Edit: It has been established at least 3x already in the comments that Shambhala Publications has nothing to do with the Shambhala organization, so you don't have to say it again. I'm just leaving this thread up for anyone else like me who did not realize this before and finds themselves reading this because Google brought them here.

It's wild to me that Snow Lion was sold to Shambhala and Padmakara Translation Group publishes some of the best translations out there through Shambhala Publications, but the organization behind Shambhala Publications is seen in such a poor light now.

Would you insiders / ex-Shambhala students say that the published material has always been a high standard, but the leaders simply didn't live up to the standards published in the publications and translated material? Or do you believe there are examples of their publications which are not authentic dharma?

I remember Snow Lion's announcement saying their group would still remain independent under the Shambhala Publications label and I'm sure Padmakara Translation Group functions independently as well and could probably take their translations to any publishing company at this point since they are so well respected. But, I don't know much about the rest of Shambhala Publications.

I am just returning from a zen retreat and I was struck by where ST went wrong. It could have been a wonderful blend of Tibetan and Zen Buddhism for western lay practioners.

I started ST in 1986 and left by 1992 so that spans the demise of CT, the train wreck of the regent, and the rise of mipham (hmmm spell check keeps trying to write “mishap” instead). I made it all the way to warriors assembly (Karma Choling 1992). I met Mipham around 1992 when he must have been touring around all the centers at that time.

i started when there was a separation between Dharmadhatu and ST. I was a dreamy headed 20 year old and the concept of enlightened society and dharma arts was very appealing to a Washington DC punk rocker watching his friend group falling into drugs and alcohol. at that time there was a positive syncretism of some of the best of zen and Tibetan practice. The shrine room was very precise in a zen way but with Tibetan colors and flavors. The fact that there were pictures of various teachers from kagyu, nyingma, and shunryu suzuki, and kyudo and ikebana practice gave an air of lineage, tradition, and authenticity. The main distinction was that, although there was an Asian flair the environment was very accessible to westerners, grounded in a buddhist traditio, but not ethnocentric.

i don’t need to go through all the details why it all fell apart. It’s just with a longing sadness of what it could have been.

i quit after warriors assembly just in time to dodge what happened, but the main reason was the concept of Rigden King and other nonsense. I am not Tibetan and I wonder how much of the deeper ST teachings were made up bullshit. what really makes me angry is the thought that my course fees and membership dues were used to support someone’s coke habit.

Looking back the major red flags are the whole “levels” pyramid scheme, trolling for new members, and an insider clique vs what a true sangha really is (hint: greater than the teacher). I am glad I went through recovery to be able to see through the enabling behavior of those who accept the “crazy wisdom” aspect. That is just an excuse to cover one’s own addictions or psychological issues.

i am much happier with Zen even though it still has many Japanese trappings, those will eventually evolve to meet the dharma of the sangha just as it did from India to Tibet to China to Japan to America to Sri Lanka and so on. My current sangha just sits. We are not trolling for newcomers, have teachers, buildings, prestige, status to support. And we don’t need a bunch of money to send to the main office so they can redecorate the offices.

Again the purpose of this post is acknowledge the initial vision of ST to try and wake up the setting sun world and show an example of a more enlightened society. I think if CT had allowed more oversight from his contemporaries, and if a zen dharma sword could be allowed to emerge occasionally to cut out the terma induced coke fantasies that ensued, then ST may have succeeded.

All the best

I haven't set foot in a Shambhala Center in 10 years, and I deleted my database entry but somehow am still on this list. I think I will stay just to see how this all plays out. Sorry about the formatting it is copypasta. (I changed all the links so it doesn't try to link my email. )

