The Shimano Archive
嶋野 栄道 老師 アーカイブ

02/04/11

An Observation by Genkaku Adam Fisher Posted on His genkaku-again Blog.

02/04/11

玄覚　アダム　フィッシャーの、玄覚ーアゲイン　ブログに載った発言。　

”貴方に想像できますか？　　慈善救済を心に抱き、遠い他国へ来て、その国の習慣も、国民の性質も、かれらの望んでいる事も学ぼうとする些かの試みも無しに５０年住み着いている人間の事を。　今日まで、貴方を支持し、養って来た国の人々の犠牲の上に、故国の習慣、態度を維持し高揚している人間の事を貴方は想像出来ますか？　　そして、この５０年を振り返ってみて、貴方の初心、慈善救済の志はねじ曲がり、跡形も無くなり、あなたを助けた人々への恩を忘れ、さらに悪いことには、無能なオベッカ者を取り立てている。”

02/05/11

An Email Communiqué from the ZSS Board to the Sangha and Friends.

02/09/11

Lineage Delusions: Eido Shimano Roshi, Dharma Transmission, and American Zen

By Erik Fraser Storlie

SweepingZen: the definitive online who’s who of Zen

"Stated simply, the doctrine of dharma transmission is just one more among the many attractive delusions held by human beings.  Unfortunately, adherence to it gives the dharma heir a very powerful – and potentially dangerous – authority within the community of Zen practitioners, much as does the doctrine of the Apostolic Succession in the Roman Catholic Church, where the recent child abuse scandals illustrate the dangers of priesthoods that claim an authority beyond the ordinary and human.  Those in such positions are sorely tempted to protect each other, ignoring or covering up the harm done by their colleagues."

"So long as American Zen relies on dharma transmission as a credential, there will be one Shimano after another – and dharma heirs who will go to great lengths to protect the master that conferred authority upon them.  For if the master who has declared me awakened has erred, if he does not, indeed, 'dwell in the Absolute,' then my own credential is called into question – along with my prestige and authority in the community and my ability to confer this power upon others."

02/11/11

genkaku-again Blog - (Continued) and (Continued2)

Concerning Eido Shimano.

This File may be Updated Periodically.

Entries begining at 5,001 in Searchable PDF Format.

Captured: 01/14/12

"This blog is not always nice, neat, clean, civil or even relevant. There are entries of substance and entries that lack substance. Some are written by people who have first-hand knowledge. Some are not. A great many are written by 'anonymous.' But the object of the blog has been met in the sense that anyone is welcome to say pretty much anything s/he wants and in the sense that the events that inspired their writing deserves to be part of the history of Zen in America."

(Prior entries: 02/10/10)

02/13/11

Tricycle Magazine.

ANCESTORS

No Mean Preacher

Robert Aitken Roshi: The Last Interview

By Joel Whitney

Captured: 04/07/11

“In 2003, Aitken donated his complete papers to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, but he had left a batch pertaining to Shimano sealed. In the summer of 2008, he instructed Lynn Davis at the university to unseal them. A website named the Shimano Archive has been making them widely available ever since. Now that letters and affidavits from women alleging they were coerced or inappropriately seduced to sleep with Shimano were publicly available, and with Aitken’s blog publicly requesting a response, Eido Shimano’s community, the Zen Studies Society, announced on July 4 his stepping down from the board. To some in the broader Zen community, this appeared to be a step toward resolution. To others, it looked like mere window dressing. As I would see, Aitken fell into the latter category. Malone, who works on the archive, did as well.”

“After lunch, I kill time on gmail, trying to file the myriad articles and pictures Malone sends, while he talks baby talk to his dog on Skype (‘Hi, dear Bear. There’s Daddy’s baby. Yes, you are. You’re Daddy’s baby’) or steps outside to chain-smoke. I can’t wait to leave this madhouse. I examine a picture I’d just been asked to take of Malone with Aitken. Malone’s crying. Why? Roshi will soon die. In another, I’m shaking Aitken’s hand just after the interview, his book under my arm, and I’m smiling broadly, maybe defensively. Malone crying, me smiling. Despite asking him point-blank if he’s afraid, the gravity, reality of his dying did not penetrate me.”

08/02/10

Robert Baker Aitken, Rodaishi Final Interview - The Complete Audio Recording.

Aitken, Rodaishi Passed Away Three Days Later on
August 5, 2010.

Aitken Rodaishi’s last interview as recorded by Kobutsu Malone.

