Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. “I would hope that anyone who has information will take advantage of their call to step forward and speak to them,” she said. She said she has spoken to the detectives in Larimer County and describes them as “very professional and easy to talk to.” “We have known for some time there were at least allegations of conduct that could be criminal in nature and I think it’s good they’re being looked into and that it can be cleared up one way or another,” she said in a telephone interview from Port Republic, N.J.

“We are and will always be committed to transparency and full co-operation in any investigation,” he said, adding “we have no information about the specifics of this examination.”Ĭarol Merchasin, a lawyer who worked on “sunshine” reports raising allegations against Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, said in a telephone interview that the Colorado complaints are the first criminal probes she is aware of. Gayner says he’s committed to transparency and ensuring the centre remains a safe and nurturing space. Michael Gayner, director of the Shambhala Mountain Center, says it has offered its support to the sheriff’s office if a formal investigation is launched. Photo by Gabriella Angotti-Jones/The New York Times But Michael Scott, a lawyer for the spiritual leader, made it clear his apology was not an admission of guilt and that “the Sakyong categorically denies assaulting anyone, sexually or otherwise.”ĭavid Moore, public information officer for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, said investigators are looking into possible criminal activity involving Shambhala after receiving information, but are unable to provide details about the case.Īrticle content A photo of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the leader of Shambhala International, sits on a throne reserved for him inside the groupâs New York center, July 9, 2018. In July, Mipham apologized for the “pain, confusion and anger” sweeping through the Shambhala community. The Kalapa Council - the governing body of the Buddhist movement, which has roughly 200 meditation centres and 12,000 members worldwide - also resigned en masse.Īn interim board is overseeing the organization and is expected to receive the findings of the third-party investigation into sexual misconduct allegations next month.

The allegations prompted Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche to step back from his duties pending the outcome of an independent investigation by a Halifax law firm, expected to be released next month.

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