|| || |You have received this message, because you previously were subscribed to the Dorje Kasung email-list. - There are several options for you to unsubscribe below, (and please excuse any duplications).   After quite some time of ‘radio silence’ – How are You? … and how are you currently experiencing your Kasung DNA?   When Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche released the Kasung command posts in April of 2022, his message to us also stated: “Substantive officer and NCO ranks remain in effect, as do Lifetime and Trident Oaths, practice authorizations, uniform regulations, drill, and all other established Kasung forms and protocols.”   Based on that statement, and in keeping with our commitment to be on duty 24/7, to care for teachers, teachings and our practice community wherever they occur, a group of eight fellow Kasung have formed to help all of us with that. This ‘Dorje Kasung Development Team’ (DKDT) currently consists of Shelly Webb, Carol Moeller, Jesse Miller, Colin Stubbert, Gordon Burgess, Alexander Garbera, Francis Docherty and Lennart Krogoll.   The objective is to support all Kasung practice, manifestation, connection and service throughout our Maha-sangha, and to ensure that these precious and practical transmissions continue to serve our communities, the cultivation of enlightened society, the propagation of Dharma, and benefit our troubled world now and for generations to come.   We invite and encourage you to join with your fellow Dorje Kasung in your local region, for an international Dön Day Kasung Clan Gathering on Sunday, February 23rd. You can find all details and times below.   Just to catch you up on how the formation of the DKDT arose:   Initially, after the dismantling of our familiar command structure and organisation, once the ‘dust had settled’, an online program was hosted by ten senior Kasung, (‘Victory Over War’). About 140 Kasung gathered for ten sessions, listening to and discussing the Druk Makkyi’s early Dorje Kasung talks, the seed transmission of Kasungship. (The entire recorded course will soon become available via Shambhala Online for self – and group study.- Stay tuned)   Emerging out of those course discussions, several Kasung engaged in informal conversations about how Kasung practice might be able to continue, freshly and naturally, as we recognised the precious commands we have received and the need to support local centres and dharma activity. Involved were our Kasung friends Marty Janowitz, Will Ryken, Dennis Southward, Richard Peisinger, Paula Bickford, Jesse Miller, Aaron Snyder, Lennart Krogoll, Scott Gutterman, Gordon Burgess, Steven Whittaker and Alexander Garbera.   We realised that Kasung view, practice and action are not separate. We also acknowledged that questions about hierarchy and command are more plentiful and more important than answers during this phase, and that some period of organic, practical exploration is of benefit.   It feels almost like a platoon, left in the midst of an ongoing battle without commander or structure, with mission not accomplished yet, - but with all the weapons and training still alive, including gentleness, fearlessness and something illusive that is commonly called ‘intelligence’ ;-), …  and our Kasung DNA running through our veins and mind stream, the self-arising KA. …. – Aware that what we inherited may not fade away or die with us.     If you have decided to retire from Kasungship altogether or disengage from any Kasung activities or connection, we understand and respect that of course. You can unsubscribe here, and you will not receive any further communications about Kasungship. -  UnsubscribeOr you can remain on our mailing list, to stay informed about further Dorje Kasung developments and events, but remain inactive for now.   Or you can click here, to indicate that you are interested to become active again in our Dorje Kasung Clan, and help your community or the general development of Kasung practice and service.| | Yes, I like to be an Active Kasung| | ——————————————————————————- Dön Day Kasung Clan Gathering Sunday February 23rd: Kasung Clan Celebration. This year’s Dön Day gathering is suggested to include 4 components, - see details and times below.  Starting 1pm Eastern Time. (11 am Mountain, 10 am Pacific, 2pm Atlantic, 7pm Euro Time) It is time to connect again as Kasung, during our traditional Dön-Day period, to be together and to celebrate our heritage. 1: Get together in a circle of Kasung friends, and see how everyone is doing, how everyone is experiencing their connection to Kasungship at this transitional time, perhaps starting with a short lhasang. Time: Sun Feb 23rd, 1pm Eastern Time, - One hour. Ideally at your local centre if possible. (Or if you are by yourself, Join a Zoom - Online Circle Here) (Please take time between now and then to connect with other Kasung from your area and together organize a simple gathering.) 2: International Online Kasung Clan Gathering. (free Zoom) Time: 2pm EST – One Hour … A brief ‘roll-call’, an opportunity for everyone to see and hear you and your local Kasung group with a brief greeting to all.   … An audio Kasung-talk excerpt by the Druk Makkyi Rapjam.   … We will close this one hour session with a few remarks leading us into the new year and activities to come. Join Online Here(On Feb 23rd at 2pm EST - via Zoom) 3: Kasung-hosted Mamo Chant Session  with discussion of the 4rth Karma. Time: 3 pm EST – One Hour (free) Join Online Here 4: Conclude with a Mess or Meal. Time: 4pm EST Simply relax and enjoy each others company as  long as your time allows. Any Questions, please email us. We will re-post the free Zoom links for the international online Kasung Clan Celebrations and the Mamo Chants, shortly before February 23rd. ——————————————————————————- Be Well, Yours in the KA The Dorje Kasung Development Team| ||

https://shechen.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Notice-from-Shechen-Monastery-1.8.25.pdf

In consideration of Khyentse Yangsi's repeated statements that he does not regard himself as a "Shenchen Lama", and in light of numerous concerning incidents, we sadly confirm that Khyentse Yangsi, Ugyen Tenzin Jigme Lhundrup, is no longer affiliated with Shechen Monastery - founded by Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche - and is relieved of all associated duties and responsibilities until further notice.

