1. There are allegations circulating regarding the conduct of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and other leaders within Shambhala. We have put together a resource page to help our sangha understand current events. We are updating it with important communications regularly.
2. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has stepped back from his teaching and administrative responsibilities during the investigation. You can read the letter from Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche here.
3. The Kalapa Council, the current governing body of Shambhala International, is stepping down and inviting in a transitional governing body. You can read the letter from the Kalapa Council here.
4. Shambhala has contracted with Wickwire Holm, a full-service business law firm located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to investigate the allegations of misconduct. For details and to contact the law firm, visit this link.
5. Shambhala has engaged the services of An Olive Branch to support the sangha’s healing and reconciliation. Their process will include the creation of a new Ethics Policy and Grievance Procedure based on best practices for organizational ethics policies that define acceptable and unacceptable behavior for teachers and members, and specifies fair grievance procedures. An Olive Branch will be working with Shambhala representatives to review and revise the draft to ensure that it reflects both Shambhala’s aspirations for a new culture of responsibility and today’s ethical standards. Once the new ethics policy and grievance procedure are in place, An Olive Branch will offer a Listening Post for individuals who want to report sexual or physical misconduct. You can read the introduction letter from An Olive Branch here.

1. How long the investigation may last.
2. How the outcomes will be addressed.
3. How long Shambhala will be in a state of leadership transition.

1. We are committed to preventing and addressing all forms of harm within our regional community.
2. We support the work of An Olive Branch as a means of providing independent third party support to anyone harmed. Here is a link to the An Olive Branch letter of introduction.
3. We are committed to work with any care and conduct process developed by Shambhala International and An Olive Branch for addressing the misconduct of leaders and teachers. You can view our current Care and Conduct Policy that is undergoing revision here.

1. Supporting regional and local community engagement beginning with community meetings and circle practice as a means of listening deeply to the needs of our community. Several such meetings have already taken place at our local centers.
2. Regional financial transparency. Expect a regional financial report in the coming weeks.
3. Continual regional communication as the greater Shambhala situation unfolds.
4. Providing and supporting ongoing opportunities to practice and study the Dharma as a means of continuing our journey of awakening our heart-mind and experiencing community support and connection at this time.

1. If you have experienced any form of harm in Shambhala, An Olive Branch is in the process of putting in place an avenue for reporting and addressing harm. Once the new best practices for organizational ethics policies are developed, we will receive a communication from An Olive Branch with their contact person.
2. Attend local and regional community meetings to share your voice with fellow community members and leadership.
3. Talk to your leaders: Our local center directors and regional council members would like to learn what you need and hear your ideas about how to move forward. For a full list of regional leaders, please see below.
4. Host your own conversations. Many members are taking it upon themselves to support one another and host meaningful conversations at this time.
5. Let us know what programs, events, teachings and teachers you would like to see offered at our centers. A survey to solicit your input is being prepared and will be shared soon. We welcome all suggestions and sparks of inspiration.