Shambhala Community Care
Our Community Initiatives
The Shambhala Interim Board — the governing body of the Shambhala international community — is continuing efforts begun in March 2018 by the former Kalapa Council to address issues of past harm in our community. We aspire to refine and bolster existing policies and procedures to create safer environments for our members and program participants.
The intention of this ongoing effort is to:
- Reach out to individuals who have shared serious allegations of past abuses and, if possible, work together to determine a path forward with investigating these claims.
- Create safe spaces to listen to those who have experienced harm and who have not felt heard by Shambhala leadership in the past.
- Create new strategies, policies, and procedures for working with sexual misconduct based these conversations, with input from the community and guidance from third-party organizations.
- Create mandatory training for all leaders including the Board of Directors, Guides, Meditation Instructors, Teachers, Center Directors and other office holders.
- Create support and training programs for regional and local leaders throughout our global community.
- Create spaces for our community to heal by sharing personal experiences and asking questions to leadership.
- Explore restorative and transformative justice methods.
Wickwire Holm Report
On February 3, 2019, the Shambhala Interim Board released the findings of the Wickwire Holm report to the Shambhala community. Please click the button below to download the report and supporting materials.
Key Dates
In late June 2018, allegations of sexual misconduct were raised against Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the leader of the global Shambhala community, as well as other leaders within the community. In response to these allegations, Shambhala initiated a formal, independent investigation to be conducted by a neutral third-party investigator.
On July 6, 2018, Shambhala’s governing body, the Kalapa Council, responded to community requests for new leadership and announced their intention to resign via a phased departure. The same day, the Sakyong announced that he will step back from administrative and teaching duties in Shambhala during the investigation into the claims raised against him. Further details of Council’s transition will be announced the week of July 23.
On July 20, Shambhala formally announced the beginning of the third-party investigation, to be conducted by Wickwire Holm. The investigators will receive claims from victims for a period of three months.
On October 17, 2018, the Shambhala Interim Board was seated. To read about the board and their scope of work, visit their website.
On February 3, 2019, the Shambhala Interim Board released the results of the Wickwire Holm investigation to the Shambhala community.
This website will be maintained as an ongoing community resource for information, updates and support.
Third-Party Partners Involved in Our Efforts
Shambhala has engaged the help of two third-party organizations to assist in this work.
Please read on for details about the scope of work of each group.
Wickwire Holm Investigators
(External Third-Party Organization)
Shambhala contracted with Wickwire Holm, a full-service business law firm located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to serve as the investigator into claims of sexual misconduct raised to them during the period of July 20 to November 16, 2018 . Selina Bath was the primary contact and lead investigator. Selina is a Certified Workplace Investigator with extensive training in conducting investigations and is experienced in conducting fair, neutral and independent investigations. She has conducted numerous investigations within organizations of various sizes on matters relating to sexual harassment, bullying and disrespect in the workplace. She was assisted by Will Russell, a member of Wickwire Holm’s Labour and Employment group. Selina, Will and Wickwire Holm are not personally affiliated with the Shambhala organization.
The findings of the Wickwire Holm report will be made available to the Shambhala community in February 2019.
An Olive Branch
(External Third-Party Organization)
Shambhala has engaged the services of An Olive Branch, an independent third-party organization, to support the sangha’s healing and reconciliation in the wake of complaints raised about ethical misconduct on the part of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and others within the community. An Olive Branch was formed in 2011 as a project of the Zen Center of Pittsburgh. Growing out of the need for greater understanding and reduction of ethical misconduct on the part of religious leaders, they provide services to organizations in conflict after a beloved teacher has been accused of misconduct. They promote understanding and healing and work to strengthen organizations’ boards and policies to reduce the likelihood of future misconduct. They have expertise, knowledge of best practices, and standards of excellence for their services. Their consultants have complementary skills related to training, facilitation, governance, and intervention. The directors of An Olive Branch practice Zen Buddhism, but are not personally affiliated with the Shambhala organization.
Click here to read about An Olive Branch’s scope of work and timeline.
Past Communications
Please use this button to access a folder of current communications from the Shambhala Interim Board. We will continue to update this folder with translations in as many languages as possible.
Please click here to access the archive folder of previous 2018 e-mails from the former Kalapa Council.
Questions?
If you have questions about this initiative, please use the button below to submit them via e-mail to the Shambhala Interim Board.
Please note that we are receiving a high volume of questions at this time, and will do our best to respond in a timely manner.
Statements from the Sakyong
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has issued several statements beginning in early 2018. Please see the links at right to read those statements.
