The Shimano Archive
嶋野 栄道 老師 アーカイブ

12/10/10

Internal Revenue Service

This is in response to your request of October 27, 2010, regarding a copy of the application for taxexempt
status and the determination letter for Zen Studies Society Inc.

"Our records also indicate this organization is not a private foundation within the meaning of section 509(a) because it is classified under section(s) 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(I)(A)(i)."

12/10/10

Form 990-EZ
Short Form

Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Under Section 501©, 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code

990-EZ forms from; 2009, 2003, 2002

12/13/10

A Gay Pornographic Video Entitled "In The End Zone" Found by a Kessei Student in the DBZ Video Player in the "Lounge" - At Dai Bosatsu Monsastry - circa 1977.

"Here is the story:

While I was at DBZ, whenever someone went into town, they would rent a bunch of movies (VHS). I think during this instance, it was Blue Velvet by David Lynch. It's a favorite of mine, and quite a few folks had never seen it.

So, our viewing room was the bunk room on the bottom floor of DBZ, the end closest to the Zendo. It had a TV and VCR set up in there, along with extra zabutons and zafus. It made for a cozy respite from the monastic 'spin.'

Well, one night, down we go with the tape and turn on the TV and VCR and try to put the movie in. Turns out there is already a movie in there. We pop it out, and it's entitled, "In the End Zone." Me, being the not-interested in football type, brush it aside until the unsui (first name [redacted], from Syracuse, went to SUNY Forestry School), says something like, "holy shit - it's a gay porn film.": On closer inspection, it *is* indeed a gay porn film. Someone said it probably belonged to [redacted], and we put in under the TV, and watched Blue Velvet, which was quite well received. It was [redacted], [myself - redacted], [redacted], I think [redacted], possibly [redacted], and possibly [redacted] in attendance.

We watched the movie, and when done closed up shop and went our merry way. 'The End Zone' movie did disappear the next day; I figured someone reminded [redacted] that it was down there and he should get it.

That is pretty much it."

12/15/10

２０１０年１２月１日、ニューヨーク　タイムス宛、島野本人の書いた手紙の日本語訳。

A Japanese Translation of the Alleged Shimano Letter to the New York Times Dated December 1, 2010.

この日本語の文書は、２０１０年１２月１５日、日本のウィキペディア に島野栄道として掲示されていたものです。これは編集者によって取り消され、ある個人（Realwabisabix) によって再び掲載され、二度取り消し、掲載が繰り返されたものです。

This Document in Japanese text was Posted to the Japanese Wikipedia Entry on Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) on December 15, 2010.  It was removed by an editor and reposted by an individual [Realwabisabix] twice more and removed each time.

今回の記事の内容一切に対して、オッペンハイマー氏による私自身へのインタビュー等の事実は全くありませんでした。また、同氏によるアトキン氏ならびに記事に登場する当該の若い女性に対する接触も全くありませんでした。記事によると同氏による私への電話連絡に対して、私からの返答が一切無かったとあるが、その様な連絡はリビングトンマナーならびにニューヨーク市内の住所のどちらにおいても全くなく、事実ではないこと。

(See: 08/21/10,  09/07/10,  12/01/10 )

12/16/10

The First Open Letter from Zogen to The Directors of The Zen Studies Society.

"Nothing less will begin to restore our hope that ZSS might become, one day, what it was meant to become: a serene place of practice and learning, an oasis of Buddhist wisdom, an inspiring example of Right Living, of Precepts as a living reality."

12/17/10

A Letter from Merry Benezra to Kobutsu Malone.

“I was assigned to the position of Assistant Jisha at the beginning of the first 7-day sesshin of Dai Bosatsu's first kessei. This was also my first 7-day sesshin, My entire intention for that first sesshin was to experience kensho. I was sitting very diligently and with tremendous effort toward this goal. After the last sitting on the sixth day, Roshi (嶋野 栄道) asked me to meet with him in his study. I assumed (hoped) this had to do with jisha work, but when we sat [kneeled] at the table, he produced a large book of photographs of nude women. He said that a student had recently sent it to him, and proceeded to flip through the pages. He said, 'This one is really not so bad,' and showed me the photo of a nude young woman straddling a chair backwards. I said, 'I think I should go now,' and he asked, 'Why?' and then clasped my hand. I didn't argue with him - I just stood up and left. The following day, I told him that his behavior was likely to trigger another scandal.”

