See more below about:

• If you have a grievance about a current situation

• If you have a grievance about a past situation

• National Rigpa Safe Environment contacts
  

Grievance Processes in Rigpa

If you have a grievance about a current situation, any steps you take to raise or resolve it will depend on the nature of the concern, how serious it is, how urgent it feels, and how effective you think a particular action might be.

It’s best to raise concerns early rather than keeping them to yourself. The options outlined here range from the informal to the formal. You don’t have to go through them in a particular order. You can start with any step. However, we recommend starting with the informal process because our experience has shown us that grievances can be resolved with more flexibility with informal processes.

1. Resolve issues informally

Talk to Someone You Trust

If you need support, talk about your concern with someone you respect, such as: 

• A local instructor or Student Support person

• Your centre manager

You may wish to bring someone with you for support. A private conversation may be enough to help you reflect and find a resolution. 

If after speaking with someone, the issue remains unresolved, you can write to or meet with:

• A member of your national team

• Your National Director

• Your country’s Safe Environment contact

• Or you can contact the Safe Environment Advisory Team (SEAT): safe.environment@rigpa.org a member of the National Team in your country to seek their advice and suggestions for next steps.

This person should be neutral (not previously involved in the matter). Be sure to explain what steps you’ve already taken to address the issue. 

Again, we encourage you to raise questions or concerns at any time if something doesn’t feel right, and many times the issue can be resolved through informal processes.

Explore Resolution Options

If needed, discuss possible solutions and be as clear as you can about what a satisfactory outcome would look like for you.

• If the issue involves another person, you may request a discussion with the person, mediation, or a reconciliation practice—provided the other person agrees to participate.Both parties can bring a support person if that feels helpful.

2. Making a Formal Complaint

If informal efforts haven’t resolved the issue, however, or if the matter is serious or involves a breach of the Code of Conduct—you can make a formal complaint by contacting your country’s National Grievance Council.

Role of the Grievance Council

The Council handles formal complaints confidentially, working to ensure a fair, compassionate, and impartial process. They can also offer advice and support as you consider your options.

How to Submit a Complaint

• Submit your complaint in writing and clearly state that it is a formal complaint.

• If you need help writing the letter, a sangha member or friend can assist or submit the concern on your behalf. You’ll then follow up directly with the National Grievance Council.

• Anonymous complaints are accepted, though we encourage openness to ensure the best support and protection for everyone involved.

Confidentiality and Protection

• Rigpa will make every effort to protect your confidentiality.

• In some cases, details may need to be shared with those involved to conduct a fair investigation. You will be informed if this is necessary.

• Anyone who raises a concern in good faith will be protected from retaliation.

What to Expect

• Once your letter is received, the National Grievance Council will contact you to discuss next steps. This may be an in-person or online meeting, and you may bring a support person.

• The Council will initiate an investigation into the complaint. This involves meeting with the person filing the complaint, the person against whom the complaint was filed, and any others who have been involved.

• After investigation, the Council will make a recommendation regarding resolution. You will receive a written summary of the proposed resolution.

• A follow-up meeting can be arranged upon request.

If you, or someone you are in contact with, need support about their past relationship with Sogyal Rinpoche and Rigpa, the following avenues are available to you:

• The restorative process is a neutral space where those who were hurt in their relationship with Sogyal Rinpoche can explore options for resolution. It continues to be open. Anyone who would like to consider a restorative meeting or action should contact the Safe Environment Advisory Team (SEAT) at safe.environment@rigpa.org. There is no deadline for this option.

Anyone who is not based in any of the above countries is welcome to contact the Rigpa Safe Environment Team (SEAT): safe.environment@rigpa.org.