Shechen Monastery Management Committee

Off the bat, this looks like a struggle for control of critical materials and methods related to Shambhala's legacy and future with relation to the "Sakyong Lineage" and the scope of its future role. (This might be splitting hairs but remember that MJM is the family heir while the dharma heir is what triggered many uprisings and ongoing factions). I am, however, open to any other reasonable interpretations about how this all seems to integrate into a battle for control of the kingdom.

So, here's the deal. SUSA sent out notice about the case around June 29th, although there still doesn't seem to be any public records.

BUT-there's this thing I found from the USPTO Office: Shambhala USA v The Sakyong Potrang (case# 97583927, filed Jan 02, 2024). It's a trademark dispute over the rights to use the term "Sakyong Lineage". The Potrang actually first filed to register that term on Sep 08, 2022, but those take some time to process, and part of the process involves an open period for parties to file an objection to granting trademark ownership. The entire history of the application and dispute can be found on the USPTO website here.

On July 23, 2024, the USPTO officially published its decision to award ownership of "Sakyong Lineage" to the Potrang. However, participants usually know about the decision weeks before official publication (in this matter it looks like the parties learned about the decision around June 13th when the Shambhala v Potrang trademark objection was formally dismissed, interestingly followed quickly by SUSA's lawsuit).

Some might ask: "So what? Shouldn't the Potrang have the rights to use "Sakyong Lineage"? That's what I thought, until I read what attaches to the trademark. These applications require the applicant to specify what goods and/or services are subject to the trademark. That's where this gets interesting. Anyone can read it here, but this is what's covered (also note the repeated phrase "FIRST USE DATE: NONE; -- USE IN COMMERCE DATE: NONE" as it means that the "term" has not yet been used which is a bit bizarre given that they've used it many times, but that could open the door for SUSA to block items from being used commercially labeled as from the "Sakyong Lineage"):

• (009-Electronic and Computer) Visual and audio recordings featuring religion and religious practices, meditation and spiritual training; audio books in the fields of religion and religious practices, meditation and spiritual training; downloadable books, hand-outs, pamphlets, periodicals, and workbooks, all in the fields of religion and religious practices, meditation and spiritual training -- FIRST USE DATE: NONE; -- USE IN COMMERCE DATE: NONE
• (016-Paper Goods) Printed publications, namely, books, hand-outs, pamphlets, periodicals and workbooks in the fields of religion and religious practices, meditation and spiritual training -- FIRST USE DATE: NONE; -- USE IN COMMERCE DATE: NONE
• (041-Education and Entertainment) Educational services, namely, providing classes, seminars, instruction, and workshops in religion and religious practices, meditation and spiritual training; religious instruction services; education services, namely, providing live and on-line classes, seminars, instruction and workshops in the fields of religion and religious practices, meditation and spiritual training -- FIRST USE DATE: NONE; -- USE IN COMMERCE DATE: NONE
• (043-Food Services) Preparation of food and beverages; Serving of food and drink/beverages; Catering for the provision of food and beverages; Providing online reservations and bookings for temporary lodging and accommodations; Providing temporary accommodation; Rental of temporary accommodation; Providing community centers for social gatherings and meetings -- FIRST USE DATE: NONE; -- USE IN COMMERCE DATE: NONE
• (045-Personal or Legal Services) Ministerial services; conducting religious and ministerial ceremonies; religious, ministerial and spiritual services, namely, providing gatherings and retreats to develop and enhance the spiritual lives of individuals; religious information provided by means of a website; providing information on religious lifestyles via a website and online portal; providing ministerial and religious prayer services via a website and online portal; providing religious counseling services; providing information about ministerial and religious counseling services via a website; organization of religious meetings, activities and events; spiritual guidance in the field of religion and religious practices -- FIRST USE DATE: NONE; -- USE IN COMMERCE DATE: NONE

Note that this is not a copyright dispute, but a dispute over who can "brand" those copyrights and how.