“Despite this, Eido (嶋野 栄道) made It very clear that he was patiently waiting for me to relent, and he made several more passes. In dokusan In the middle of my second sesshin, he told me that I had a 'special karma,' and I was so naive and so committed to practice that I took this to mean I would be his dharma heir. When I realized, and he confirmed, that it meant I was destined to be his lover, I was emotionally and psychologically devastated. I know that Eido (栄道) labels his accusers as mentally unstable, but actions like this can hardy do otherwise than to destabilize otherwise healthy but koan-stressed and sleep-deprived students in the middle of a Rinzai Zen sesshin. I was never able to complete a sesshin after that. For me, the experience of being diverted from my path and de-valued as a serious Zen student has had a lifelong impact on my relationship with Zen Buddhism. I do not trust Buddhist teachers of any sect, What I mean by this is that I understand that sexual attractions are part of human nature and that, without very clear and enforceable rules prohibiting teacher-student liaisons in Buddhist practice, this corrosive interaction is likely to play itself out again and again and again. It seems a shame that the standards that psychologists and university professors and lawyers are bound to (and the beneficial atmosphere these standards create), are beyond the scope and reach of so many Buddhist organizations.”

12/18/10

A Letter from Tenshin Hill to Eido Shimano.

1. You (嶋野 栄道) and Aiho-san (愛法) must sever all connections with ZSS.

2. The Board needs to be entirely swept clean (that is, an interim Board needs to be put in place to put the house in order and elect a new permanent Board), the number of board members needs to be expanded, and all new members vetted. The new Board should also contain representatives of other religious institutions, in addition to someone from the FTI. Transparency and integrity are the only available options to save ZSS, and the clock is ticking with little time remaining to right this.

3. The Society's bylaws need to be re-written so the Board is elected by the Sangha and that (a) the Abbot serves purely at the discretion of the Board and (b) the Abbot either has no voting rights or is not a member of the Board.

4. ZSS needs to make public, annually, a full set of audited financial statements. This is commonpractice for not-for-profit organizations, and will help regain the trust of the community.

5. ZSS needs to make a fund available to support the survivors (possibly through the sale of NYZ, the parsonage, and the pension/retirernent fund, all of which are ZSS assets). There are people who have undoubtedly suffered heavily and likely have expended significant emotional and financial resources to deal with this ongoing trauma.

Unfortunately, the Board ignored numerous opportunities, the most recent being in ignoring the recommendations of the FTI. The only survivable path is one of TRUTH. Eido (嶋野 栄道), this situation could very well spiral into a criminal investigation, an IRS investigation, an I.N.S. investigation, to name but a few. Time is running out, and relying on a Board that is unprofessionally muddling through this, and which does not recognize the business and legal risks they face, is asking for failure."

12/21/10

An Email Response to Zogen's Entry of 12/16/10.

"Thank you for your strong letter.  I appreciated your sensitive introduction which expresses the complex 'loyalty trap' experienced by the directors of the Zen Studies Society Directors while they try to protect a 'beloved teacher' from whom they 'derive authority from Zen training, ordination, and for some of you, Dharma Transmission from Eido Shimano Roshi.' " 

"This is, and historically has been, the 'outstanding dilemma' blocking a just resolution to the 40 + years of outrageous abuses to students by Eido Shimano and the ZSS Board’s complicity. You wisely and rightly suggest  that ALL contributors to ZSS, past and present, should have a  voice in the future and renewal of the ZSS."

"Dharma Heir Genjo Marinello recently related that he has 'always done what he thinks is best for the Dharma', and some are genuinely moved by the struggle and difficulty he is having in resolving his own mixed issues.  But while Genjo uses this process of introspection to straddle a fence, caught in the 'loyalty trap', time passes.  We wait. We wait and watched resignation turn to retirement, recommendations from the Faith Trust Institute largely ignored, and plans for his future residence at both DBZ and Shobo-ji "

"Years of experience, clear and equally introspective such as yours, Zogen, and that of other former ZSS members who are now disenfranchised, go unheeded and  brushed aside."

"Somehow, at the end of the day, Genjo, you have to act.  By straddling the fence you can keep the convenience of being able to shift to whatever side presents you in the most favorable light. If you can do it long enough all the commotion may pass and nothing too major really has to change."

12/23/10

An Apparent Public Pronouncement by Genjo Marinello-osho (Shimano's Fifth Dharma Heir) Concerning Eido Shimano. Made on the Tricycle Blog.