  Kobutsu Malone and Lynn Davis (the University of Hawaii archivist), were both specifically invited by Aitken, Rodaishi to be present and record the interview.

08/02/10

Robert Baker Aitken, Rodaishi Final Interview - A Partial Video Recording.

Aitken Rodaishi’s last interview as recorded by Lynn Davis.

  Lynn Davis (the University of Hawaii archivist) and Kobutsu Malone were both specifically invited by Aitken, Rodaishi to be present and record the interview.

02/14/11

Sexual Ethics, Zen Scandals, and Cults

By Kuzan Peter Schireson

SWEEPINGZEN: the definitive online who’s who of Zen

"There are many lists of cult characteristics, not all of which apply in every case, but they are useful tools for analyzing one aspect of a sangha's health. In my experience, cults don't become cults overnight. They move in that direction by degrees. Alertness to cultish signs and tendencies is a useful safeguard against the abuses that cult dynamics enable. "

02/14/11

くざん　ピーター　シアソンの、性の倫理、禅スキャンダル、カルト：スウィーピング禅より：禅の名士録オンラインの決定版

”ここにカルトの性格を示す数々のリストがあります。　すべてのケースには該当しませんが、少なくとも、僧伽の健全性の状態を分析する上で、有効な資料になります。　私の経験では、カルトは一夜にしてカルトにはなりません。　それらは少しずつその方向へ進展して行くのです。　カルト的兆候とその傾向に敏感である事は、カルトが活動を始め、害悪が生じる前に、これをくい止める防御策になります。”

02/20/11

“This is an open invitation to past and present students who have studied at either Shobo-ji or Dai Bosatsu with Eido Roshi.

Please join us on March 20 for a meeting of the Sangha.”

Captured 2/20/11

“The purpose of this meeting is to come together as a Sangha in a safe environment to understand what we've all been going through: to define it, to acknowledge our suffering and to find ways of healing.”

“The meeting will be co-facilitated by Barry Magrid and Grace Schireson.

Barry is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in New York City and is the Zen teacher of The Ordinary Mind Zendo.

Grace Schireson is the founder and head teacher of the Empty Nest Zen Group. She is author of the book Zen Women: Beyond Tea Ladies, Iron Maidens and Macho Masters.”

“We are no longer affiliated with the Zen Studies Society and this meeting is not organized by the ZSS Board of Directors, nor will they be in attendance.

After waiting for months to hear from the ZSS Board, we have decided to step forth and organize at a grassroots level a way to address some of the hurt and suffering that many of us have been experiencing over the last six months caused by the actions of Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道), the Board and our own denial over the years.”

[See entries of: 03/05/11 and 03/07/11]

02/20/11

The Tricycle Blog:

Sex in the Sangha: Apparently, we still haven't had enough

by James Shaheen

“The sex scandals that have rocked the Zen communities in recent weeks are pretty depressing. First it was Eido Shimano, whose exposure on the internet was followed up by a New York Times report. Zen teacher John Tarrant is now under fire for writing an obit for the late Aitken Roshi. Aitken had disowned Tarrant for what Aitken considered Tarrant's sexual indiscretions with students, and also criticized Tarrant's teaching style and conduct as a therapist. So Tarrant didn't win any points with Aitken's Diamond Sangha for what they considered a veiled attack on their teacher. Now, Genpo Merzel, among the dharma heirs of Maezumi Roshi (前角  大山  博雄), has publicly apologized for breaking his marriage vows by having sex with students.”

“Another signing the AZTA open letter was Roko (露光) Sherry Chayat, heir to Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道). Shimano's (嶋野) behavior had been known about for years, and yet it continued with the full knowledge of many of his students. It is almost impossible to imagine that Chayat herself did not know given her position as Shimano's (嶋野) heir and the length of time she studied with him. Yet it was pressure from without that forced the issue, one that had otherwise continued for years.”

02/21/11

ＳＥＮＳＨＩＮ日記

[SENSHIN diary]

February 21, 2011. This blog was subscribed.

[Saturday]

I met and spoke with Shimano Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) this weekend and I was relieved to see that he seemed well.

That same night, I received a phone call from Tanaka-san [Myo Yo Tanaka] of Daibosatsu Zendo Japan branch office, who gave us permission to sell Shimano Roshi’s (嶋野 老師) DVD “Zen in New York” that he made last year, at the Zazen meeting tomorrow.  I immediately contacted my office colleague, Kitano, to prepare to sell DVD on Sunday.

