Tibetan Buddhist lamas who sexually abuse

[dsnowlion]

While the CTA and their supporters harass Dorje Shugden practitioners for peacefully upholding their religious freedom, they say nothing about lamas who are consistently and constantly accused of abusing their students, but this is about to change as more and more victims and starting to speak up. Question is Why does the Tibetan leadership allow it and silent towards such abuse? This new article will explain...

Tibetan Buddhist lamas who sexually abuse
By: Solaray Kusco

Under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA; Tibetan leadership based in Dharamsala), one might be forgiven for assuming that tales of financial mismanagement, embezzlement, murder and sex scandals have only recently become commonplace.

That could not be further from the truth; it would be a lie to say that before 1959 and the subsequent diaspora of Tibetans around the world, such events never occurred. The truth is that Tibetan society has always been plagued by intrigue, conflict, fighting, exploitation and abuse, with the murder of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen being just one of a myriad of examples. However, after 1959 and with Tibetan society becoming more accessible to the world, the perpetrators increasingly found themselves in communities where these abuses would not be tolerated, covered up, dismissed or justified as ‘crazy wisdom’.

The Tibetan diaspora brought its people in contact with Western nations where people are educated and where there is a growing awareness against the abuse and exploitation of women, for example the #MeToo movement. It also brought the lamas into an environment where people can easily access information to compare teachers, and judge for themselves if their methods are appropriate or not. This would not have been possible in feudalistic pre-1959 Tibet. When the abuses happened then, there was no infrastructure to spread the word as quickly, and there was a greater likelihood that disenfranchised Tibetan students would be hushed up by the all-powerful ruling lamas.

Some sympathizers might attempt to excuse these lamas’ behaviors as a clash of cultures; that is, raised in the male-dominated environment of a monastery, these Tibetan lamas did not know any better and misinterpreted their Western students’ behavior as consent. But ignorantia juris non excusat or, in other words, ignorance of law excuses no one and it is not an adequate nor valid defense for the acts they have committed. Many of these lamas have already been in the West for decades, and some were educated or even born there. If none of this applies to them, then at the very least they have been surrounded by Western advisors and disciples for years. The point is that they have been exposed to Western culture for a long, long time and there is no justification for their behavior.

Therefore the following questions remain:

(1) How come the Tibetan leadership has, by and large, stayed silent?

While they are quick to condemn others who do not fall in line with their diktats, such as Dorje Shugden practitioners who refuse to abide by the ban, the Dalai Lama and the CTA are sluggish when it comes to condemning perpetrators of sexual abuse. One has to wonder why the Dalai Lama and the CTA does not when sexual abuse is universally reviled; it should not be an issue for the Dalai Lama and the CTA to condemn these behaviors. No one would fault them for doing so and in fact, they would be applauded.

The fact they are sluggish to do so suggests that either they approve of these behaviors or they are afraid to condemn the perpetrators, lest they lose their financial patronage and support. After all, many of these individuals are the heads of extremely wealthy organizations, with donors and sponsors at their beck and call.

Read more: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/tibetan-buddhist-lamas-who-sexually-abuse/

[michaela]

Lamas who sexually abuse their students are a disgrace for Tibetan Buddhist name. Sexual abuse is a crime and when it is done by deceiving those who are looking for spiritual guidance it is far worse.

Instead of discriminating the innocent Shugden practitioners, the Tibetan leadership should focus instead on these religious figures.

[Harold Musetescu]

In Tibet when the Lamas and Tulkus had sex with young girls and woman it was called a "Body Blessing".

[Questionable]

In Tibet when the Lamas and Tulkus had sex with young girls and woman it was called a "Body Blessing".

Ah yes, masters like Drukpa Kunley that did such things. However, it is customary to observe a lama for a set of number of years before taking him/her as a lama/guru.  So yes, one should keep in mind over joining Vajrayana and its contents before actually joining.  Still, there are lamas out there that don't do such things(but there is a problem in the monasteries with young boys even today).

[Rowntree]

People should not be influenced by the label "Rinpoche", "Lama", "high reincarnation" & etc. Regardless of religious beliefs, we must observe the person's actions according to dharma before deciding to follow and learn from him or her. We must not give in to peer pressure and follow what everyone does. Due to our ignorance and lack of knowledge of dharma, we would just follow what everyone does even if it doesn't look right, for e.g. keeping a harem of woman, intoxication, drugs etc. Perhaps a proper guideline would be to follow a teacher who keeps his or her vow purely and does not follow one who uses the samsaric desire including sex, drugs, alcohol, fame, power and etc. which is difficult for us to tell.

[Questionable]

People should not be influenced by the label "Rinpoche", "Lama", "high reincarnation" & etc. Regardless of religious beliefs, we must observe the person's actions according to dharma before deciding to follow and learn from him or her. We must not give in to peer pressure and follow what everyone does. Due to our ignorance and lack of knowledge of dharma, we would just follow what everyone does even if it doesn't look right, for e.g. keeping a harem of woman, intoxication, drugs etc. Perhaps a proper guideline would be to follow a teacher who keeps his or her vow purely and does not follow one who uses the samsaric desire including sex, drugs, alcohol, fame, power and etc. which is difficult for us to tell.