Finally, although the SUSA email focused on the "relics", it didn't rule out that the legal case may involve a broader scope of property/services ownership and distribution triggered by the relics dispute. Considering the timing and content of the above "Sakyong Lineage" trademark dispute, it's further interesting that SUSA stated in its letter that:

This spring, a Sakyong Potrang representative shared a letter stating that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche does not believe that these precious community relics and artifacts were ever legally donated to the Shambhala organization and community and he claims full ownership of them.

That aligns with the USPTO rejecting SUSA's claim to the trademark (filed in January) and siding with the Potrang in June.

Stay tuned...but in the meantime, just more reasons to conclude that NOBODY can really explain what "Shambhala"/"Portang" currently is, does, or aspires without going down the rabbit hole of competing factions.

EDIT: Just to add another peculiar element, the settlement agreement between the parties released all intellectual property claims against each other. The agreement was signed in February 2022, but the Potrang trademark application was submitted in September 2022 and SUSA objected in Jan 2024. So, these matters aren't covered by the settlement agreement.

EDIT 2: I also find it interesting that the Potrang uses the Boulder Shambhala Center as its official address on USPTO applications, although I believe Halpern still leases out an office there on the 2nd floor. That would mean Halpern is leasing property from, and operating out of, a direct SUSA property. BSC prob needs the cash.

https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/news/article/ktc-monastery-buddhist-leader-rape-lawsuit-18519994.php

Reddit Archive - same as https://ihsoyct.github.io/index.html

Plugging in the right parameters yields decent results in a readable format.

Here is a sample result I ran for Phlonx (only posts) over the past year: Most posts appear intact on the search page. Clicking on the small link for that post takes you to the post's Reddit page that has all of the comments, but the post is itself removed.

https://ihsoyct.github.io/index.html?mode=submissions&subreddit=ShambhalaBuddhism&sort_type=created_utc&sort=desc&limit=1000&after=2023-10-14T11%3A18&before=2024-12-14T11%3A18&author=phlonx&score=&num_comments=&q=

How material appears depends on how it is filtered. Posts removed by Reddit might have several entries with various components of the original. For example, several options are offered to review the Phlonx post that resulted in a ban, and each option yields different parts of the post/comments (inc. the original letter).

It's not great but works if you have a narrow idea of what you're searching for. There are probably others either in beta or available to developers for a fee.

PullPush Reddit Search

There is quite a disparity between what people who were directly and deeply involved in the 70s/80s who are willing to informally share their own experiences versus what they're willing to offer to a serious and competent formal proceeding. There's even been a few contributions on this sub that basically shout, "we were all guilty, but who cares!"

Ppl too often think that the issue in this case is about whether Vajradhatu/Shambhala deliberately created a cult-like environment to perpetrate acts of harm. And that the sangha was liable because they promoted a harmful culture at the direction of the guru.

Those are not the issues in play in this case. The issues (beyond the individual claim of a 1:1 assault itself) are about whether or not the leadership negligently ignored a careless and "anything goes" culture and negligently failed to govern its members properly to prevent members from engaging in predictable harmful and actionable behavior. It is not about creating incentives for harmful acts but ignoring known acts of harm that could arise from individual motivations among persons of authority.

When it comes to such a reckless atmosphere and its propensity to accept a selfish culture that accepted harms perpetuated upon minors, the evidence is out there. Here's examples from this very sub from a CTR defender that were recently made in comments.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ShambhalaBuddhism/comments/1egq9dp/comment/lgdq41q/

and

https://www.reddit.com/r/ShambhalaBuddhism/comments/1egq9dp/comment/lgdn7qx/

For those who this user has blocked (which is a large number of posters on this sub but the comments are still visible when logged out), here are the relevant passages about the culture in the 70s/80s:

Men and women were both promiscuous. Both sexes equally indulged in Machiavellian exploits. Neurosis happens. It happened. I knew of one woman at Seminary who literally had a different man every night, then dumped him for the next. I know because her roommate was a friend of mine...People meditating all day and unable to talk can go through some intense shit and acting out happens...

Followed by this with reference to a former member of this sub who was assaulted as a minor:

There are people like needleworker who got dumped into a wild pressure cooker as a teenager and perhaps never recovered...I know I couldn't have handled that situation. But most of us got involved as full adults...

