New Report Details Abuse in Shambhala USA Lawsuit in Vermont
Justin Whitaker
15 January 2026
Investigators argue abuse was facilitated by structural and cultural features of the Buddhist organization
South Korean Court Awards Damages to Woman in Sexual Harassment Case Involving Buddhist Monk
Justin Whitaker
26 June 2025
The move marks an important advancement toward justice for survivors of religious abuse in Korea
Symposium at Northwestern University Addresses Sexual Violence in Buddhism
Justin Whitaker
31 October 2024
The symposium demonstrated that sexual abuse in Buddhism is an ongoing global crisis that extends across all schools and sects
Second Woman Accuses Dzogchen Buddhist Teacher in Oregon of Rape
Justin Whitaker
18 July 2024
Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, still listed as an active teacher for a network of Dzogchen Buddhist communities in the United States, has been accused of sexual abuse by a second former student
Nepalese Figure Known as “Buddha Boy” Jailed for Sexual Assault
Justin Whitaker
9 July 2024
Ram Bahadur Bamjan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail and may face further charges related to the disappearance of some of his followers
Tendai Buddhist Priest Accused of Abuse in Japan
Justin Whitaker
30 April 2024
After more than a decade of alleged abuse, a Japanese nun has come forward in hopes of stopping her abuser and supporting other victims
Lawsuit Alleges Decades of Sexual Assault at Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in New York
Justin Whitaker
12 December 2023
Palpung Thubten Choling monastery is named in a lawsuit alleging a pattern of sexual assault by its founder, Lama Norlha
Shambhala USA at Heart of Vermont Supreme Court Case Extending Abuse Survivor Rights
Justin Whitaker
19 September 2023
Vermont Supreme Court upholds a 2019 law allowing abuse survivors extended time to sue those responsible
Dzogchen Buddhist Teacher and Center in Oregon Sued Over Rape Allegation
Justin Whitaker
27 April 2023
Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, or Choga, of the Dzogchen Retreat Center in Oregon has been accused of sexual battery by a former student
The University of Notre Dame Wraps Up “Faith in the Story” Workshops Aiming to Enhance Religious Literacy
Justin Whitaker
20 December 2022
BDG senior correspondent Justin Whitaker joins fellow journalists and religious scholars and faith leaders to discuss our professions and the future of religion
Colorado’s Drala Mountain Center (Formerly Shambhala Mountain Center) Files for Bankruptcy
Justin Whitaker
3 March 2022
Shambhala Mountain Center takes on new name and files for bankruptcy protection as it seeks new start after misconduct scandal and other difficulties
Tibetan Lama Dagri Rinpoche Permanently Removed as FPMT Teacher after Misconduct Probe
Justin Whitaker
17 November 2020
Year-long investigation concludes that Lama Dagri…