User:Machig72

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogyal_Rinpoche

Sogyal Rinpoche

Criticism
on Sogyal Rinpoche

I think the Criticism section is written in a gossip journalist style and refers to sources that are not necessary reliable, since the journalists lack clearly awareness on Buddhism.

"Supporters have argued that lamas of the Nyingma school are not required to take vows of celibacy, and indeed Sogyal Rinpoche does not claim to be a celibate monk." As a student of Sogyal Rinpoche and alarmed of these 'news' I have personally asked around about it from close students who have been around for decades (since 70´s): they have not witnessed any of such claimed actions to have happened. No-one knows the true events that have taken place or reasons behind them. Sogyal Rinpoche doesn't ever comment on it and the legal issue was settled. The students publicly spoke about dealing with issues like this gossip in France summer 2009, because it shocks people fundamentally and unnecessarily. It is mainly speculation, but one should be always aware of cultural differences.

This is also some piece of text that has been there for a long time as criticism of Tibetan Buddhist morals and shows that the purpose of this information is not to be 'neutral': "The central role model of the Nyingma school, its founder Padmasambhava, had five principal tantric consorts who were also his students." I and any Tibetan Buddhist could tell you this: Padmasambhava didn't have relationships with them at the same time and there was no power abuse, since the women were adults and high ranking persons in society: Princess Mandarava and Yeshe Tsogyal. The main female disciple Yeshe Tsogyal became the main holder of Padmasambhava's teachings.

In the article, where 'Critisism' refers to, it says also: "The Dalai Lama has known about this for years and done nothing. There is a real code of secrecy and silence," said Barlow. This is not true. HH Dalai Lama has publicly spoken about the issue and given advice over 10 years ago in Dharamsala, where there were many Westerners and Tibetan lamas including Sogyal Rinpoche present. His Holiness nevertheless gives his support to Sogyal Rinpoche - for his constant efforts to preserve Tibetan tradition and to teach Western people. HH Dalai Lama said in 2008 that he would visit Lerab Ling again soon. Journalist Mick Brown accepts in his article comments from an informant, who is not very well aware about the state of affairs. Does Wikipedia accept gossip newspapers as a reliable source? Did people ever wonder who is publishing these articles tiredlessly in the web and why, when so many people are benefitting enourmously from Sogyal Rinpoches teachings?

Finnigan refers to Ngakpa Chogyam Rinpoche as a spokesperson in her article. This shows me and many Buddhists that she doesn't really know what she is doing. Ngakpa Chogyam Rinpoche and his group has nothing to do with any other Tibetan Buddhist groups. They are a separate group which doesn't practice Dharma in the traditional Tibetan way. They begin their practice in high level practices like Chöd without doing preliminaries Ngöndro first like one should according to the Tibetan tradition. Preliminaries usually take months or years to finish. It's easy to lure young people into some 'ghost hunting' without understanding the basics of the teachings. So 'Cool'? I would definitely warn people against such approach.

Wikipedia wants to hold on to the Criticism section in order to be 'good people' and warning new comers. I must say that I have been studying with Sogyal Rinpoche for 8-9 years now and should inform you all that it is impossible to have private conversations with Sogyal Rinpoche. People are asked to write their questions down on a paper or ask in public. He has thousands of students and really no time for 'private intimate chats'. I have NEVER seen him behaving in any other way than being a great tiredless spiritual teacher. I hope this information helps people calm down.