Survivors discuss sexual abuse with Dalai Lama

This 3 July 2018 video says about itself:

Sogyal Rinpoche in disgrace. Part 4: Sangye Nawang

In July 2017, Sogyal Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhist organization Rigpa, fell into disgrace, following accusations of sexual and physical abuse. Eight prominent students of Rigpa and Sogyal Rinpoche wrote a letter about the misconduct of their spiritual leader. Sangye Nawang, a Buddhist monk and Director of Technique for Rigpa International, was one of them. Sangye speaks with Menno Bijleveld through skype, from his hotel room in Bangkok.

The interview was made by Menno Bijleveld. In July 2017, Menno decided to terminate his membership of the Tibetan Buddhist organization Rigpa. It also meant the end of his 25-year-long relationship with Sogyal Rinpoche, Rigpa’s spiritual leader. Increasing rumours and messages concerning sexual, physical and psychological abuse and his extravagant lifestyle choices have damaged his faith in Sogyal as a spiritual teacher. In his view, a Buddhist teacher who preaches love and compassion should also embody these qualities himself.

Following his own feelings of confusion and anger, as well as the struggle of others, he took up the idea to interview several people who are involved in this difficult situation. How do they perceive the actions of Sogyal Rinpoche? How do they cope with the accusations? And to what extent do Sogyal’s teachings remain valid?

With these series Menno wants to re-evaluate his relationship with Buddhism and the dharma.

Translated from Dutch NOS TV today:

Discussion between abuse victims and Dalai Lama ‘difficult but worth the effort’

Victims of sexual abuse have just recently spoken with the Dalai Lama. As far as is known, it is the first time that the Buddhist leader speaks to victims about abuse.

It was “quite difficult”, says initiator Oane Bijlsma, “but it was definitely worth it.”

The Dalai Lama has promised to pay attention to the widespread problemin his Indian hometown Dharmsala. A special meeting with scientists on this subject seems to him a “very interesting idea”, says Bijlsma.

The victims would like him to use his position to emphasize that teachers who commit abuse are not above the law. “He said that he said earlier that ‘bad lamas’ must be criticized publicly.”