat er is Waar de ogen kijken en Er zal waarschijnlijk iets mooiers onderweg zijn🤯 zoiets als iets dat je gelukkig kan maken Alles om je heen bij elke stap die je hier neemt, neemt een stap, je stelt je voor dat we een stap gaan, keek gewoon terug en je ziet al en je kunt en je begrijpt dat je op dat moment iets kunt maak de volgende stap hetzelfde iets anders😅🤔😆

[@sangaytanchong6337]

Just can't judge.... Seemingly wrong.. 😭😭 generally sex should not be used publicly and without consent, for wisdom. Remember osho who was misusing power and let all do sex freely

[@sarancherenteginkhasar1319]

in that context, what your view of tilopa then? your treatment is nothing compared towhat naropa had to face. its works both way between teacher and student. playing out our neurosis. having a feast or ganachakra. those moments are the time to transform. only enemy gives us opportunity to pracitice patience or whatever. it shows that tantra teaching is never meant for you, better follow theravada or even better follow abrahmic religion like islam, christ and judaism. that suit your mentality.it was sogyal rinpoche part mistake to give advance teachings when his followers lack the basic foundation of understanding tantra

[@adelaidefoster7320]

therein lies the truth that sogyal isn't comparable to Tilopa: a really enlightened teacher would not have taught anything the students were not ready for

[@Cleo2706]

leave TILOPA out please, merci

[@iainhughes2998]

saran cheren take your head out of your arse he was a abuser stop blaming the victims all the best Jigme wangpo

[@taoman85]

That's cuz you had no Black folks he did that too. Well, at least no Blacks from the northeast.

[@stevenkok1926]

DISGRACE IS NOT BODHI DAMO.

[@helenaperez6808]

sogyal rinpoche is a nasty person. How he can hold that king of tittle, Rinpoche should be in jail

[@karmatenzinnamjha1227]

Remember his good deeds, forgive his bad deeds. As Buddha has said; all sentient beings had at one point of time been our loved ones.

[@andreasexarchos2690]

rmittd to r

[@wangchennorbu9727]

Fake reports

[@pemajikmey4006]

You don’t how to receive blessing from Teacher, and you don’t know what is the meaning of Lama teacher in vajaryana. You are talking only your side views so you don’t anything about vajaryana buddhism. You criticise your own lama teacher is the most negative karma in this samsara. You are totally out of Mahayana buddhism n special vajaryana.

[@dhamozuku6986]

You all are going to in hell place because you abused your own teacher, you already accepted he was your teacher and received so many teachings from him. You knew what is Vajaryana samaya but you didn’t regret to criticize your own teacher. Samaya will find you one day.