SPECIAL REPORT: Secrets of Shambhala

[@twbl218]

I was a student at Naropa in boulder 40 years ago. It was extremely sexual, lots of nudity, lots of sharing. Lots of people knew of inappropriate behavior by leadership. The curriculum back then was total BS and it totally drained my finances. I’m still messed up financially with a worthless degree. I visited the Rocky Mountain Shambala Center when they were building it. I was asked many times to volunteer but there was no pay for months of service. I was friends with one of Chogyam Trungpa’s illegitimate children at the time. He was a junkie on the run for grave robberies at the time, but I was such a fruit-looped zombie and out of my skull, It somehow didn’t seem to matter. I still struggle with PTSD from those days. It sucks that Shambala is still proving to be a dangerous cult. I’m still Buddhist but self practicing, without a cult leader.

[@kunchoktashii]

Damn bro for real? Was it his son that raps and acts black?

[@twbl218]

@@kunchoktashii not sure. It was 30 years ago when I knew him in 95. I’m still screwed up from that whole experience. I’ve probably said way too much already. It’s literally been one day at time since.

[@evolveyourself9518]

Can't trust anyone who claims they're a "guru" or "life coach." Narcissism. We're supposed be our own guru and life coach.

[@bartoszszczepaniak169]

Guru in Tibetan Buddhism means completely different stuff.

[@Kristi-j3g]

True that ❤

[@Poppy-yx8js]

I’m a life coach! I’m against cults ! Please don’t give all of us a bad name - any certified life coach is actually only allowed to help you break down your goal into smaller achievable steps - don’t get us confused with what you see on the internet.

[@gilliani.4328]

All religious & spiritual communities need an “outside” Human Resources Department for staff & the community. And everyone must be made aware that it exists. I have been listening to podcasts and KZbin about Shambala & other religious communities & the horrific misconducts in so many. These people need to know they are not above the law, like any other corporation/business.

[@francesmorris6293]

Shambhala (of which I was a member for many years) has proved itself to be a cult which has offered absolutely no reparations to its victims and which attempted to de-legitimize the many claims of sexual and psychological abuse, calling the whistleblower "crazy" and threatening to destroy the courageous lawyer who defended her and the victims. It has denied all the allegations as untrue. Its leader (Mipham Rinpoche, the Sakyong) is being encouraged to return to teach. His alcoholism and sex addiction have never been addressed, so the nightmare continues. The fact that "Barry's" sexism and abusiveness is still part of "the scene" proves that this organization has learned nothing re. its criminal and irresponsible behavior. The students who are enrolled in this upcoming program need to be told that they will not be safe and should not go there.

[@tjc17]

Thanks for speaking out, and for your bravery, Frances.

[@charlesrae3793]

I can't help thinking that Trungpa has a lot to answer for, mahasiddha or not. I read an article that said that these situations arose because westerners were naive and gullible when these exotic gurus first appeared. In Tibet there were structures to contain such behaviour. Also, I do think the rest of the Tibetan community has a lot to answer for. They excused the behaviour of Sogyal and others because they brought money to the centres, and also because of a sense of Tibetans versus the rest. I am always astounded that the bubble of the vajrayana hasn't burst with all the scandals arising.

[@joansutton]

Good for those girls! They weren't taken in and they spoke out.

[@eddie1078]

Shocked to see Chapman still running students up to Shambhala Mountain Center at 2k a pop. Next course begins Jan.14 for 10 days. The Police are STILL investigating this outfit for covering up the very kind of sexual misconduct which these kids are discussing. Does Chapman have better intel than the cops here?

[@eddie1078]

@Goth Vaush - Jedi Master Engineer No. Not sure where this went exactly but Sham has a way of dealing with these things, generally involving lack of contrition ironically. Supposedly that's the basis of the buddhist path...

