Shambhala, Cult or Not?
Switching gears for a moment... let's talk Cult of Buddhism!
This is a difficult one to write. I was one of thousands in a Buddhist Cult for almost three decades of my seven-decade life. Then there was the ½ decade in the Army (also a cult, in many ways) and years of fighting my life in Corporate America. But I am free of it all now; guilt or fear is gone at age 70. Now, I can write about my experiences with a clear head. Well, I think I can do that, but you tell me after reading.
So, let me start this miniseries with a tease. Are you Buddhist? Have you ever been? Have you ever been in a cult? Are you interested in getting out?
If so, I’d like to discuss this in situ with you. Why? It’s helpful for me (# 1), and it may be beneficial for you as well; dunno; it was for me when I was leaving the cult of Shambhala to talk to others and to read what they were writing about (and report they have). Project Sunshine was the first group I noticed saying anything anywhere, so props to everyone involved.
I want to continue that work, even go further, and explore how Shambhala came about in the first place. How does an international organization gain centers worldwide and start a publishing company that has pumped hundreds (maybe thousands) of pubs directly into the mainstream consciousness over the years?
In addition, I want to explore these questions with you:
Why do Westerners still believe they are studying/practicing/understanding Buddhism if they have never left the “West” and never lived within the weeds of it all?
Why has the “leadership” within the very real and valid worldwide Buddhist community tolerated sexual and other abuses within their “clergies” and “congregations” for so many years? Starting with the head honcho!
What can be done to protect our children, relations, and friends from these manipulative, insidious people?
That’s the tease for what’s coming next.
I just began dumping it out here! Tappity tap or clackity clack on over to this part of my substack, where we endlessly restack subs on top of each other, like a Writer-Reader Firing Squad.
In addition to my other projects besides this one, I’m involved in a cause providing pizza to underprivileged children in Kathmandu, Nepal. If you wish to support them, please contribute through my [Buy Me a Coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nepalihipph) page; there is an excellent video on my simple project. Each donation brings joy to these children that you would not believe (but I will send you pics). Your generosity, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for any support you can offer.
Great to see you starting this, would love to watch where this series goes!
Please write back here!