H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Comments on the Troubles in #Rigpa – Tibetan Buddhism – #MeToo

Comment by RH in Contemporary Buddhism Group :

It is encouraging that the Dalai Lama, at long last, spoke out openly about Sogyal Lakar and Rigpa. We should not forget, however, that he did so only after survivors’ stories and questions by reporters worldwide made it inevitable.

Likewise, we should not forget that for decades survivors and witnesses have repeatedly warned the Dalai Lama in vain about the sexual abuse by Sogyal Lakar, Namkha Rinpoche, and other Tibetan lamas. So far, Sogyal is the sole Tibetan abuser who the Dalai Lama has mentioned by name, while many others like him remain unnamed.

Finally, I am not aware of any effort by the Dalai Lama to invite survivors to share their experiences directly with him. His comments, at best, pay lip service to their plight—nothing more. Instead, the Dalai Lama focusses on the abuser, his entourage and institution. Clearly, he has not risen above the classic reflexes of religious figureheads of all denominations.

The Dalai Lama would do better to give the victims of sexual abuse by Tibetan clergy the recognition that is due, openly. He could do this by inviting a delegation of survivors to a meeting in his residence in India.

I would also suggest that the Dalai Lama hosts a Mind & Life meeting with (mostly) Western scientists about sexuality, sexual abuse and its treatments. The past decades, experts in the West, in part thanks to efforts of the Roman-Catholic church, have gathered a wealth of experience in these fields.

By and large, the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan lamas have remained oblivious of this expertise. As far as human sexuality and its derailments are concerned, a further training course is long overdue.

H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Comments on the Troubles in Rigpa

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