[@shantidewa]

Trust me I am Tibetan and most of these tulkus rimpoche specialy those who live in west most of them are still abusing weak mind young woman’s it’s very sad and nobody do something

[@joanmarietsultrimparkin1821]

😅 the patriarchy,, elitism.and arrogance, of a large art of "tibetan"presentation activity and enactment.of Hsutanas teachings .is poison and a sign of the Tibetan.degeneration of the teachings of buddhism ..That this occurred in Tibet circa 11gh/ 12th century happened 10:31 causing complete corruption of. The lineaages and the diospora in 1959. Of tibetans of all castes . Including monks etc from.Tibet ..due to their own flaws around this feudal.religious society ..a karma that came to fruition. And continued as the refugee high lamas came out to the west etc sbd presented the the sacred teachings With. Sectarian flaws.Today 2024 much of the patriarchy is corrupt. And students must choose wisely and use time to examine trachers and teachings every where these teachings are offered. . Jtp..an ordained nun 3o years

[@joanmarietsultrimparkin1821]

All phosophy and religion has a place Where inner realized expetiental truth. Must .be.honoured in. ones own.mind which is the place that is the consciousness creating. Inner peace anf wisdom . ultimately all teachings are fingers pointing to the Moon .. Words are futile.. And they harmful actions of ego satiated "teachers" are very criplpling and devastating.. .

[@bac1087]

Great reporting! This is so sad and such a betrayal of the dharma. Sexual misconduct and the dharma are not compatible, you really can't justify overt sexual predation in the name of the Buddha. I think there may have been some good eggs in the Shambhala community before the sexual abuse allegations went public, but anyone who's still around has more devotion to their 'king' than the authentic buddhadharma, and it shows.

[@rollingrock3480]

Excellent work Chapman news!

[@tjc17]

Thank you for your bravery. I hope this video reaches many, and I hope this information saves people from harm.

[@nachojimenez2420]

Good job, Chapman journalists. You painted a pretty clear picture of the sick "society" that is Shambhala. You summed it up based on a short amount of experience Stay far away. As someone who was more on the inside, I have to say that it is accurate.

[@wiwidity]

how sick is your American society? I stay away from that society and most of the world is disgusted by US society in general. So its an irony to hear these comments

[@nachojimenez2420]

@@wiwidity Fuck off. Shambhala is not "US society" Cram it up your idiot ass. no one cares what you think.

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks so much!

[@infozencentre]

As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I'm always appalled to see people say 'oh that man spoke to me, he must be up to something' or I heard this... it must mean... I can't call this a news channel. Maybe there's something going on, the police will sought that out, but the three presenters are just horrendously entitled 20 somethings

[@Stardustpal25]

Your minimizing Exactly ALL the incidents reported then personally denigrating these women who reported, proves who you are. 🤲🏾🕯️

[@SnigglePuff]

Awesome reporting!

[@eddie1078]

Can you tell us why a Chapman University Title IX Complaint has not been filed on this VERY serious incident, and on what assurances (absent such a Complaint) is Chapman U sending another busload of students to SMC in 10 days time? Jessica says the last trip broke her spirit. Dean Gaffney is reported as saying she would have an assurance before students arrve at SMC, yet the program was clearly planned absent such assurance. Something is WAY fucked up here surely?

[@francesmorris6293]

Thanks to our efforts, Chapman has terminated this program, thank God!

[@omahaflynn5937]

The Shambhala teachings have been tainted....run by evil

[@LeandroVelez7]

Shambhala, y’all fucked it up.

[@abianuabianu7368]

Shambhala is real city .we wanna find that 👍👍👍

[@eddie1078]

Excellent, professional work folks on an insidiously secretive organisation. I know many of the people involved in covering up crime in Shambhala over the past few decades and was myself the subject of attempted murder and multiple physical assaults with witnesses at another of their retreat centers similar to Shambhala Mountain Center - Dorje Denma Ling in Nova Scotia, Canada on the east coast.. I left the organisation in 2014, blowing the whistle and forced a couple of firings. But the main allegations were swept under their rug and although Larimer County Sheriff's Office referenced here found credibility in my allegations, they were lied to by Shambhala officials and no compelling evidence sufficient to bring charges has yet been found. This organisation thinks itself above the law. Stay away.

