tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post116439580502216943..comments2024-03-27T02:13:58.088-07:00Comments on Integral Options Cafe: The Abusive Guru: Sogyal Rinpochewilliam harrymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06981478282688361274noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-59339017153092814082012-07-31T07:47:54.243-07:002012-07-31T07:47:54.243-07:00You should NOT believe what Mary Finnigan and her ...You should NOT believe what Mary Finnigan and her dear friend Victoria Barlow have propagated in the internet over the centuries. Don't be a fool. Learn to know Sogyal Rinpoche and see who he really is. He is like the Book is: genuine and full of light. <br /><br />I've known him for 10 years. http://dialogueireland.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/a-response-to-the-blog-behind-the-thankas/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-41098447653544975002012-01-11T00:28:52.845-07:002012-01-11T00:28:52.845-07:00If the actions of a teacher are incongruous with t...If the actions of a teacher are incongruous with their teachings then it would be ridiculous to consider their words - for if they don't believe their own scriptures how can we? However, we must also be aware of the validity of accusations - especially in a world where one can assume the identity of many and use a tool such as the WWWeb to spread a false agenda. I, myself, am very fond of "Soggy Old Rinpoche" and will reserve judgement until I meet him in person, as his teachings remain a very real and positive influence on my life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-72981154136574879892011-12-30T10:22:17.520-07:002011-12-30T10:22:17.520-07:00I don't like it either when a dynamic teacher ...I don't like it either when a dynamic teacher or a respected author turn out to have a shadowy history... especially when mixed up in something as troubling as "abuse". I think it's a good idea to not get too sucked into the controversies of the individuals, and focus on the good points about their products instead. Sogyal Rinpoche isn't the first guru who turned out to be a disappointment, and he certainly won't be the last.<br /><br />Another classic example is David Schirmer. He was featured as one of the teachers in "The Secret", a film about the law of attraction. This Australian investment trainer went on to rip off a rather large number of people with his dubious investment programs, leaving quite a few people disillusioned and incredibly angry. He ended up being confronted on an Australian investigative TV show. I'm afraid I don't know the extent of this alleged fraud, or the final outcome.Tobyhttp://www.does-p90x-work.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-8280634273367649532011-12-25T14:34:16.941-07:002011-12-25T14:34:16.941-07:00I would like to explain/express my feelings in thi...I would like to explain/express my feelings in this matter, that I felt the need for to investigate more. Judge not on others, but always make sure you do judge for your self. it is all just perception, and this does not belong to someone else. All i can say about anyone elses perception, please make sure YOU can live with it, you should!! because dying without a profound feeling that you CAN live with all you have perceived (in its totalitary) is the last thing you want/need....<br />this goes for all human beings, and guess how I know? maybe from being human! everything else again, it is (your) perception.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-61676603330102816232011-03-21T05:33:38.395-07:002011-03-21T05:33:38.395-07:00....Something -- i have not read here --- is that .......Something -- i have not read here --- is that east & west are different .. Most seem to be speaking from a western psychological stand-point --- In the east tantric practices are accepted as a way of life ... and are not VIEWED in " ordinary " everyday emotions .... people here want the same as an everyday relationship experience .... their disappointment blocks from seeing " As It Is " ... whether Rajneesh Osho or Trungpa or Sogyal or whoever --- it is not about being the same confused emotional STUFF ... We can discuss the stuff forever and get no INSIGHT ..... THE ONLY abuse is a lack of understanding of the DEEPER meaning ... & isn't it a coincidence that abuse lawsuit often happens AFTER someone gets a lot o' cash .. ?? ... think about it ....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-12875021496211680452010-10-17T19:10:58.065-07:002010-10-17T19:10:58.065-07:00This is not just about Sogyal, it's about innu...This is not just about Sogyal, it's about innumerable lamas who take advantage of their position of authority and the trust students place in them. It boils down to two simple things: INTEGRITY (we want our teachers to be good examples of the spiritual path, don't we? The Dalai Lama and others say: don't place trust in a teacher until you've checked him/her out thoroughly and are satisfied that they are up to your standards), and COMPASSION for the women who get used and abused. We should show our compassion and solidarity with those women by avoiding teachers who betray Buddhist principles. We need to let teachers know that exploitation and sexual harrassment will not be tolerated. I gave up going to teachings, because I never met a lama or monk who didn't come on to me. My impression is that very few (if any) take their vows seriously. And I've never seen or met any who actually practice loving-kindness. Small wonder: they are raised in a pretty violent environment. See:<br />www.lamashree.org/dalailama_08_childabuse_tibetanbuddhistmonasteries.htm for details.