In summer 2018, the Sakyong announced that he would step back from teaching and administrative duties during the Wickwire Holm investigation. We expect that he will communicate further with the community following the release of the Wickwire Holm investigation.
Process Team
On January 20, 2019, the Shambhala Transition Task Force announced the names of the Process Team (PT) and PT Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is the central sensing body of the PT, holding the view and helping facilitate the activities, processes, and communications of the PT. It is not a mandala-wide decision-making body. The following four topics have been requested by the Shambhala sangha for focused conversation and action: Healing and Learning, Culture Change, Governance Structures, and Community Building (including exploring with those students of the Vidyadhara who feel marginalized). The TTF is also creating a Mandala Linkage Group to ensure ongoing communications between the PT and the leaders of key areas within the Shambhala mandala. The PT took an oath in early February to work diligently to further the vision of enlightened society and basic goodness.
Please check back here for further updates from the Process Team.
The Shambhala Process Team Steering Committee
Jim Fladmark, Boulder, CO, US-West, Governance Structures
LaDawn Haglund, Phoenix, AZ, US-West, Culture Change
Dian Marie Hosking, Bristol, Europe-UK, Governance Structure
Paul Kelway, Brussels, Europe-Belgium, Governance Structure
David Marshall, Kawartha, ON, Canada-East, Governance Structures
Deborah Marshall, Pioneer Valley, MA, USA-East, Culture Change
Frederick Meyer, New Orleans, LA, US-East, Culture Change
Lisa Piemont, New York, NY, US-East, Culture Change
Martin Ramstedt, Berlin, Europe-Germany, Healing and Learning
Jose Tomas Ruano, Santiago, Chile, South America, Governance Structures
Susan Skjei, Boulder, CO, US-West, Community Building
Shambhala Process Team
Dia Ballou, White River Junction, VT, US-East, Governance Structures
Jonathan Barbieri, Fort Collins, CO, US-West, Governance Structures
John Bel, Amsterdam, Europe-Netherlands, Governance Structures
Henri Bouissou, Marseille, Europe-France, Community Building
Konstanze Brockstedt, Dechen Chöling, Europe-France, Governance Structures
Janet Bronstein, Birmingham, AL, US-East, Governance Structures
Sarah Canfield, Boulder, CO, US-West, Healing and Learning
Michael Carpenter, Victoria, BC, Canada-West, Culture Change
Laura Chenoweth, Halifax, NS, Canada-East, Governance Structures
Richard Chervenak, Boulder, CO, US-West, Governance Structures
Susie Cook, Sonoma, CA, US-West, Culture Change
Mark Curtin, Phoenix, AZ, US-West, Community Building
Rachel DeMotts, Seattle, WA, US-West, Governance Structures
Loppon Lodro Dorje, Halifax, NS, Canada-East, Community Building
Tanja Duda, Frankfurt, Europe-Germany, Healing and Learning, Culture Change
Lia Duggan, Dechen Chöling, Europe-France & Ireland, Community Building
Catherine Eveillard, Dechen Chöling, Europe-France, Community Building
Mary Fahrefort, Amsterdam, Europe-Netherlands, Governance Structures
Shel Sampa Fisher, Montreal, Canada-East, Governance Structures
Abbey Fox, Austin, TX, US-West, Healing and Learning
Joanna Francis, Vienna, Europe-Austria, Governance Structures
Jessica Gurvit, Palm Beach, FL, US-East, Community Building
Adam Hart, London, Europe-UK, Culture Change
Hans Henning Heide, Malaga, Europe-Spain, Governance Structures
Mathias Hofmann, Ticino, Europe-Switzerland, Culture Change, Governance Structures
Margaret Hughes, Northern Rivers, Australia, Governance Structures
Gerda Jansonius, Marburg, Europe-Germany
Steve Jewell, Boulder, CO, US-West, Healing and Learning
Nancy Kaplon, Washington, D.C., US-East, Community Building
Voula Kereklidou, Stockholm, Europe-Sweden, Governance Structures
Gernot Landschein, Marburg, Europe-Germany, Culture Change
Alexandra Landstra-Kalinine, Leiden, Europe-Netherlands & France, Healing and Learning
Gregory Lubkin, Los Angeles, CA, US-West, Governance Structures
Fleet Maull, US-East, Governance Structures
Brian McCorkle, Boston, MA, US-East, Governance Structures
Kristine McCutcheon, Sydney, Cape Breton, Canada-East, Community Building
Ellen Napodano, Boulder, CO, US-West, Healing and Learning
Dean Nelson, Hawaii, US-West, Governance Structures
Peter Nowak, Vienna, Europe-Austria, Governance Structures
Matilda Perks, Montreal/Halifax, Canada-East, Community Building
David Philbedge, Europe-UK, Community Building
Otto Pichlhoefer, Vienna, Europe-Austria, Culture Change
Sybren Post, Amsterdam, Europe-Nederland, Healing and Learning
Betsy Railla, Denver, CO, US-West, Governance Structures, Community Building
Janet Romaine, Boston, MA, US-East, Governance Structures
Teri Rowe, Eugene, OR, US-West, Culture Change
Robert Salskov, Seattle, WA, US-West, Governance Structures
