U.S. authorities looking into misconduct allegations at Shambhala retreat

HALIFAX — U.S. authorities are looking into potential illicit activity involving Colorado retreats connected to Shambhala International, a Halifax-based Buddhist organization roiled by sexual misconduct allegations.

A spokesman for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office says police have received information regarding possible criminal activity involving the Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colo.

Meanwhile, police in Boulder, Colo., say they have opened an investigation into at least one allegation of sexual assault by a Buddhist teacher from his time when he was teaching at Shambhala International in Boulder.

Shannon Aulabaugh, a spokeswoman for Boulder police, said the investigation had been underway since August, but no charges or arrests have been made. She said the teacher has since left the Shambhala community.

She declined to provide further detail, other than to note that two investigators with the police department are welcoming any information on the case.

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Halifax police spokesman John MacLeod says the force has not received any reports of criminal activity involving Shambhala in the Nova Scotia capital, and says an incident would have to be reported before police would launch an investigation.

Shambhala International — one of the largest Buddhist movements in the western world — has come under intense scrutiny in recent months after a former member published reports from women accusing the organization’s spiritual leader of sexual harm.

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.

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.

An interim board is overseeing the organization and is expected to receive the findings of the third-party investigation into sexual misconduct allegations next month.

In July, Mipham apologized for the “pain, confusion and anger” sweeping through the Shambhala community. 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.”

David 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.

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.

Gayner says he’s committed to transparency and ensuring the centre remains a safe and nurturing space.

“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.”

Carol 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.

“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.

She said she has spoken to the detectives in Larimer County and describes them as “very professional and easy to talk to.”

“I would hope that anyone who has information will take advantage of their call to step forward and speak to them,” she said.

— With files from Michael Tutton

Brett Bundale, The Canadian Press