[See entries of: 09/07/10 - 12/01/10 ]

12/26/10

1. ゲンジョウ・マリネロ（Genjo Marinello）の、嶋野氏による署名入りの、12月1日付けのニューヨーク・タイムス抗議文に対する、嶋野氏の行動へ公の非難。トライしクル
（Tricycle Blog.）に投稿される。

2. ゲンジョウ・マリネロは、嶋野氏の法嗣の一人であり、禅スタディー・ソサエティーの理事の一人。
過去、一貫して、嶋野氏を擁護しており、ニューヨーク・タイムス記事にも、ジョー・マリネロとして登場している。
心理カウンセラーであり、ワシントン州シアトル在住。

[See entry of: 12/01/10 ]

12/24/10

An Open Letter from Tenshin Hill to Eizen Goto, Roshi - Abbot of Ryutaku-Ji Monastery.

"This is why I implore you to ease Soen Roshi's (中川 宋淵) distress by issuing a clarifying statement from Ryutaku-ji (龍沢寺), so that we in America can begin the difficult task of cleaning up this 50 year situation by allowing the truth to flourish and also to finally be able to help those who have survived his abuse."

"This is about honor, and about keeping others from soiling Soen Roshi's (中川 宋淵) reputation and spirit. Ryutakuji (龍沢寺) is, at the heart of this matter, the only entity that can once and for all clarify this situation and put it to rest. It is indeed a grave matter, but one that you can help bring closure to, thus allowing Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) to truly rest."

12/26/10

An Email Exchange Between Kobutsu Malone and New York Times Reporter Mark Oppenheimer Concerning the Alleged Shimano Letter of 12/01/10.

[See entries of: 09/07/10 12/01/10 ]

12/26/10

古佛・マローン
（Kobutsu Malone）とニューヨーク・タイムス記者、マーク・オッペンハイマー（Mark Oppenheimer）間の、12月1日付け嶋野氏のからと言われる、オッペンハイマー氏への抗議文に関する、イーメールの交換。

12/26/10

A Second Open Letter from Zogen to The Directors of The Zen Studies Society.

"What was that meeting with Sangha members, referred to in the Board's documentation? How many people were present? How were they selected? Was this meeting announced in advance & how was it publicized? Why can't we have an unexpurgated list of supporters and other interested people – who are prepared to make or renew commitment to ZSS - and poll them on fundamental questions of ZSS survival? In any mainstream non-profit organization, Boards represent the avowed mission and will of its members. Members of the Board are entrusted with a fiduciary obligation to carry out this will on behalf of all the members and in a spirit of the organization's core mission."

"Whose will does ZSS Board of Directors carry out? Whom do they represent, at this point? Do we have to wait for a joint legal action by people aggrieved by Eido Shimano Roshi (嶋野 栄道)? Should we wait for an injunction from the Court to put a stop to the unseemly maneuvers to grant Eido Shimano Roshi (嶋野 栄道) the spiritual status and position he clearly has forfeited? Remember Jack Welsh and the GM Board. Why do we have to live with this never-ending scandal?"

12/28/10

The Mark Oppenheimer Blog:

Captured: 4/10/11

[See entry of: 12/01/10 ]

12/28/10

マーク　オッペンハイマー　ブログ：

12/30/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Roshi From James Ishmael Ford, Roshi.

"And, the repeated and frequently shocking accounts of his abuse of his position of authority, if true, are evidence Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) should not be sanctioned as a teacher anywhere in any capacity. And, at this point in time I find it near impossible to believe these accounts are not true. It is surprising his behaviors have not led to criminal prosecution, or at least civil action."

"I was among those who counseled Shinge Roshi and Genjo Sensei to seek outside intervention this past year. I was heartened that you chose to go with the FaithTrust Institute and specifically the Reverend Dr Marie Fortune. I was less sanguine to learn you, the Board, were not willing to follow their counsel precisely. At the same time I wasn’t there and again I felt my task was to support Roko (露光) & Genjo as they sought a way through that could bring healing to Eido’s many victims while allowing your sangha and its important mission to go forward."

"With Eido Roshi’s (嶋野 栄道) letter* it is no longer possible to seek a compromise."
[* See entry of: 12/01/10]

"I counsel you as strongly as I can to dismiss the Reverend Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) from any position of authority in the Zen Studies Society or its affiliates."

"For the sake of his victims, for the sake of your sangha, for the sake of the Zen Dharma, I hope you will take this action."