Exactly!  Problem solved.

[Drolma]

After so many sex scandals involving the Lamas/Rinpoches have been exposed in the Tibetan Buddhist community, the CTA is still keeping one eye closed. These sex offenders are still allowed to operate their Dharma centres and be associated with the Dalai Lama. What does this tell the public? That the Dalai Lama and the CTA are agreeable to their actions?

How the CTA deals with the sex offenders and the Dorje Shugden followers are two different standards. Dorje Shugden followers did not commit any crime, but the CTA has a section in their website dedicated to condemn Dorje Shugden and its followers. On the other hand, the news about the sex scandals are covered up. The CTA didn’t even issue a warning of their wrongdoings to protect the public.

The CTA is motivated by money for sure. These Lamas/Rinpoches who are involved in the sex scandals are wealthy, they can offer lots of money to the CTA to have an audience with the Dalai Lama. To cover up their incompetence, Dorje Shugden ban is imposed to distract people’s attention.

[Questionable]

After so many sex scandals involving the Lamas/Rinpoches have been exposed in the Tibetan Buddhist community, the CTA is still keeping one eye closed. These sex offenders are still allowed to operate their Dharma centres and be associated with the Dalai Lama. What does this tell the public? That the Dalai Lama and the CTA are agreeable to their actions?

How the CTA deals with the sex offenders and the Dorje Shugden followers are two different standards. Dorje Shugden followers did not commit any crime, but the CTA has a section in their website dedicated to condemn Dorje Shugden and its followers. On the other hand, the news about the sex scandals are covered up. The CTA didn’t even issue a warning of their wrongdoings to protect the public.

The CTA is motivated by money for sure. These Lamas/Rinpoches who are involved in the sex scandals are wealthy, they can offer lots of money to the CTA to have an audience with the Dalai Lama. To cover up their incompetence, Dorje Shugden ban is imposed to distract people’s attention.

In all honesty, I have never heard of a Shugdenpa lama ever being involved in sexual assault of their own students.  This goes to show how our lamas are indeed authentic and true to their students without breaking samaya.

[Harold Musetescu]

Posted by: Questionable
on: August 10, 2018,
Quote
In all honesty, I have never heard of a Shugdenpa lama ever being involved in sexual assault of their own students.  This goes to show how our lamas are indeed authentic and true to their students without breaking samaya.
Unquote

This is not true Questionable for there have be sex scandals within the Dorje Shugden New Kadamapa Tradition.

Here is a link about that scandal.

https://info-buddhism.com/new_kadampa_tradition.html#Criticism_of_the_NKT

Here is the relevant quote

"
In 1996 and 2007 there were internal power crises based on the SEXUAL MISCONDUCT sexual of senior students, more specifically, but not exclusively his SUCCESSORS at that time, Gen-la Thubten Gyatso (Neil Elliott) and Gen-la Samden Gyatso (Steve Wass). Ordained NKT monks and nuns did have active sexual relationships with each other as well as lay members and these relationships were NOT DISCIPLINED within the organization. Members report that they complained to the NKT leadership and addressed requests for help to Kelsang Gyatso himself. BUT INSTEAD OF DOING SOMETHING he threw the blame back and said those people reporting the events to him would destroy the pure tradition, and “harm the Buddhadharma and all sentient beings”. In this way THE SCANDALS WERE COVERED UP for a very long time until they were made public via internet. When NKT followers started to disccuss these topics in the official NKT internet forum in 2007, Kelsang Gyatso  ORDERED TO  CLOSE IT, calling these discussions “meaningless activity” and recommending “If you wish, do meaningful discussion with senior Teachers or pure practitioners, or meaningful discussion with your Teacher."

So Questionable you can now see that your statements were WRONG.

[Questionable]

Posted by: Questionable
on: August 10, 2018,
Quote
In all honesty, I have never heard of a Shugdenpa lama ever being involved in sexual assault of their own students.  This goes to show how our lamas are indeed authentic and true to their students without breaking samaya.
Unquote

This is not true Questionable for there have be sex scandals within the Dorje Shugden New Kadamapa Tradition.

Here is a link about that scandal.

https://info-buddhism.com/new_kadampa_tradition.html#Criticism_of_the_NKT

Here is the relevant quote

"
In 1996 and 2007 there were internal power crises based on the SEXUAL MISCONDUCT sexual of senior students, more specifically, but not exclusively his SUCCESSORS at that time, Gen-la Thubten Gyatso (Neil Elliott) and Gen-la Samden Gyatso (Steve Wass). Ordained NKT monks and nuns did have active sexual relationships with each other as well as lay members and these relationships were NOT DISCIPLINED within the organization. Members report that they complained to the NKT leadership and addressed requests for help to Kelsang Gyatso himself. BUT INSTEAD OF DOING SOMETHING he threw the blame back and said those people reporting the events to him would destroy the pure tradition, and “harm the Buddhadharma and all sentient beings”. In this way THE SCANDALS WERE COVERED UP for a very long time until they were made public via internet. When NKT followers started to disccuss these topics in the official NKT internet forum in 2007, Kelsang Gyatso  ORDERED TO  CLOSE IT, calling these discussions “meaningless activity” and recommending “If you wish, do meaningful discussion with senior Teachers or pure practitioners, or meaningful discussion with your Teacher."

