The British newspaper The Guardian has reported on the response of leaders of Shambhala International to sexual abuse in the community. As earlier reported by Lion’s Roar, the leadership of the community, one of the largest Buddhist sanghas in North America, published an open letter on February 12 that acknowledged past sexual abuse by its teachers and announced measures to address the problem.
Later in the day, Newsweek also published an article on the allegations.
In the letter, the Kalapa Council acknowledged their ignorance and uncertainty around past complaints. They said Shambhala members who have come forward with complaints have often not felt heard and treated as though they are the problem. The council apologized for the pain and injustice this caused and promised to develop a “comprehensive plan to address abuse and discrimination.”
The Guardian also reports on the work of Andrea Winn, a counsellor and member of the Shambhala community. Winn recently published a report, entitled Project Sunshine, summarizing the findings of a one-year informal analysis of sexual misconduct in Shambhala. It includes survivor accounts and makes policy proposals to “inspire healing throughout the Shambhala community.”