12/30/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Myoan Grace Schireson, Sensei.

"Covering up harm, versus publicly acknowledging and witnessing the survivors’ suffering, has occurred in many cultural settings (political and etc)—it always results in more harm. Covering up, saving face, and denying wrongdoings will neither protect the Zen transmission in the West, nor will it nourish the Dharma. The Dharma thrives on our humility, ethical action and courage to each be a lamp unto ourselves."

12/30/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Jiko Sallie Tisdale, Sensei.

"His students and sangha have collaborated for many years in excusing and covering up this misconduct. This situation must stop for ZSS to have any credibility in the American Zen community. I know Genjo and Roko (露光) and feel respect and compassion toward the integrity of their practice and qualities as leaders in your community. This does not, unfortunately, relieve the sangha of ZSS and, especially, its board from responsibility to completely remove Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏) from power, including contact with senior students. I can’t imagine Roko (露光) or any other ethical teacher could succeed in a community which continues to minimize, hide or otherwise ignore such serious acts."

"I could not possibly recommend that any student study at ZSS until the Board acts firmly, publicly and irrevocably to dissociate from Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏) and work to repair as much as possible the terrible injuries he has done. His recent letter proves that he has not accepted the situation and will not protect the community."

12/30/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Hozan Alan Senauke, Roshi.

12/30/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Kyogen Carlson, Roshi.

"First, how this is handled will affect not just Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) and Zen Studies Society. It will affect how the whole Zen tradition is viewed in this country. That is why so many of us are compelled to address this. Buddhism has gained too high a profile for things like this to go unnoticed."

"Next, I realize that Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) and other Japanese teachers view matters from a 'public face' and 'private face' perspective. While we can respect this and personally work with our teachers allowing for this, the Zen tradition must adapt to the American cultural landscape. That means bringing the public and private into harmony. Anything else will not do. That will be difficult for Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道), but the transition from west to east demands sacrifices from all who take up the work."

12/31/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Dosho Port Sensei.

The one point I’d like to emphasize is that for the future of Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) dharma lineage, and immediately for the sake of Roko (露光) Chayat’s tenure as abbot, please remove Eido Shimano from all teaching venues and from residence in your centers.

Any other action at this time is likely to set-up Roko (露光) for failure, reflect poorly on your own integrity and that of American Zen.

Your best chance to redeem the past now appears to lie in a clean and definitive break with Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道)."

12/31/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Nonin Chowaney, Roshi.

12/31/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Joan Halifax, Roshi.

12/31/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Genkaku Adam Fisher.

"Please do your best to bring Zen Studies Society back into a credible -- rather than 'unconditioned' -- realm. Please sever all connection with Eido Tai Shimano (嶋野 栄道). As there is no such thing as being 'a little bit pregnant,' so there is no compromise in this situation that will do anything more than assure a continuation of what has been both painful and malicious."

12/31/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Jion Susan Postal, Sensei.

12/31/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Rev. Taigen Dan Leighton, PhD.

12/31/10

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Dr. Barry Magid, Sensei.

01/00/11

A Greeting Card from Shinge Roko Chayat to ZSS Sangha.

01/01/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Chozen Bays, Roshi & Hogen Bays, Sensei.

“We are writing to ask that Zen Studies Society and Dai Bosatsu Zendo take strong action regarding Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道). We strongly recommend that as soon as the new Abbot is installed, that both the Zen Studies Society and Dai Bosatsu Zendo formally disassociate themselves from Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道), as recommended by the Faithtrust Institute in their consultation, and not allow him any further teaching role under your auspices, or in your buildings.” 

“In other professions Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) behavior would result in removal of a professional license (medicine, law and psychotherapy) and criminal and/or civil prosecution. Legal prosecution may still happen, particularly if current survivors feel that Zen Studies Society has not acted appropriately to prevent misuse of power and victimization in the future.”

“We cannot recommend strongly enough that ZSS and DBZ dissociate themselves completely from Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道), and specifically not let him use any of the ZSS or DBZ facilities for any purpose.”

01/01/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Wendy Egyoku Nakao, Roshi.

"I am writing to voice my support for terminating Roshi Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) presence and teaching at the ZSS in light of his sexually predatory and unrepentant behavior."

"I urge you to facilitate the ongoing and thorough education of everyone at ZSS and DBZ on all facets of why this behavior has been so devastatingly harmful for the women involved and frankly, for everyone in your Sangha and the Maha Sangha, and why it is not to be tolerated in any way."