[Sunday]

Various people came for the Zazen meeting and I was surprised to see that so many are middle to older aged women.

About 50 people came and showed pleasure in attending Shimano Roshi’s (嶋野 老師) Zazen meeting, held only once a year here.  I realized and am impressed by Roshi (老師) who still values Japan after 50-year mission of propagating Buddhism eastward.

土曜日に、嶋野栄道老師とお会いして、お話をさせて頂きましたが、お元気なご様子でしたので安心しました。

その夜に、大菩薩禅堂の日本事務所の田中さんより、お電話を拝受して、明日の京都での座禅会に、昨年に制作した嶋野老師のDVD禅in NewYorkを販売しても良いと言って頂き、急遽、北野社員と連絡を取り、日曜日に、二人で販売に向かいました。

様々な人が座禅をしにお越しになりましたが、高中年の女性が多いのに驚きました。

約50人が、年に一度の嶋野老師の京都での会を楽しみにされている様を拝して、禅の仏法東漸を目指し渡米50年の老師が、日本を大切にされているお姿に感銘を受けました。

02/22/11

Analysis:

Cut From the Same Cloth: Scientology and EnlightenNext

Discussion of the recent New Yorker article on Scientology

by William Yenner

“In his recent New Yorker profile of the Church of Scientology (February 7, 2011), Lawrence Wright highlights a type of social pathology that, far from being confined to Scientologists, is a ubiquitous feature of many contemporary so-called 'religious' or 'spiritual' organizations. Yet in public discourse about the relative merits of any particular such group, there seems to be a characteristic obliviousness to the presence of this pathology, and it seems to be difficult for people to perceive and accept how pervasive and formulaic this type of pathology actually is.”

02/28/11

An Email From Robert Aitken, Rodaishi to Stuart Lachs.

Dated: 09/07/06

"I shared my disappointed feelings about Tai San [Shimano (嶋野 栄道)] with the Roshi [Soen (中川 宋淵)] and while he seemed to sympathize, nothing changed. We persevered and after a couple of years, two members had nervous breakdowns within a couple weeks of each other."

"Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) listened to me carefully but I sensed that he did not take the news very seriously. Yasutani Roshi (安谷 白雲) was at that time on vacation nearby, and we went together to consult with him also. He was even less concerned about the news, and in fact suggested that Tai San [Shimano (嶋野 栄道)] not go to that hospital anymore. I came back to Honolulu without really achieving anything to find that Tai San [Shimano (嶋野 栄道)] had heard about my consultations. He made a big thing about how I had deceived him and told him that I would be visiting my parents. He was scheduled to leave for New York in a few days."

"Off he [Shimano (嶋野 栄道)] went and soon I began hearing from my Zen friends in New York, “What’s going on?” Apparently he just descended upon them. At this point, Anne entered the fray by urging me to keep entirely quiet about the whole matter, in order to protect the women who had suffered from his depredations. She was really firm about this, while I wanted to go to INS with my papers as evidence and urge Tai San’s [Shimano (嶋野 栄道)] deportation. Anne was very vehement in her opposition to this notion, so I compromised by telling my story briefly to two of the New York friends. By this time, they were reconciled to his being there and were helping him. He [Shimano (嶋野 栄道)] was planning to bring a bride from Japan and they were set to welcome her. They felt that her presence and her relationship with Tai San [Shimano (嶋野 栄道)] would put everything right."

"Shortly before Anne died 12 years ago, she confided that she regretted advising me to lay off, and thus protect the two women. Now your plan to tell the story to the AAR [American Academy of Religion] has come up, and I feel that she would approve my relating the story to you. One of the women moved to Los Angeles and we corresponded for a while. I don’t know even whether or not she is still alive. The other woman never recovered from her breakdown and has lived in a halfway house here on O’ahu all these years. Maybe she too is no longer living. So I feel comfortable about telling the story now."

"One of my earliest students with whom I did zazen under Yamada Roshi (山本  玄嶂) in Japan, settled in New York to be near her aging father. She became a member at Daibosatsu and at the New York zendo and quickly became Tai San’s [Shimano's (嶋野 栄道)] mistress. She reported his methods in some detail—apparently by this time he was quite a lothario, and she refused to join in my condemnation of his 'teaching'."

