I'm not trying to provoke with the above, I'm just pointing out that the argument doesn't hold water if you look at it in its strictest terms and apply it universally.
This is what turned me off the book and its also what turned me off the writings of Jiddhu Krishnamurti (accused of committing adultery with his best friend's wife).
I'd be glad to continue discussing this with you outside of HN. Feel free to email me at jrhunter at hotmail dot com
I just think about the message and let people be people. human nature is a wild elephant.
Agreed.
I also like, "“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
However, Sogyal Rinpoche's message about compassion seems a little thin to me in light of the allegation. He is accused of abusing his position to coerce followers into a sexual relationship. Doesn't seem compassionate to me.
I'll admit that I've judged the man based solely on accusations and intimations. But the accusations are strong and are repeated. I encourage you to read the article I linked in my original response.