The misuse of buddhist teachings to excuse, explain away, or deflect action against misbehavior or abuse perpetrated by a buddhist leader, teacher or organisation. Throws a shroud of confusion over the issue and makes people doubt their own perception. It's a form of gaslighting.
It has been used systematically to prevent reform and explain away abuse in Shambhala, Zen and Rigpa communities among others . The lack of a commonly known word to call out such tactics is making fighting such tactics hard.
Examples of dharmasplaining:
"The obstacle here is fears and
assumption about
experience. Wanting to choose your experience. This is really just a form of aggression."
"These are just views and all views are wrong. You need to study the dharma more and realize that this is only your perception"
"These are just projections of your own neuroses onto
the teacher. He is really doing this for your sake. You will
understand in time."
Usually though a lot more words are used and the fact that it is dharmasplaining in action is less clear.
"He is just dharmasplaining. Trust your own judgment not his attempts to confuse you. If someone does
something abhorrent it is abhorrent no matter who they are."
"Dharmasplaining became the way to deflect from institutional and
leadership problems."
