The Vajra Parrot Squawks!

Following my previous post I've had a number of requests for information regarding which groups operating under the umbrella term 'Tibetan Buddhism' are dodgy and which are respectable.

Rather than focus on the negative, below is a little list with links to those teachers and lineages who are authentic (operating within the UK) and respected, i.e, these are not cults and aren't mired in controversy.

There may be omissions, and for this I plead ignorance and crave your indulgence, but, if a group is not listed below then do your research on them and dig out any dirt that may be concealed. Concentrate on what lineage they purport to represent, if they are accepted by that lineage as a whole or are out on a limb, and who their teachers are. Google the words 'cult', 'controversy', 'fraud', 'fake', 'scandal' etc. along with their name and the name of their teacher(s).

So without further ado, my little list:

Sakya
Sakya Thubten Ling, Lama Jamyang Lekshe
Dechen community, Lama Jampa Thaye

Gelug
Lam Rim centres, Geshe Yonten Damcho
FPMT affiliated centres, Geshe Tashi Tsering


Dzogchen/Nyingma
Dzogchen Community, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
Longchen Foundation, Lama Rigdzin Shikpo
Simply Being, Lama James Low (Khordong/Byangter lineage)

Nyingma
Rigpa, Sogyal Rinpoche
Padma Ling, Namkha Drimed Rinpoche
Palyul, Khenpo Pema Choephel
Shambhala, Mipham Rinpoche
Ogyan Chokhor Ling, Loppon Ogyan Tanzin Rinpoche
Khandro Ling, various visiting teachers


Karma Kagyu
Samye Ling monastery and affiliated centres, Akong Tulku *Supports Karmapa Urgyen Thinlay Dorje
Marpa House, Chime Rinpoche *Supports Karmapa Urgyen Thinlay Dorje
Dechen Community, Lama Jampa Thaye *Supports Karmapa Thaye Dorje
Palpung UK, Lama Rabsang *Supports Karmapa Urgyen Thinlay Dorje
Awakened Heart Sangha *Supports Karmapa Urgyen Thinlay Dorje

Drukpa Kagyu
Drukpa UK, Drupon Ngawang

Happy shopping!