There it is.

THAT is at the heart of this civil case. Effectively admitting that there was a high-pressure culture that was conducive to rampant hedonistic behavior and, well, whatever if that spilled over into attacks on minors to an extent that even the commenter admits would be too much for him to handle if he were a minor.

Thing is, this isn't really a secret just observed by this one person. The entire community knew about this depraved lack of standards of conduct that also spread to drugs, alcohol, irresponsible financial management and constant exploitation.

Amazing how defenders seem to still view this stuff almost with pride claiming that it was all necessary to stay on the path to realization. Collateral damage was and is considered just an incidental byproduct of their personal paths of practice.

To all of them I say, stop pounding your chests about the glory of your allegedly challenging path to enlightenment and put your money where your dualistic mouth is. Respect the society where you actually live along with its laws, norms and customs. Be responsible and noble citizens of the state/province on your actual and dualistic driver licenses and the country listed on your actual and dualistic passports. Stop pretending that non-duality is an excuse to avoid responsibility in the dualistic world where your neighbors reside.

Carol stated in her letter seeking information:

I understand that this is something that you may not want to do; however, if you choose not to speak with me, I will have to make a conclusion on the truth of the allegations without the important information you may be able to provide...as a person who may have relevant information regarding the lawsuit above, you could be subpoenaed to a deposition -- a formal proceeding in which you must answer questions under oath. 

If you know something, contact her. If you can't speak to a legal authority about what you experienced because of some noble code or fear of breaking a vow, then please STOP proselytizing to everyone else under the veil of anonymity.

Because, honestly, at this point you all just come across as self-righteous cowards.

On the other hand, if y'all think this civil suit and the similar experiences of so many others are all just something blown way out of proportion, that's even more incentive to formally and officially correct the record (and the reputation of your teacher(s).

EDIT to fix indented block quotations.

it seems like phlonx's account is gone and all posts and comments made over the course of years also deleted?

what's going on?

his contributions in total are a huge wealth of knowledge and have been important to me personally, and are probably important for the future, for many people...

I found this interview excerpt relevant and well-articulated. Sarah Harding is a faithful practitioner (and teacher) of Tibetan Buddhism, but I think she has the (somewhat rare) ability to really stand at a distance from the whole thing and observe the tradition critically and accurately. Personally, I think her status as an "insider" gives her observations a lot of value.

I wonder if any of you have thoughts or feelings you'd like to share about what she has to say?

(it takes the video a couple minutes to get interesting, just be patient with it)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiZbmk33-Yo

What do you think, is this helpful or useful at all?

June 2024 Court Opinion on Motion

Background facts and plaintiff allegations are discussed on pp 1-3. Motion was granted in part and denied in part (p 6-7). The judge agreed that SMR could be served as a material 3rd party on short notice even though he was not in charge of Shambhala in the 80s when the assault occurred.

The judge didn't agree about the need to withhold notice from SMR until after he was served. Plaintiff made that request believing SMR might cancel his trip to VT if given a heads up. The judge denied the request only bc the plaintiff didn't offer up any evidence supporting such concern.

I sort of agree with the plaintiff although I question if SMR really would've cnx only because he was travelling to lead 3-4 major events in VT. That would've been a BIG deal.

Reason I side with plaintiff is bc of SMR's antics during the Wickwire investigation. That's when he "stepped back" and moved to Nepal supposedly temporarily. During that time, he refused to cooperate with the Wickwire investigators. It was only on the day that the Wickwire report (finding that he did sexually assault students) was sent to him that he responded to the investigators with a sworn statement denying that finding. The investigator even considered SMR's late denial and found it worthless given that he had intentionally evaded all of the investigator's previous requests for comment prior to the release of the report.

It's too bad the attorney for plaintiff didn't reference that incident as it demonstrated SMR's prior deliberate and intentional refusal to cooperate. The way the judge's opinion is written, that would've probably been enough to approve the entire motion.

I had heard rumors of trungpa using LSD, but here is a link to a student of Trungpa's that states it quite plainly that trungpa often used LSD,

https://www.psychedelicmeditation.org/about-the-author

I am a student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Trungpa Rinpoche often took LSD with small groups of his students. It was a very intimate and direct teaching encounter. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to share that experience with him, as so many of my friends have. It is this connection with my root guru that inspired me to attempt to meditate with LSD. Now I understand why he loved it.

