Who founded Rigpa and when was it established?
Rigpa was founded by Sogyal Rinpoche in 1979. It began as a single centre in north-west London, then called Dzogchen Orgyen Chö Ling, before expanding to 41 countries.
Questions about Rigpa (organization)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What did the Lewis Silkin investigation find about Rigpa?
The independent report by Karen Baxter of UK law firm Lewis Silkin found, on the balance of probabilities, that students in Sogyal Lakar's inner circle had been subjected to serious physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. It also found that senior individuals within Rigpa were aware of the issues and failed to address them, with one senior manager described as involved in a pro-active cover-up.
What is Lerab Ling and where is it located?
Lerab Ling is Rigpa's main retreat centre, located near Montpellier in the south of France. It opened in 1992, was officially recognized as a religious congregation in 2002, and in 2006 a traditional three-storey temple with a seven-metre high statue of Buddha Shakyamuni was completed there.
What is The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and how does it relate to Rigpa?
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying was published by Sogyal Rinpoche in 1993. Its success led to a significant expansion of Rigpa's work, including the creation of a Spiritual Care Education and Training Programme and a 1996 conference near Munich that influenced the emerging hospice movement in Germany.
How long does it take to complete the Rigpa Shedra East curriculum?
The full curriculum at Rigpa Shedra East takes nine years to complete. Based in Pharping near Kathmandu and under the guidance of Khenpo Namdrol, it runs for four months each year.
What action did the Union Bouddhiste De France take against Rigpa in 2017?
The Union Bouddhiste De France suspended the membership of Rigpa Lérab Ling and Rigpa France on the 3rd of August 2017, following testimonies from current and former students about physical, sexual, and financial abuse by Sogyal Rinpoche.