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-43156950548015517162010-08-13T13:44:16.740-07:002010-08-13T13:44:16.740-07:00I'd be careful about taking any enpowerments o...I'd be careful about taking any enpowerments of any Tibetan Lama before reading the chapter on Samaya in Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's book 'Rainbow Painting'...<br /><br />Furthermore, in the book about Chöd by Sarah Harding 'Machik's Complete Explanation: Clarifying the Meaning of Chod' is written that the usage of wrathful practices are only allowed to be used for somebody else. Never for the practitioner itself, because it would piss off spirits and they would harm or even friends and relatives of the practitioner.<br /><br />Sogyal Rinpoche as Chögyal Namkhai Norbu have recommended the usage of wrathful practices for healing purpuse of the practitioner itself.<br /><br />I thing everybody should read those two books before attending any Tibetan Buddhism teachings.<br /><br />Take careAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-6819462066253482832010-06-07T08:09:59.121-07:002010-06-07T08:09:59.121-07:00sogyal rimpoches book has helped me out in the mos...sogyal rimpoches book has helped me out in the most difficult situation of my life.he is a guru,not a buddha so he may have his flaws but just bec of this alleged incident we should not pass judgement on him and tibetan buddhism in general.not a single book on tibetan buddhism has said that do what the guru says,infact it is us who have to choose that we want to follow.my faith in the rimpoche is strong cos his words have saved my life.i try to follow his teachings though i know i can only try being a buddhistUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18029880711406253784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-49396912141266886882010-04-26T15:57:55.098-07:002010-04-26T15:57:55.098-07:00I feel sorry for all Rigpa members because they ob...I feel sorry for all Rigpa members because they obviously don't care the suffering caused by reading this blog. Otherwise they would have written something about Sogyal Rinpoche has been wrongly accused and Tibetan masters wouldn't defend themselves... Padmasambhava, Garab Dorje, Yeshe Tsogyal and others are known for defending their believes for the benefit of all sentient beings...<br /><br />If anybody is interested in real Tibetan Buddhism should better read books written by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, or listen to his teachings...<br /><br />OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-63688220184278855152010-02-20T21:52:31.092-07:002010-02-20T21:52:31.092-07:00Learning requires evaluation of experience...assum...Learning requires evaluation of experience...assuming you know what is important, encountering the unexpected, and then evaluating your reaction. What is expected of this man? Why have such expectations? Why experience 'disgust', 'anger, and so on? Considering these questions is education and may lead to positive changes in behaviour and expectations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-59453272135787076692010-02-10T03:31:57.901-07:002010-02-10T03:31:57.901-07:00I'm new to Buddhism, just started my studies a...I'm new to Buddhism, just started my studies at a FPMT center. My teacher told me the first day to be careful when choosing a teacher and now I now why. If this is true about Sogyal then I’m truly disgusted. I wound not let my wife or daughter near him, so he could corrupt and destroy them and also my marriage. Spiritual teachers should set a good example and not abuse the trust they get from students, as many students make contact when in hardship and despair and seeking spiritual advice. Sadly it was the Tibetan book of the living and dying that got me into Buddhism at first, now I’m very sceptical as I understand that sexual tantra is sometimes practised. Sex and religion do not mix together, it’s like oil and water. How come he can continue abusing woman? .He should be thrown out of the Buddhist community and be condemned by other Buddhist teachers if they are sincere. .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-31407339515108609072009-10-08T17:43:22.390-07:002009-10-08T17:43:22.390-07:00Life is a big dream, isn't it? And letting man...Life is a big dream, isn't it? And letting manifest what is deep inside us may well be a means to learn, for ourselves and others as well. And the teaching that comes through may really be beyond "good and bad". I mean maybe we can learn more from the challenging events in the so called "real world" as long as we are not yet able to learn through our more fluid dreams. Perhaps this is the opportunity why this world and this part of the samsara is constructed for us humans, rinpoches, lamas, policemen, judges, you name it. Perhaps it is really so that "there is only one to blame", and accuse, for all of us. And it may be me the "dreamer". Wanting to abuse and wanting to be abused isn't the name of the passionate game we have been playing here for endless ages to take part in this amazingly informative play. Isn't it a sign of flaw and compassion at the same time that we leave our enlightened part of ourselves far behind when we enter this theatre of the Dark Age to be caught up in the action? Cannot rational reasoning, self-confident