Buddhist leader accused of sexual misconduct denies new allegations
HALIFAX — The spiritual leader of one of the largest Buddhist organizations in the western world is denying new allegations of sexual misconduct and financial coercion, saying his apology to the Shambhala International community should not be misinterpreted as a validation of the accusations against him.
A new report by Buddhist Project Sunshine released Thursday details new accusations against Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, leader of the Halifax-based Shambhala organization and its more than 200 meditation centres worldwide.
He stepped back from his duties last month pending the outcome of a third-party investigation into an alleged pattern of sexual misconduct highlighted in previous reports about incidents in the Buddhist community.
Former Shambhala community member Andrea Winn said the latest report brings to light new accusations that are “more serious in nature.”