"I urge you all to fearlessly stand in the fire of directly looking at the organizational-and-sangha-culture structures and behaviors that have protected this dynamic and enabled it to exist for far too many years. Perhaps this will be the most painful part, but I know, from my own experience, that when you stand in the fire and are unflinching in your investigation leaving no stone unturned, a path of liberation emerges and a vista comes into view for a deep and broad maturing in the Dharma."

01/01/11

Clear View Blog

Turning the Wheel at Zen Studies Society?

Posted on January 1, 2011

by Hozan Alan Senauke

01/02/11

On Facebook, Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi posted her letter to the ZSS board, comments ensued. One of the comments was this:

"I live in Syracuse, NY and have been a student of Shinge Roshi, who is now the abbot of Dai Bosatzu monastery as of yesterday, for the past seven years. I was her attendant on the evening that she sat us all down in our zendo this past May... to tell us about Eido Roshi's (嶋野 栄道) behaviors. Since May, I have been back to sit with the sangha twice."

"On that evening in May, we were told that, even though he has committed these heinous acts, he still has 'the True Dharma Eye' and 'dwells in the absolute.' These ideas were presented as excuses and justifications of Eido Roshi's (嶋野 栄道) behavior. Our sangha, out of loyalty to Shinge Roshi, has turned a blind eye to Eido's (嶋野 栄道) acts, and given him a pass. As far as I can tell, only one other person besides myself has stood up and said that Eido's (嶋野 栄道) behavior is intolerable, that he needs to be removed from all positions of authority, that Shinge Roshi needs to sever all ties with him, and that we won't come back into the sangha until these things happen."

"When I spoke privately with Shinge Roshi, she said that she had no intention of breaking their student - teacher relationship, that he was her teacher no matter what, that he served as an excellent reminder of how absolute power corrupts and she would continue to learn from him, as he has 'the true Dharma eye.'

So, now I'm looking for another teacher."

01/02/11

Jundo Cohen, Roshi on the Eido Shimano Crisis.

Treeleafzen's Webcam Video January 02, 2011.

01/03/11

An Email From Tenshin David Hill to Kobutsu Malone.

"After reading the eleven new postings (post-Ford) on the Archive, I'm astonished at how few (except for 2 or 3 of those letters) have to do w/ the actual problem at ZSS, but instead are Genjo and Roko (露光) puff-pieces concealed in the context of dealing with the problem. I mean, wake the frack up, folks!"

"Is the American Sangha so fracking naive as to take these, which are essentially form letters, as compassionate support from 'teachers' to correct a wrong? (Kensei Koji hit it on the mark in his letter.)"

(See entry for 01/02/11)

"First, where were these wise folks months or years ago? Kobutsu, Genkaku, and a few others have been beating this drum for quite a while, yet those who drafted these form letters on the eve of an abbot’s installation could not raise their concerns earlier?"

"Second, it's all the same delusional, self-promotional crap that got ZSS into the mess it finds itself. You 'teachers' dressed in your finest, parade around talking about 'it.' You are just bags of bones playing out the night of a thousand knives."

01/03/11

Mr Shimano, please stand down

Editorial, The Buddhist Channel, Jan 3, 2011

"The twist and turn of this saga serves to highlight the unstable psychological state of Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏). Thanks to the internet, so much information about this on-going case have been made available for public viewing. For the more discerning, the information points to a consistency of behavioral abuse of one who have been wearing the robes. And based on the latest events, there are concrete evidence of wanton, crass denial and a pattern of avoidance on the part of Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏)."

"The Zen Studies Society’s board must understand that at this moment, the issue is no longer a matter which falls exclusively within the borders of its organization. The person in question is a renowned Buddhist teacher, who is listed on the list of notable Buddhists (see: link)."

"He wears the robes, and his words still evidently do influence people. Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏) may well not have any regards for the Vinaya, but as a wearer of the robes recognized by all Buddhists throughout the world, and being a 'notable' Buddhist himself, he owes it to himself, to the Dharma and above all, to all those whom he have hurt directly or indirectly."

"And if he sincerely believes in the wisdom of Buddha Dharma, and regards the attainment of enlightenment above all else, we pray that he will for once do the right thing."

"Mr. Shimano (嶋野), as it is, Eido Roshi (栄道 老師) is spiritually dead. Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏), in the name of the Buddha Dharma, we implore you to do the right thing."

"Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏), please stand down."

01/03/11

島野さん、どうか辞職して下さい。

ねじ曲がり、転回を続けるこの物語は島野氏の精神不安定を証明しています。インターネットのお陰で多くの情報が大衆の目に届きました。 さらに明らかな 事は、これらすべての情報は、袈裟をつけた人間による害悪の振る舞いという１点に落ち着く事です。 最近の数々の成り行き、島野氏の理解に苦しむ愚かな言 動、引退の拒否は、彼のすべてを顕著に物語っているといえましょう。

この期に及んで、これはもはや島野氏個人の論点は問題ではなく、禅教団組織内 部にこそ問題が存在するということを会員の一人一人が理解しなければなりませ ん。 此の事件の中心人物なるものが高名な仏教の師であり、彼は有名仏教徒と してその名を連ねています。 (link).

彼は袈裟を着ており、未だ彼の言葉は影響力があるようです。 島野氏は尊敬に 値する人物ではないことは明瞭でも、袈裟を着用している人物であるというだけ で世界中の人々から尊敬されます。 著名な仏教徒である事により自らに負い、達磨に負い、さらにそれ以上にすべての直接、間接に彼によって傷つけられた 人々に負い、これだけははっきりさせなければなりません。

そして、もし彼が真に仏陀達磨の知恵を信じ、悟りの達成を何よりも願うならば、私達は彼がここで初めて正しい事を行うよう祈りましょう。

今の島野氏、栄道老師は霊的には死人です。島野さん、仏陀達磨の名に置いて我々は貴方が正しい事をなさるよう懇願します。

島野さん、どうか辞職して下さい。

01/03/11

Why Buddhism?: Violations of Trust in the Sexual Sphere

by Roshi Joan Halifax,

The Buddhist Channel, Jan 3, 2011

01/03/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Bodhin Kjolhede, Roshi.

"Enough is enough."

01/03/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Eido Frances Carney, Roshi.

01/03/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Ruben Habito, Roshi.

01/03/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Keido Les Kaye, Roshi.

"At an American Zen Teachers Association (AZTA) meeting in 1995, I met a woman who told me she was  practicing with Eido-roshi (嶋野 栄道).  She also explained that, some years earlier, she and her husband stopped practicing with Eido-roshi (嶋野 栄道) when they learned of his egregious sexual relations with his female students.  She went on to say, 'But I went back to complete my training.'  I was surprised by how casually she admitted that she placed her personal ambitions above her ethical standards."

01/03/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Zenki Mary Mocine, Roshi.

01/03/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Roshi.

"I think we in the West have been mistaken in imagining that in Asia teachers control their sanghas absolutely.  This is not the case.  Teacher misconduct is not tolerated anywhere in Asia, and the disciplining of teachers is not inconsistent with the necessary respect and obedience for the teacher that is essential for Zen practice. The reason teacher misconduct is not tolerated in Asia is no less true here: bad conduct that goes unaddressed weakens the entire Dharma community." 

01/04/11

An Open Letter to the Board of the Zen Studies Society Regarding Eido Shimano From Chikudo Lew Richmond Abbot, Vimala Sangha.

01/05/11

An Open Letter from a Former Student at The Zen Center Of Syracuse Hoen-ji.

"Only one other sangha member that I knew of at that time voiced opposition and left the sangha.  Shinge Roshi told the sangha not to sit outside of our zendo with those that had left the sangha." 

"A close friend and Dharma sister was working in the Dai Bosatsu office over New Years and commented on the great volume of correspondences from the Zen community world-wide, and how moving it was to know that there was so much support for our sangha members.  She was present when the most recent victim stood up during a meal and professed her love for Eido (嶋野 栄道).  She has told me that Eido (嶋野 栄道) is not giving up his fancy suite at the monastery, and that Shinge Roshi will be living in a regular monk's room when she is at Dai Bosatsu."

01/05/11

An Open Letter from a Former Student at The Zen Center Of Syracuse to Shinge Chayat.

"I am writing at last in response to an email I received from you a while back asking for the support of the Zen Center of Syracuse sangha as you take on an additional role as Abbot of Dai Bosatsu Zendo.  As you can see, it has taken me a long while to gather my thoughts and find words to express them to you."

"Early last Spring I discovered the details of Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) long history of remorseless anti-social behavior, including the sexual exploitation of his female students over a period of several decades.  I also learned that you and many of your colleagues had been aware of his conduct and dangerous propensities for many years.  You nevertheless continued as his student and sent your students to study with him at Dai Bosatsu Zendo." 