accusation, compulsive differentiation between good and bad be viewed, from a certain perspective, as ignorant or daft? Or hypocrite? O. K. one can be politically correct during the day, but what will be with the stuff that remains in the shade to come to the forth in their dreams? Do they remember their dreams at all? When we say it is ugly or disgusting, cannot it be viewed as a projection of ourselves? Cannot be the "teacher", the environment, news, world, actors like us be viewed as mirrors of ourselves? What I am saying is not just to condone a bewildering behaviour, it is also to condone the whole creation which steps out of meditation to take part in a gigantic and highly informative drama providing the opportunity of personal catharsis in every moment when we are open to see ourselves in the mirror. And please condone my hypocricy. Will this style also do among a revealing series of discussions on this blog?Charleshttp://www.psychologistinlondon.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-5065507208452287542009-10-07T19:59:22.168-07:002009-10-07T19:59:22.168-07:00To Nicky,
I read your experience with great sadnes...To Nicky,<br />I read your experience with great sadness. As a tibetan myself, practising 'Dharma, I feel let down by teacher like Sogyal Rinpoche. But, I want to assure that you not every Tibetan teacher is like him. I always find interesting to see many Westerner in the west that follows certain Tibetan teachers with no investigation and experiment.<br /><br />I see number of Tibetan Buddhism Teachers in the west (both Tibetan and westerners), who I can tell in few hours of their characters as a teacher, unfortunately, it looks like many western followers can’t.<br /><br />This blog certainly is eye opening to many first timers Buddhist.<br /><br />As a Tibetan, I apologise of some of the pain and please refrain using phrase like ‘Tibetan Lamas’. You should name the lama.<br /><br />Look after yourself!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-27192723422265266032009-10-05T07:31:10.183-07:002009-10-05T07:31:10.183-07:00I agree with what Stephen L. H. said above.
I th...I agree with what Stephen L. H. said above. <br /><br />I thought 'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying' was fantastic but it seems SR can't live up to everything he says in it - I don't condone his actions but that doesn't invalidate what he's said.<br /><br />He comes across to me as a naughty child who has some unfortunately destructive behaviour patterns. I'd be surprised if his female victims had anything good to say about him, and I suppose we should warn women to be on their gaurd in his presence, but overall I think we should respond to him with compassion. It must be terrible to have written what he's written, have the fame and adulation he has gained from having done so and know deep down that he can't truly live up to it. It must be a difficult cross to bear.<br /><br />I thought HHDL's foreward to 'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying' was noticeably distant and lacking in warmth despite it being a recommendation - and he didn't write a new one for the revised edition. I think he knows what's going on. I also thought the photos of SR with his masters in the appendix were similarly revealing - he seems to be tolerated despite his faults.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-10310127636915150442009-09-30T08:35:44.403-07:002009-09-30T08:35:44.403-07:00I too was quite saddened when I learned about this...I too was quite saddened when I learned about this. The book was very helpful to me when a friend of mine died. However, charismatic leaders come in all shapes and forms- from Jim Jones to Jim Baker. Fortunately, the West has a tradition of skepticism that should help expose and prevent these kinds of abuses. And for the Princess, your comment is thoughtless and not compassionate. The women in these reports did indeed sound lonely...and he took advantage of them. "Just meditate" is bs for someone in pain, and if they can prove the allegations, then the man who is responsible should be made to pay. You cannot come to the West and take advantage of all the resources and rights here, not to mention the potential to make money, without being held accountable for your actions by Western standards.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01961862623674045898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-16210505882278017242009-09-15T22:40:46.562-07:002009-09-15T22:40:46.562-07:00People, are you not missing the point ? the "...People, are you not missing the point ? the "Tibetan book of the living and dying" (which changed my life positively) and Sogyal's teachings are still valid, he is a human and we are all flawed, how quick people are to judge, he is not GOD he is a man, he may have elevated insight and wisdom but cannot "walk his talk" ..... that simple!<br /><br />I do not condone his behavior, he has abused his status as a spiritual teacher, HE of all people must be fully aware of the karmic consequences, perhaps WE should show some compassion for a fellow human who is obviously off the correct path and making bad decisions. <br /><br />Just my thoughts, god bless u all and my heart goes out to the woman who have been hurt by his actions, "may you find healing, in forgiveness"stephen L Hnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-49385560382257849872009-08-27T07:15:51.112-07:002009-08-27T07:15:51.112-07:00test comment from the Philippines.