[@sashas3362]

Can you explain in some detail what happened? What was the motive for trying to murder you?

[@eddie1078]

@@sashas3362 The matter is under investigation.

[@matthewspears3786]

Shambhala rose out of the free love 70s, and many senior teachers still wish society was like that.

[@RK5312-e9b]

Sakyong is scheduled to return to teaching In 2020 against the recommendations of the Olive Branch, the company hired by Shambhala to investigate the sexual assault claims. Shambhala is no place for Buddhist study, it's more like a sex club. Their latest version of the revised care and conduct policy includes a non disclosure agreement you must sign before they will look into your claim... Chapman needs to reevaluate sending people here.

[@giorgiorosa4402]

Why isn't Pema Chodron embodying the wrathful dieties and stopping this bullshit? That monster creature thing with her Devatta approach to meditation insulted mediators for shifting in their seats, but she remains a good girl and complies with a corporate PR machine and says nothing despite constant scandal? Where is the Buddhism?

[@julians9763]

If you want enlightenment, don't be tempted to go to a Shambhala, an ashram , or resort. You don't need corruption taking advantage of you in the name of enlightenment.

[@yvesklein5414]

I applaud you for making such an important report. Stay away from Shambhala. there are many other meditation centers to choose from, and you should always be skeptical and trust your own experience, which is more of a Buddhist way to behave. That profoundly ugly professor at Chapman looks like he's just part of the predatory bunch. He should be fired. Many people leave this sangha after a few months. That is a shame because meditation is a truly worthwhile practice. with much appreciation because finally people are discussing this openly.

[@Xaviergonzalez85]

I'm surprised they even got it on air.

[@txtardis7887]

Good job not being quite about this and investigating it.

[@greyjay9202]

Its like the scandals in the Catholic Church, all over again. Wherever there are hierarchical structures, wherever there are concentrations of power, wherever there are "leaders" and "followers", the environment is ripe for abuse. Sexual predation is quite common in communities of all types. The gnomelike professor at your university who taught comparative religion courses, and approved of these off-campus excursions, made me deeply uneasy. Again I am reminded of that old nugget of wisdom: Beware of "experts." Educational institutions and bureaucracies can and do harbor abusers and those who enable them. Shambhala has a long history of unsavory behavior. I would advise people to steer clear of that organization. There are Buddhist teachers who deliver the real goods, without all that predatory activity.

[@ShivBB]

Shambhala is originally called Siddhashram or Gyanganj in Sanatan Dharma. Shri Vishuddhanand Paramhamsa is from the lineage of Gyanganj, which is the land of the Siddhas or the mystics

[@dunexapa1016]

This 'Shambhala Mountain Center' absolutely reeks of fakeness. Too bad these students are so naive. In the words of Buddha; "Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own *common sense.* "

[@cevxj]

well produced

[@stoverboo]

Where were the DK when these things were happening? Jesse Grimes has a lot to answer for.

[@iainmair485]

Sham-bhala indeed.

[@BegoodBehumble-hs3ms]

This is what happens when fake people try to be a genuine teacher, just like the Most of the Lama nowadays and especially the head lama from the drigung kagyu school in India. Such a disgrace to the Buddhist society

[@schottschott6825]

A British woman I knew moved to India to study meditating in ashrams and be around yogis who live in nature supposedly on path to enlightenment She mentioned so many of the meditation teachers and so called gurus all flirted and made advances at her during meditating etc. she realized so many of those men are just not in control of their lust and we’rent very nice people

[@lamajinpa5374]

Very nice

[@Crime-Politics]

Thank you for this important video on firsthand experience of sex abuse in 'Buddhism'. It gets worse than sex abuse though: Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana) is not teachings given by Buddha. He only gave the Mahayana and Theravada teachings. Vajrayana was taught by Padmasambhava, who lived 800 years after Buddha and who taught the opposite of Buddha. The physical, psychological, and spiritual abuse is not an exception, it's core practice. The 'holy' aura of the Dalai Lama gurus consists of the resources that they parasitize through their abuse. They enable the abuse with to the demonic means that Padmasambhava gave.