02/28/11

ロバート  エイトケン  老大師よりスチュアート  ラクスへのEメール。

２００６年９月７日

私達は禅堂を便利な場所へ移動し、宗淵老師を招いて接心を行いました。私はタイさんに関する失望を、老師に打ち明けたのですが、老師は同情の風は見えるのですが、それ以上なにも変化は見えませんでした。私達はさらに二年我慢を続け、その間、二人のメンバーが精神衰弱に倒れました。

彼は私にボランテイアとしてメデイカルセンターの精神科へ来るように勧め、職員会議に参加させてくれる事を約束しました。私は医師の勧めに従ったのですが、これが非常に有意義な仕事だと思われたので、タイさんにも勧め、彼も私について参加しました 。

宗淵老師は注意深く聞いてくれましたが、私の感じではこの事件をあまり重要視しておられないように見えました。安谷老師はこの時、休暇中で近辺へ出かけておられ留守だったので、二人で彼のもとへ相談に行ったのですが、彼の関心は宗淵老師以下で、タイさんは二度と病院へ行かなければ良いであろう、と勧めるだけなのでした。結局なんら成果なく私はホノルルへ帰ったのですが、タイさんは私の日本旅行を知り、両親に会いに行くなどと言って彼を騙したと、大いに憤慨し、二三日の中にニューヨークへ行くと言いました。

彼は去り、私はニューヨークの友人からその後の経緯を知らされました。察する所、島野は彼らのもとへ下って行ったようです。この時、アンは、すっかり神経をすり減らし、又、二人の神経衰弱患者を守るため、この事件一切から身を引くよう、黙殺するよう私に懇願しました。実の所、私としては、証拠書類を持って、INSへ赴き、タイさんの国外追放を計りたかったのですが、アンの反対があまりに激烈で、止むなく諦めて、私は二人のニューヨークの友人にのみ簡単に伝えるにとどめるという事で妥協したのでした。やがて、皆はこれらの経緯一切と和解して、島野の援助に動きだしたようです。この時、島野は日本から花嫁を呼び、一同は彼女を歓迎して迎える体制を整えました。皆は、花嫁の到着により、一切の問題は平穏に落ち着くと期待したのです。

１２年前、アンは死の直前、私に打ち明けて、二人の女性患者を守るため、島野の事件から手を引くように迫った事を後悔しているといいました。そして今、貴方のAAR向けに話を公開する計画が持ち上がりました。アンはこの話を貴方に伝える事に異存はないものと思います。女性の一人はロスアンゼルスへ移り、しばらく文通を続けましたが、彼女が今生きているかどうか私にはわかりません。もう一人の女性は神経衰弱から立ち直れず、オアフへの途中にある家に長く住んでいましたが、彼女も多分、生きてはいないと思われ、私としてはこの話を心配する事無く、打ち明ける事が出来ます。

日本の山田老師のもとで共に接心に参加した、初めの頃の弟子の一人が老いた父親の近くで暮らすためニューヨークに落ち着きました。彼女は、大菩薩禅堂、ニューヨーク禅堂のメンバーになり、間もなくタイさんの愛人になりました。彼女は、彼の手口をかなり細目に渡って報告しています。察する所、彼はすでにこの頃、かなりの道楽者になっており、彼女は私の彼を教師としての立場を非難する側には参加しませんでした。

03/00/11

Shogen-dojo, Aegertenstrasse 6, CH-8003 Zürich, Switzerland

Information zum August – Sesshin

20. bis 25. August 2011 im Felsentor, Schweiz.

Wie ihr vielleicht schon erfahren habt ist Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) Ende 2010 als Abt der Zen Studies Society zurückgetreten.  Er wird auch nicht ins Felsentor kommen um unser Sesshin zu leiten.  Er hat ausdrücklich gewünscht und mit Nachdruck darauf bestanden, dass diese Tradition weiter geführt wird.  So findet also auch dieses Jahr wieder ein 5-Tage Sesshin statt im Felsentor unter der Leitung von Shokan Osho [Marcel Urech].  Lasst euch diese Gelegenheit, einmal unter idealsten Bedingungen eure Zen Praxis zu vertiefen, nicht entgehen.

03/00/11

Shogen-dojo, Aegertenstrasse 6, CH-8003 Zürich, Switzerland

Information about the August sesshin

August 20-25, 2011 at Felsentor, Switzerland

“As you might already know, Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) stepped down as the abbot of the Zen Studies Society at the end of 2010. He will also no longer be coming to Felsentor to lead our sesshin. However, he expressly wished and firmly insisted that this tradition be continued. Therefore, a five-day sesshin will take place again this year at Felsentor under the direction of Shokan Osho [Marcel Urech]. Do not miss this opportunity to deepen your Zen practice under the most ideal of conditions.”