Why is the com...test comment from the Philippines. <br />Why is the comment censored?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-36308515118136773052009-08-27T07:13:49.958-07:002009-08-27T07:13:49.958-07:00I can't determine the truthfulness of the arti...I can't determine the truthfulness of the articles as allegedly published. I tried to search for the sources. Still, what is clear to me is that Sogyal Rinpoche's book helped me. I am perfectly sure based on my own experience. I will continue to read the book because it has its good effect.<br /><br />The article on scandal seems shady and lack verifiable facts. That is only my observation.<br /><br />From the Philippines.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-84535504741636730112009-07-17T14:00:04.159-07:002009-07-17T14:00:04.159-07:00There is a guru inside that is incurruptable.Be qu...There is a guru inside that is incurruptable.Be quiet and listin to him.Study the sutras and trust in Buddha and you will be most blessed.Om namah Buddha,Om mani peme hung.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-60143478327002810982009-05-30T14:34:28.913-07:002009-05-30T14:34:28.913-07:00Even if the pain and suffering caused by Sogyal ha...Even if the pain and suffering caused by Sogyal having sex with these women is a result of them having Christianity-induced gulfs between sex and spirituality, there still has evidently been suffering caused by these teachers. It may be acceptable in traditional Tibetan society, but there seems to be a consensus among Western students that these types of sexual exploits often cause them pain. The question then arises: is this really something that the Westerners should just get over, and deal with the fact that non-celibate spiritual teachers may have sex with their students, or should the Eastern spiritual teachers change their ways to adapt to the Western mores which are evidently present? While it's easy to say "deal with it", using sex in a way which causes suffering is in violation of the Buddhist precepts, as has been mentioned above. The one caveat I would say here is that it is definitely possible for spiritual transmission to occur through the medium of sex, and not just through Tantra - I have experienced this personally, though not with a lama. But perhaps this is not the best method to use in the West, especially not with a large number of your female students...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05468116317816772566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-7538095059022940602009-04-27T19:57:00.000-07:002009-04-27T19:57:00.000-07:00人妻人妻人妻人妻人妻人妻人妻<A HREF="http://frostfirejewellery.com/" REL="nofollow">人妻</A><A HREF="http://mail959.com/" REL="nofollow">人妻</A><A HREF="http://henorita.info/" REL="nofollow">人妻</A><A HREF="http://meet-fly.com/" REL="nofollow">人妻</A><A HREF="http://love-romance.info/" REL="nofollow">人妻</A><A HREF="http://deai-quest.net/" REL="nofollow">人妻</A><A HREF="http://mail24x7.com/" REL="nofollow">人妻</A>出会いのLoveTownのための記事サイトhttp://www.electralease.com/article/0001.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-12912545012031722832009-03-23T09:52:00.000-07:002009-03-23T09:52:00.000-07:00I see that you miss the point. You do not separate...I see that you miss the point. You do not separate the message from the man. This is not about him. It is about you. WHACK!!! You need more study!ubikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11459666381213420709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-9779826022196882132009-02-25T21:35:00.000-07:002009-02-25T21:35:00.000-07:00Well,Its uncertain if it is true. But even if it ...Well,<BR/><BR/>Its uncertain if it is true. But even if it is I don't see any thing in here that Sogyal is guilty of committing. I don't see any hypocrisy. These women were all over 19 years of age with a clear mind to say yes or no. The only confusion is that these people must have maintained their christian condition that sex is anti spiritual and basically a sin. This morality that breads that untrue thought that there should be some division between sex and spirituality. <BR/><BR/>The accusations in the report do not show that there was any force or coercion. <BR/><BR/>There is nothing in the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying that says anything about sex being anti spiritual. There is a mention of tantra and if any one of these people really understood tibetan buddhism, which has its roots in tantra, then they would see that there is no violation that has occurred. <BR/><BR/>It looks like the woman's major complaint was that his kisses were sloppy AND he was with other women too. Basically it was a lawsuit of female sexual disappointment and jealousy. I guess he wasn't as good in bed as he professed. For that, I truly am sorry, lady. It would have been better to have just meditated.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous Tantra PrincessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-55033437219856663992008-12-03T19:29:00.000-07:002008-12-03T19:29:00.000-07:00专业的翻译公司,知名深圳翻译公司,广州翻译公司,上海翻译公司,东莞翻译公司国内同声翻译(同声传译)领...专业的<A HREF="http://www.vk858.cn" REL="nofollow">翻译公司</A>,知名<A HREF="http://www.vk858.com" REL="nofollow">深圳翻译公司</A>,<A HREF="http://www.vk858.cn" REL="nofollow"><BR><BR>广州翻译公司</A>,<A HREF="http://www.oktrans.net" REL="nofollow">上海翻译公司</A>,<A HREF="http://www.vk858.com/dg.asp." 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