My understanding of Buddhism includes the Five Precepts

https://www.lionsroar.com/buddhism/five-precepts/

5. Not Indulging in Intoxicants

This precept encourages mindfulness, clarity of mind, and self-control. It involves refraining from consuming alcohol or any other intoxicants in any way that impairs judgment, mindfulness, and ethical conduct. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, television, or the Internet, if it clouds your mind, it’s not helping you generate the clear seeing that Buddhist practice is meant to cultivate. Again, this precept is interpreted by Buddhists in different ways, ranging from strict abstinence to moderate consumption to, in the case of some schools of Buddhism, the use of alcohol in certain rituals.

Given this newish information to me, I was curiosity for the history of psychedelics a Buddhism,

https://www.lionsroar.com/buddhism/psychedelics/

I was told in my time in Shambhala that yes trungpa drank, but that he hated other drugs. So secrecy around his cocaine use, and now LSD, were hidden from naive new members such as myself in the 2010s. Misrepresenting trungpa appears to be ongoing as well.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected

How can you talk with your doctor about loneliness and social isolation?

If you are feeling isolated or lonely a lot of the time, you may want to tell your doctor or another health care professional. Talking about your health with your doctor means sharing information about how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Describing your symptoms and concerns can help your doctor identify the problem. For example, let your doctor know about any major changes or stresses in your life, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. A doctor who knows about your losses is better able to understand how you are feeling. Be open and honest with your doctor about your health habits and what’s happening in your life. It will help them to understand your medical conditions and emotional health more fully and recommend the best treatment options for you. Learn more about talking with your doctor.

How can you stay connected with friends and family?

There are things you can do to help protect yourself or a loved one from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. First, it’s important to take care of yourself. To help manage stress and stay as mentally and physically healthy as possible, try exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours), and pursuing activities you enjoy.

Second, it's important to stay active and connect with others. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer. For example, helping others through volunteering helps you feel less lonely and allows you to have a sense of mission and purpose in life, which is linked to better health. Studies show activities like these may help boost your mood and improve your well-being and cognitive function.

Here are some other ideas to help you stay connected.

• Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new. You might have fun and meet people with similar interests.
• Schedule time each day to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors in person, by email, voice call, or text. Talk with people you trust and share your feelings. Suggest an activity to help nurture and strengthen existing relationships. Sending letters or cards is another good way to keep up friendships.
• Use communication technologies such as video chat or smart speakers to help keep you engaged and connected.
• If you’re not tech-savvy, sign up for a class at your local public library or community center to help you learn how to use email or social media.Credit: Victoria Ruvkun
• Consider adopting a pet if you are able to care for one. Animals can be a source of comfort and may also lower stress and blood pressure.
• Stay physically active. Find ways to exercise with others, such as joining a walking club or working out with a friend. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of moderate-intensity activity each week.
• Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
• Find a faith-based organization where you can deepen your spirituality and engage with others in activities and events.
• Check out resources and programs at your local social service agencies, community and senior centers, and public libraries.
• Join a cause and get involved in your community.

I just heard from a friend that Shambhala has officially expelled SMR and the org is re grouping primarily as a Karma Kagyu affiliated organization. Is this true? I have to say, if this is the case, they should just close up shop because that is precisely what Shambhala was not supposed to be. Talk about full circle!

https://www.gurumag.com/ammas-empire-sex-lies-and-hugs/

I attempted to send this as a comment to another post, but it really needs to be its own post as it strikes at the heart of what this group is supposed to be about.

The very essence of this group is to support those who have experienced harm within Shambhala. For that very reason, one is not allowed to gaslight others. Gaslighting means that you tell someone they do not feel what they do in fact feel. This is done to me repeatedly here. Every time you pretend that you are not reflexively downvoting virtually every comment of mine, no matter what it says, you are gaslighting. Because that is precisely what you are doing. I'd be very happy to give a selection of, say, 100 comments of mine, along with 100 comments from the regulars, to an impartial observer, and ask them to try and figure out where those assessments are coming from. But everyone knows this is the case.