"Being a survivor myself, this information affected me profoundly.  I wish that this information could have been in some way been shared with me when I joined ZCS and became your student, rather than having to be hit with it out of nowhere.  My immediate reaction combined all of what one might expect from a survivor: Shock, anger, fear, shame and profound sadness.  It made me ill.  As an attorney who has spent almost thirty years serving abused and powerless people, my reaction was outrage."  

"I sensed immediately that I could not continue to sit at ZCS.  I wrote to you, the Board and some close sangha members with a vague description of what I was experiencing. I should have said more, but I could not find the words and was afraid of a reaction.  My heavy family and professional responsibilities allowed me to believe that I had the right to just walk away without confronting these issues head-on.  I did not want to become the center of unwelcome attention (again) by addressing the sangha directly, fearing that mine would be a lone voice crying out in the wilderness."

01/05/11

シラキュース禅センターの元弟子より、心華シャイアトへの公表文書。

”貴女は大菩薩禅堂の住職というもう一つの職に付かれ、シラキュース禅センター僧伽の支持を求めるEメールを下さり、いまやっと、その返事を書いています。　貴女もお分かりのように、私の思いを整理し、貴女に対する言葉を探すことに時間がかかりました。”

”去年の早春、島野栄道の何十年にも渡る彼の女弟子に対する、蹂躙をも含む残酷な反社会的行為の歴史を細密に渡って知る事になりました。　さらに私は貴女や貴女の同僚達は彼の行為と危険な性癖を長い間知っていたという事も知りました。　貴女はそれに構わず、彼の弟子として、また、貴女の弟子達を彼のもとへ送り続けて大菩薩禅堂で修行させていました。”

”犠牲者の一人として、この情報は心に深く私を傷つけました。　私はこの情報を突然にどこからともなく打たれるように知らされるよりも、ZCSで貴女の弟子になる前に知りたかったと思います。　私の直後の反動は犠牲者の皆が多分そうであろうと思うのですが、これら全部を取り混ぜた、ショック、怒り、恐れ、恥、そして深い、深い悲しみでした。　私は病気になりました。　弁護士として、ほとんど３０年近く、陵辱された、力の無い人々のため働いて来た私の反応は怒りでした。”  

”私は即座に、もはや、ZCSに坐り続ける事は出来ないと気付きました。　私は貴女に、委員会に、一部の親しい僧伽のメンバーに私の経験を書き送りました。　私はもっと発言するべきだったのですが、なんと言ったら良いのか言葉さえ見つからず、同時に人々の反響を恐れました。　家族に対する、又職業にたいする責任を思い、私は真っ向から立ち向かって戦うよりも、ただ黙って立ち去る事が正しいと思ったのでした。　私は僧伽と直接交渉して、不愉快な注目を（再び）浴びたくないと言う事と、この事件は私一人に起った事で、荒野の直中で、独り泣き叫ぶ状態を恐れたのです。”

01/05/11

An Open Letter from a Former Student at The Zen Center Of Syracuse to the ZCS Board of Trustees.

"I have spent many months investigating, studying, discussing, sitting and reflecting, asking the question: What is right action in this case? I also waited and watched to see what action you and Shinge Roshi would take, but was disappointed not to hear your voices among the many who have called for Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) removal.  If there is something that you have done that I am not aware of, I do apologize."

"I understand that many believe that Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) has a rare gift as a teacher. That seems like a doubtful proposition to me, given all the harm he has inflicted, without remorse. But even if he has a rare gift, how can that overshadow the harm he has caused or justify the risks that have been taken?  As an Assigned Counsel criminal defense attorney and an Attorney for the Child in New York, I have encountered many people with anti-social personalities in my practice.  I have learned much of value from them, but cannot fathom holding out such a person as a trustworthy leader and teacher."

"If this lack of understanding is my failing, then so be it.  But I have learned that other ZCS students have expressed serious misgivings, as well. So now I realize that I should speak in solidarity with them, and with all of those who have been harmed by Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道), by writing this long-overdue letter and unequivocally telling you where I stand: 

I cannot support or remain a member of the Zen Center of Syracuse while Shinge Roshi continues as Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) student and no action is taken to sever your association with him."

01/06/11

An Email from Jiro Andy Afable to Kobutsu Malone.