[@birdthompson]

vajrayana is consistent w Buddha's teachings. it is not "demonic". may the Dalai Lama live long, benefiting countless beings!

[@connardvirtuel2645]

Is it the thing that was iniated by Chögyam Trungpa?

[@connardvirtuel2645]

@enigma chögyam trungpa was a drunkard and a collective drug user,yes...

[@connardvirtuel2645]

@enigma but is that the same organisation?

[@connardvirtuel2645]

@enigma ok.Thank you.

[@seaweedhero1707]

Yes. Vajradhatu became Shambhala. Sakyong Mipham is the eldest son of Trungpa.

[@connardvirtuel2645]

@@seaweedhero1707 ok,thank you.

[@africazanella6963]

admit guilt

[@theothersidenumber9307]

What about the poor elementary school kids, it’s sick.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

SHUT IT DOWN!

[@muneendramunee3013]

Hmm

[@stonesofdestinytribe]

So this is about a preditory instructor.

[@maxsmith111]

Better to simply do silent retreat there 🤭. The land is magical, but our mouths get us into trouble!!

[@mogambo4565]

Buddha started a monastic school. Any Organization which has no monastic attributes is not buddhist.

[@leestevens5546]

Wow, talk about conflation! Talk of arrest and condemnation , comparing tender behavior to rape and molestation all stemming from being flirtatious!

[@WoodstockG54]

It’s sad that humans are so F up. It happens in every circle on the planet. Good news though, there are other who live their truths. It’s easy to brush all in the same hue. You want to find truth? Here’s a hint, it doesn’t cost money and a bonus is if they are married.

[@rs6730]

Defund all these liberal colleges.

[@jaybhavani8416]

We expect discussion on Literature of Pandit Gopi Krishna Unbelievable mysterious spiritual experiences... * Unbelievable mysterious powerful spiritual path Kundalini Yoga Ramlal ji siyag sidhayog 🎉 Unexpected Physical-mental-spiritual changes in person 🎉 We expect informative knowledgeable videos on above subject. Towards the Truth . 🎉

[@tams6009]

🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@muneendramunee3013]

Great ..but we have to move another way.

[@zinnia3684]

Get saved in the name of Jesus Christ. No one comes to the Father but through The son.

[@omahaflynn5937]

The Shambhala teachings of Chogyam has been usurped by bad actors😮😢

[@sandiegobailey]

Not really. He was known to sleep with quite a few of his students and he did die of cirrhosis due to his raging alcoholism.

[@mikeygreenman]

what a troll ! literally

[@amandashineyourlight2498]

I've heard enough. If true, keep away.

[@consciousawakening8092]

They found their way into their way into this Utopian Paradise and i hey you ever they can't find their way back. Drinking off the fountains of youth. Going to be adusty year.

[@kunchoktashii]

Damn is this barry dude fired yet?

[@MILKYWAYLIVESMATTERTOO]

Hold up try lions mayn coffee.

[@jasonjenkins8910]

Chogyam Trungpa, his song Sakyong Mipham, Reginald Ray all abusers it seems ...

[@mattrkelly]

i mean... it was bad because it was a creepy old man. but if it was a young good looking guy this video wouldnt have been made...

[@ResoRonnie]

Okay I'm appalled at sexual abuse or that type of s*** against women but come on it was one dude he got fired but you're blowing it out of proportion so she ran into her stop crying like you're going to ruin it a beautiful experience for other students just because you're traumatized because f****** you ran into one perv in your life?

[@Xaviergonzalez85]

Brave plucky journalism.....

[@maryannechilds6459]

this is a load of bs. a mountain out of a molehill cmon find a real problem to worry abt.

[@dev_peace_soul]

I want to tell u this is Hinduism thing 😃

[@TawsifEC]

Standard cult politico-drama.

[@nancyyanez8179]

Where there are eagles, there are snakes; watch up, there are many of these transvesties all over the worlds and religions.

[@RK5312-e9b]

Trungpa talks about rape as part of Vajrayogini practice here m.imgur.com/gallery/vj4lebS