So Questionable you can now see that your statements were WRONG.

Thank you very much, Harold.
I see indeed I was wrong about Shugdenpa lamas not being in scandals.  My bad.
Well, at least Venerable Kelsang Gyatso doesn't get into such things and prefers to focus on practice. 

P.S. You're still this angry?

[Harold Musetescu]

A  quote from "Questionable"

"Thank you very much, Harold.
I see indeed I was wrong about Shugdenpa lamas not being in scandals.  My bad.

P.S. You're still this angry?"

I'm not angry but are you angry the Pastor Patel REMOVED your question about me from Tsem Tulku's "Ask a question" on his website.

Did Pastor Patel find "Questionable" your "Question", "Questionable."?

I think he found "You bad".

P.S. You're still this angry?

Maybe I should do a poll with the readers about you.

[Pema8]

So many scandals in Tibetan Buddhism is putting a very bad light on Buddhism. There should not be any transgression especially as these lamas have to comply to their vows.

Very sad indeed that these lamas are not punished and can go on in their position for years and years and continue their abuse and harm. This should not happen as the public observes and many might not join because of such behaviour.

It is important to observe the lamas actions and only follow wholeheartedly if you are sure that he is behaving as a real lama and has only the best interests for yourself and everyone around.

[Rowntree]

So many scandals in Tibetan Buddhism is putting a very bad light on Buddhism. There should not be any transgression especially as these lamas have to comply to their vows.

Very sad indeed that these lamas are not punished and can go on in their position for years and years and continue their abuse and harm. This should not happen as the public observes and many might not join because of such behaviour.

It is important to observe the lamas actions and only follow wholeheartedly if you are sure that he is behaving as a real lama and has only the best interests for yourself and everyone around.

I believe there are many scandals everywhere and Tibetan Buddhism is not the only sec that has this kind of problem. They are more exposed because they are active in the Western world where sexual harassment will be talked about and the victims are more fearless in standing up for themselves. Regardless, this kind of act should be exposed in order to protect the innocent from being harmed.

We are in the time where Three Jewels garner less respected due to our negative karma. People are more and more indulged in samsara where spirituality has no value over their material possessions. It is times like this that sex and desire are encouraged and people are actually ok to find sangha who do not hold their vows strictly because their actions match samsara.

At times like this, it is even more important that we carefully examine potential spiritual guide and for them to examine potential students. The genuine intention and wish to practice dharma to benefit others should be the main criteria for both the teacher and student to focus on, instead of wealth, fame and sex.

[dsnowlion]

I believe there are many scandals everywhere and Tibetan Buddhism is not the only sec that has this kind of problem. They are more exposed because they are active in the Western world where sexual harassment will be talked about and the victims are more fearless in standing up for themselves. Regardless, this kind of act should be exposed in order to protect the innocent from being harmed.

We are in the time where Three Jewels garner less respected due to our negative karma. People are more and more indulged in samsara where spirituality has no value over their material possessions. It is times like this that sex and desire are encouraged and people are actually ok to find sangha who do not hold their vows strictly because their actions match samsara.

At times like this, it is even more important that we carefully examine potential spiritual guide and for them to examine potential students. The genuine intention and wish to practice dharma to benefit others should be the main criteria for both the teacher and student to focus on, instead of wealth, fame and sex.

I agree with what you said Rowntree but what's really puzzling is all this disgusting criminal activity can go on with all these lamas and the CTA does not say a damn thing. This goes to show their outward biasness and discrimination towards anything or everything the Shugden lamas and practitioners do. And probably because these Lamas are wealthy and also supports them like Sogyal and of course, because they tow the line for not practising Shugden. So in the end whether you are really acting against the law or not, you do not have to worry if you follow whatever the Dalai Lama says and do. And everyone follow the Dalai Lama simply because he is a famous, celebrity monk which the media have portrayed very well as a peacemaker, although in reality, it is not so.

I wonder when will the Dalai Lama stop talking about Dorje Shugden and start uniting his people and mend the wounds, hopefully when he goes to China and before he passed? Will he say anything when he is in China's Tibet? That is something we have to really watch out for!

[Pema8]

It is really evil that these monks don't follow their vows but abuse their students! Why is the CTA, who goes around banning Buddhist practices and creating endless problems for Dorje Shugden practitioners, not stopping such behaviour?

It seems that the CTA is not interested in the well-being of people but they have a hidden agenda and only act based on their own selfish interests.

This is so disgusting! Good that DorjeShugden.com informs everyone to be very mindful and to know that you have to check and not just blindly follow.

This CTA really has only their own interests in mind. They really should stop their fake show and hide somewhere where they hurt nobody!