"As of today, January 6, 2010, the fallout from the 'Shimano Scandal' continues. As more letters come in from students and teachers of Dharma, I hope the Archive you have set up continues to be an unimpeachable source of information on Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) 'sayings and doings' and how they affected the Zen Studies Sangha as well as the maha-Sangha."

"Please post this letter on the archives. It is dated August 30, 2010. It has some bearing on many of the recent letters from many teachers, and I hope it can be posted with the current documents dated January 2011."

"Nothing Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) has done, including inspiring many students over the years, can mitigate the sheer enormity and historical depth of the accusations against him. Because he has been so identified with the Society, the reputation of the Zen Studies Society has been equally besmirched. If you think this is an exaggerated response, please take the time to reflect on the archives available on the internet. If you do not ask the abbot to step down, you are clearly applying ethical standards to him that are exceedingly below the professional standards used to judge clergy, doctors, and therapists. In a manner of speaking, Roko (露光) and Genjo participate in a group practice (as dharma teachers) with the abbot being the third and primary member of the group sponsored by the Zen Studies Society. I am disturbed that the two dharma heirs on the board, who I’m sure have done a good measure of pastoral counseling when called for, are evading their professional responsibility in allowing the abbot to continue his position and duties as the spiritual head of the Society."

“I am also disturbed by the way the ethics committee has been set up.  Please give me a contact person at Faith Trust institute where I can have a person I can express my concerns to without going through the filter of the ethics committee. At this point the ZSS is claiming it can investigate itself.  Many people think otherwise.  You need an ethics committee or ethics inquiry committee that can proceed without review or oversight from the board to have any kind of credibility, especially from those who consider themselves victims.  Do you honestly believe that anyone with serious grievances will approach the ethics committee the way it is set up?”

“Because you were all handpicked by Roshi (老師) to be on the board it is difficult to imagine that any of you has much credibility. Your most pressing task is to assure the survival of the Zen Studies Society.  If you feel you are in over your head and cannot contribute to assuring the survival of the Society as you try to deal with numerous agendas that have to be dealt with (governance, ethics, financial re-structuring) please stay on to help in the effort of finding more suitable board members before you leave so that the Society has a chance to continue.  My fear is that as more problems and situations accrete that are focused on the Zen Studies Society the board will continue to be at a loss simply because it does not have the credibility, practical resources, and clarity to proceed.” 

“In the past I suggested to the abbot the names of potential board members from the Society’s sangha that could serve the Society well because of their maturity and their professionalism.  My suggestions were laid aside.  Just imagine, Fujin was asked to be on the board, this admirable nun who had absolutely no experience and no thoughts on how an organization should run. I mention this to make the point that in being handpicked, you were not picked because you were the best and most mature people to help the Zen Studies Society.  You may be the very people who, lacking independence, can lead the Zen Studies Society to its final dissolution.  There are people in Shoboji who can be called upon, but I suspect at this point you will have to turn to the larger Buddhist community as well to seek competent help.”

“The refusal of the abbot to address the Aitken summons (of May, 2010) [See entry of: 05/20/10] has turned countless people against him and the Society.  The board has done the Society great damage with the phrase “unconditional realm”, and has communicated to many practitioners that the teaching of the abbot (and the Society) is extremely solipsistic. “Practice in the midst of activity is infinitely more difficult than the practice of stillness” (Hakuin - 白隠 慧鶴)”

“I will close by suggesting that Roko (露光) publicly deny the allegations that she had an affair with the abbot.  I will be happy if the allegations go away.  I am not a rumor monger. The (alleged) affair was reported to me many years ago by women who were present in that women’s meeting in the guest house in 1993.  I have never alluded to it except in my last letter to you, since it seems pertinent to the recently published ethics guidelines of the Zen Studies Society.  I consider these women honest and unimpeachable as well, so I give credence to their account of what happened in that meeting.  (By the way, I have never intimated that Roko’s (露光) marriage broke up because of the alleged affair.)  There were not many women in that meeting, so it should be fairly simple for Roko (露光) to write them a letter denying any affair, with the view that that same letter can be made public with the women’s responses.  This will end the rumors.  Otherwise, Roko’s (露光) silence will be interpreted—not as Vimalakirti’s noble silence—as tantamount to an admission and as well an inability to face ethical scrutiny.  Her ability to face scrutiny at this time is important since she is in line to be the spiritual representative and public face of Dai Bosatsu Zendo, and as it is, the Society is already under siege.”