I mean, I really could give 100 examples, and probably many more, in fact. I could start with literally the first comment that appeared below the original (attempted) comment (the post was simply a video I have found uplifting in our current very dark moment, Patti Smith and the group called Choir! Choir! Choir! singing "People Have the Power"):

"This is from 5 years ago, FYI." -- Glass_Perspective_16: this has received +7 votes. "Yes. She's still on the case though. :)" -- daiginjo3: this has received -4 votes. Is there any rhyme or reason there? One person replies to a video I posted precisely as a gesture of positivity and uplift by implying it is outdated, by raining on the parade, so to speak. +7 votes. I reply by acknowledging this, and acclaiming its continued relevance. I even add a smile emoji, because bald text is hideously prone to projection -- as we can see every single minute on social media. -4 votes. Again, I'm happy to present that example, and a hundred more, to an impartial observer, and ask them what is going on there.

It's actually gaslighting squared. Because not only have people been denying this forever, but they then continuously mock me for saying that it actually does affect my life extremely negatively. I'm sorry to have to insist on this, but it is the fullest truth.

It affects me in an additional way too, one which is just as damaging, and in a way even more so. Reflexive, continuous downvoting means that at a certain point my comments don't get posted. It's the Reddit algorithm. So then it means that I am literally silenced, and that is precisely about the most damaging thing anyone could do to me. It's also, as it happens, directly related to how I was treated within Shambhala. So I scarcely have words for how this feels. When a person is attacked, and they are not allowed to reply, this for me is straightforwardly insane-making. I feel like throwing myself through the window. I'm not planning on doing that just at the moment, but that's how it feels, and terrible accidents can occur when someone feels utterly dehumanized like that. Yes, dehumanized.

All you can do is mock this, endlessly. Mock, and psychoanalyze -- in the form of character assassination! Someone you have never even met! Thus causing even more harm. It is absolutely unbelievable. You simply cannot stop, take a deep breath, and look at what you are doing.

Allow me to counter point all of the outrageous rhetoric and commentary on Dharma Ocean for a moment.

Reggie Ray has done more for the Dharma in America than any other western teacher of any tradition to date.

My experience studying with him has been a demanding, yet fruitful endeavor. He has always been very transparent and upfront with me about what it means to be a student Tantric teachings. Many people become bitter when they enter into that relationship with hidden agendas of political machinations and they don’t get the outcome they were seeking. Many of them want to make a business out of the Dharma Ocean lineage. Many want transmission or titles so they can add credentials to their “coaching” or “consulting” businesses. When there was a concerted effort to change the lineage transmission to make it more “relevant” or “accessible” he rejected those efforts in a fully transparent manner.

Reggie’s teaching style is demanding but not abusive. He is uncompromising in his endeavor to transmit authentic tantric teachings in America. Many students become disappointed when he does not compromise those values for political or social graces or the cultural ideology of the day.

He created Dharma Ocean and fostered its development with every fiber of his being. In the end his own students tried to take it away from him after he invited them in, taught them and helped them.

It’s a sad story all around.

The story of Dharma Ocean isn’t a story about Reggie Ray. It’s a story about the incompatibility of Tantra, Western Materialism and its current of hyper individuality. Its Lao a cautionary tale bout not properly managing a quickly growing Dharma community

Okay, the godmother of punk is on the case. Never give up, not for a second.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Wz3i_BYUc

In a post from 3 years ago I discovered there was a podcast about growing up in Shambhala by Una Morrera. I was able to find and listen to a handful of the later episodes, but episodes 1 to 7 are inaccessible. They look like they're available on multiple players, but they are "unavailable" or "removed" or won't play.

What's going on?

Does anybody know where I can listen to them?

I saw an old post here stating that Mingyur Rinpoche sexually abused a person named Dolka, and her husband posted about it some years ago in Facebook. I would like to read more about it, but (unsurprisingly) there's no mention of it on Facebook or elsewhere. Sleuths here are more skilled than I am at hunting down these things. Can anybody find a link?

Dearest Naropa Community,

I received a communication from Nathan Stone, a lawyer for Naropa, who demands that I "(4) both recant your tortious statements and apologize to Naropa and Mr. Lief, publicly and in writing, to all of the forums in which you made defamatory, tortious statements, including but not limited to Facebook and Reddit, and to all Naropa students (and their family members), faculty, trustees, community partners, clinic directors, and anyone else you contacted regarding this matter."

So I recant all my statements. I am sorry for writing about my experience and saying bad things about Charles Lief and Naropa.

It is clear that Mr. Lief is a superb leader.

All the best.