Sogyal Rinpoche in disgrace. Part 3: Tahlia Newland, former Rigpa member

Tahlia Newland is a writer, editor and artist in Australia. She is the founder of What Now?, a group of former Rigpa students who stay connected through a blog and Facebook group. Here, they share information and insights, and provide care for victims and other people who are involved with the Rigpa situation. Newland was a Rigpa member for twenty years, but resigned after first hearing of the abuse from other Rigpa members. She initiated the What Now? group the evening that the first critical letter was published by eight former Rigpa students.

The interview is made by Menno Bijleveld. In July 2017, Menno decided to terminate his membership of the Tibetan Buddhist organization Rigpa. It also meant the end of his 25 yearlong relationship with Sogyal Rinpoche, Rigpa’s spiritual leader. Increasing rumours and messages concerning sexual, physical and psychological abuse and his extravagant lifestyle choices have damaged his faith in Sogyal as a spiritual teacher. In his view, a buddhist teacher who preaches love and compassion should also embody these qualities himself.

Following his own feelings of confusion and anger, as well as the struggle of others, he took up the idea to interview several people who are involved in this difficult situation. How do they perceive the actions of Sogyal Rinpoche? How do they cope with the accusations? And to what extend do Sogyals teachings remain valid?

With these series Menno wants to re-evaluate his relationship with buddhism and the dharma. The series are produced and published by Bodhitv, a Dutch online platform about buddhism: www.bodhitv.nl



Watch part 1: http://www.bodhitv.nl/bodhitv/jan-geu...
Watch part 2: http://www.bodhitv.nl/bodhitv/hans-kn...