Alexis Shotwell, Ottawa, Canada-East, Culture Change
John David Smith, Portland, OR, US-West, Governance Structures
Stephen Starkey, Chicago, IL, US-East, Governance Structures
Ute Steiner, Munich, Europe-Germany, Governance Structures, Community Building
Matthew Stephens, Austin, TX, US-West, Community Building
Michael Stephens, Pioneer Valley, MA, US-East, Governance Structures
Bob Stevens, New York, NY, US-East, Community Building
Ruby Stocklin-Weinberg, London, Europe-UK, Healing and Learning, Culture Change
Jan Frans Sturm, Dechen Chöling, Europe-Netherlands, Healing and Learning
Tracy Suchocki, Boulder, CO, US-West, Community Building
Ivan Tröscher, Cologne, Europe-Germany, Culture Change, Governance Structures
Fred van Welsem, Deventer, Europe-Netherlands, Governance Structures
Susanne Vincent, Auckland, New Zealand, Culture Change
Ronald Vine, Hamilton, Canada-East, Culture Change
Diane Whitcomb, Boulder, CO, US-West, Healing and Learning, Governance Structures
Nora Wiser, Gainesville, FL, US-East, Culture Change
Additional Resources
Press Inquiries
If you are a member of the media with inquiries or interview requests for Shambhala leadership or Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, please contact Ashley Dinges, Director of Communications, using the button below.
Support for Leaders
If you are a local leader who needs help relating to community issues, or if you have practice-related questions, please contact the Shambhala Helpdesk and we will do our best to direct your question to the appropriate person.
Local Events
Browse a list of upcoming regional events related to issues of community care. If you are a Shambhala leader and would like to have an event listed here, please contact info@shambhala.org for instructions about how to list your event in the Shambhala Database.
Open to anyone who has a connection to the Boston Shambhala Center. Pre-registration required.
Jin Shin Jyutsu is a Japanese healing art that releases stress and supports the body's natural immune and healing powers. Join us for a two (half) day workshop to learn easy and effective techniques to take charge of your wellness.
How do you respond if you see someone being harassed or made uncomfortable? For anyone who would like to know how to intervene and prevent sexual violence.
This is a Memorial Service a member of our Sangha. .
Open gathering for speaking and listening to our reactions to the ongoing changes in the international community.
Join in community to process how we move forward as a community with documented harm.
Open to anyone who has a connection to the Boston Shambhala Center. Pre-registration required.
El Grup de Shambhala Barcelona es reuneix periòdicament en el que denominem ‘Meetings de la Comunitat’.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
These monthly community gatherings offer space to come together, share experiences, and work our way forward.
Please join us for the first of our community meetings. There has been a lot of news in the past several weeks. Lets process this together. All are welcome.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Come together to discuss: Is it time to step up our involvement in our world? Let’s gather and see what rises up...diversity and anti-racism work, but maybe your interest is climate change, immigration issues, criminal justice reform, reproductive health
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather together to engage in conversation, drink tea (or coffee) and eat cake! Our intention is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'.
As we continue to work through a time of groundlessness it is important that we take special care of ourselves and each other. Join us for another time of listening and sharing to help us support each other as we continue to seek a path for the future.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Things are changing rapidly in Shambhala internationally and many of us are experiencing groundlessness and uncertainty looking forward. Portland Shambhala will be holding weekly short community conversations every Sunday after community practice to conte
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
A Buddhist inspired approach to recovery from addiction.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
Please join our circle of community governance as we make decisions as a community. Your clear voices and fresh inspiration are welcomed. Open to new and experienced meditation practitioners, and everyone in between.
Join us every other Wednesday as we practice mindfulness meditation, participate in discussions, and offer friendly support.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.
If you are interested in asking questions or would like help completing a Spiritual Directive, please drop in. There is no cost for this service.