SGI-USA today issued a "Statement on the Racial Unrest in Charlottesville, VA" in which "the members of Soka Gakkai International-USA repudiate hatred and bigotry and appeal for equality and justice for all" and "[advocate] for the values of Buddhist humanism." The statement addresses the evils of racism, quoting from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., from his 1967 speech, [...]
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Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche issues response to Sogyal Rinpoche controversy
Tibetan teacher Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche -- also known for his films, made under the name Khyentse Norbu -- has issued a public response to the allegations made against Sogyal Rinpoche, which led to Sogyal resigning as spiritual director of the international organization, Rigpa. The letter is titled "Guru and Student in the Vajrayana" and has been posted in its [...]
Twin Peaks, in key new episode, nods to Buddhism again
Unpacking the Buddhist reference in episode 14 of Twin Peaks: The Return. Twin Peaks' eccentric, upstanding FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper may well have been on to something when, twenty-five years ago, he tried to employ “deductive technique, Tibetan method, instinct, and luck” in unraveling the mystery of Laura Palmer's murder. That was way back in the show's third episode, [...]
In honor of “Character Day,” a Buddhist guide to character strengths
Wednesday, September 13, marks the fourth annual Global Character Day, which was launched by filmmaker and Webby Awards founder, Tiffany Shlain. The idea of the day is to get us all talking about "the importance of character building in today’s increasingly distracted and overly-connected world." Sounds to us at Lion's Roar like a very good thing to do. Perhaps the place to [...]
After allegations, Sogyal Rinpoche retires from Rigpa
Following discussion of allegations of abuse, Sogyal Rinpoche, Buddhist teacher and author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, "has decided, with immediate effect, to retire as spiritual director from all the organizations that bear the name of Rigpa in different countries around the world," according to a press release from the organization dated today. The [...]
Dalai Lama, citing exhaustion, cancels Botswana visit
It was announced today that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has cancelled a coming visit to the Republic of Botswana. Exhaustion was the reason cited for the cancellation. A statement on DalaiLama.com reads, in part: During the past few weeks, His Holiness has found that carrying out his activities has left him unusually tired. Although he had been eagerly looking forward to [...]
Sogyal Rinpoche to enter “period of retreat and reflection” following allegations of abuse
Following the release of a letter recently issued by current and ex-Rigpa members, which details alleged abuses by Rigpa founder and spiritual director Sogyal Rinpoche, we have now received from Rigpa the following press release, which acknowledges the letter and indicates that Sogyal Rinpoche will "step back" as the community looks into next steps: Press release July 21, [...]
Official statement on passing of Michael Stone released
Via the Facebook page of Buddhist teacher Michael Stone, which has become an active place for updates and comments since his sudden hospitalization last week and subsequent passing on the night of July 16, comes an official statement. It reads, in full: Michael Stone’s Passing – Official Statement from Carina Stone, Erin Robinsong & Rose Riccio Michael Stone passed [...]
Letter to Sogyal Rinpoche from current and ex-Rigpa members details abuse allegations
A letter dated July 14, 2017 and signed by current and ex-members of Rigpa, the international network of centers and groups founded by Sogyal Rinpoche in 1979, has been posted on the internet, detailing abuses allegedly committed by Sogyal Rinpoche. [UPDATE: On Friday afternoon, July 21, Lion's Roar received from Rigpa a press release in response to the letter. Read "Rigpa [...]
Remembering Buddhist teacher Michael Stone
Stone, 42, was an activist, family man, and teacher of yoga and Buddhism. [Friday, July 21 update: Carina Stone, Erin Robinsong and Rose Riccio have released an official statement on the passing of Buddhist teacher Michael Stone. Read “Official statement on passing of Michael Stone released” here.] Following a period of hospitalization that began on Thursday, July 13, as [...]