Molestation is something that you cannot expect to hear with Tibetan Buddhism. The religion has been enjoying increased popularity for the last 30 years. To many western minds, the Tibetan sculptures are the symbols of peaceful religion and a source of spiritual awakening. The spiritual belief appeals to modern life and has largely escaped any scandal that has dogged most religious institutions worldwide.
However, the recent damning report that details serious emotional, physical, and molestation by the founder and former spiritual leader, it has struck the heart of the Tibetan Buddhism culture. There have been allegations being made by former senior students and long-serving students against certain spiritual leaders. The report came after a law firm launched an investigation on the claims students have made beforehand confirms shocking catalog events that have taken place in the past years that stayed hidden.
The catalog of shocking emotional, physical and molestation by a spiritual leader against students has opened the lid off the rumors of allegations that have been whispers for some time. It is claimed that some senior spiritual leaders have known of the events but failed to address them, which put the students at risk. Such allegations of molestation and subsequent cover-up in the Tibetan Buddhism community is not an isolated incident.
Tibetan Buddhism is known to run several meditation centers that currently are over 200worldwide. The meditation centers offer teachings on various issues. The assault allegations have forced the administration and leader of Shambhala Buddhism community to step down from his responsibilities and let the authorities carry out the investigations on all complaints. Other similar accusations on other centers are also being investigated.
Authorities claim the cover-ups that were witnessed in the catholic church also happened in Tibetan Buddhism. The alleged misdemeanors have led to the fall of some spiritual leaders encapsulating the ongoing struggles of exported Tibetan Buddhism. The Buddhism teachings offer spiritual enlightenment in return for devotion. Students are expected to give total obedience to their lama. The bond is strong and when broken, results in the banishment of the offending party.
The author of the misdemeanor allegations details widespread evidence within the inner cycle who catered for various services, including massages, were subjected to brutal violence repeatedly. The report details that the preferred method was punching people in the stomach, which sometimes knocks them unconscious.
However, the report could not get sufficient evidence that can uphold the allegations, including the claims that the leaders conducted relations with underage girls. Besides, the report claims to have proof of young women being manipulated, coerced, and intimidated to provide favors. Allegations against top leadership have been in circulation for decades. Some senior board officials have given an apology for the hurt caused on the victims. The top leadership is committed to taking action on the report recommendations. Dalai Lama is aware of the report and claims and has issued a public statement. According to recent reports, the Tibetan Buddhism community is disassociating from the offending spiritual leader and is taking drastic actions to remove all those tainted by the scandal from the leadership. Tibetan Buddhism helps people find meaning in their lives and overcome issues like depression, among other problems through meditation