03/05/11

Updated Versions of the CSSF Web Site as Captured on 03/05/11 - 03/20/11 & 03/23/11.

It has come to our attention that in the near future there may be a possible legal action against the ZSS. This will not be a topic addressed at the meeting on March 20."

"We will do everything we can to ensure the privacy of everyone attending. There will be no recording or note taking. Participants will agree to keep everything at the meeting confidential and will agree not to publish or publicly reveal what takes place."

"That being said, if there is anyone attending the March 20 Sangha meeting who feels they may want to join in the legal action, they should seek legal counsel beforehand."

03/07/11

Posting by Kobutsu Malone to the Zen Forum International Thread on Sexual Misconduct by Buddhist Teachers.

An Attorney's List of Suggested Disclaimers Disclosed to the CSSF on February 18, 2011.

"On March 5th, CSSF issued its own 'privacy' statement, advising registrants and prospective event participants that (i) discussion of legal matters was not to be part of the event, (ii) an agreement among participants to keep the matters discussed at the event 'confidential' would serve to keep the matters discussed from 'public' disclosure, and (iii) advising participants to seek the advice of their own attorneys – at their own expense – prior to attending the meeting."

"The CSSF leadership has declined – inexplicably – to offer sangha members the benefit of reading the disclosure / disclaimers and determining for themselves how the information contained there might affect the manner in which they participate in the event."

[See entries of: 02/20/11 and 03/05/11]

03/14/11

A Letter From Michael Noyes, Staff Assistant to Susan M. Collins, United States Senator to Kobutsu Malone.

“Thank you for contacting Senator-Collins's Bangor-office to express your concern that you reported crimes to officials at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), but you have not been contacted by either agency to explain what they are doing to investigate the information you provided, nor have you been provided a response to let you know that the information was received.”

“Ms. Logan said that ‘although the IRS appreciates all reports of suspected fraud, the IRS is prohibited by law from disclosing information to Rev. Malone about the actions it has taken as result of his Information Referral. If Rev Malone has additional information he would like to provide to the IRS, he can complete Form 3949-A and mail it to Internal Revenue Service; Fresno, CA 93888’."

03/18/11

A Letter from Kobutsu Malone to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York City Field Office.

"I am writing to you on the instructions from the Bangor, Maine FBI office.  I initially made contact with the Boston FBI office through a telephone call on September 22, 2010 and provided the agent (who refused to identify himself or provide an identification badge number) with a quantity of information concerning Mr. Eido Tai Shimano (嶋野 栄道) and his New York based Zen Studies Society, Inc.  I also provided information to the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service in a letter sent on October 22, 2010."

"Since I had not been contacted by either agency, I reached out to Senator Susan Collins, my Senate representative from Maine.  Senator Collins’ office urged me to attempt to make further contact with the FBI and the IRS, hence this letter."

03/20/11

Statement from CSSF (Committee for Sangha Stepping Forth)

This is a statement by sixteen former and current members of the ZSS Sangha who met together for a meeting on Sunday March 20, 2011, facilitated by Grace Schireson and Barry Magid.

SweepingZen: the definitive online who’s who of Zen

"While acknowledging the many positive and beneficial experiences of practice we have taken a first step toward healing from fifty years of trauma caused by misconduct by Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) and have begun the process of recognizing and assessing our own sense of responsibility for the silence and inaction that allowed this to continue for so long.

We all shared our love for Zen practice and the acute sense of pain and loss of community. We wish to extend our compassion to all those who have suffered and were deeply damaged by this ongoing trauma.

Some of the topics we explored during the day were:

•   The difference between submission and surrender

•   The mystery of enlightenment coinciding with misconduct

•   The mystique and idealization of a teacher and practice

•    What fantasies might have brought us to Zen practice and how we might better activate our bullshit detectors in the future

•    Power dynamics

•    Sexual dynamics in unequal power situations

•    Spiritual bypassing – when our practice disconnects us from our emotional life and psychological needs

We expressed concern about how the process of reconstruction of the ZSS will unfold and the need for a democratic Sangha-driven process moving forward that is not principally controlled by the existing hierarchy."

03/26/11

An Alleged Letter from Sherry Chayat to "Dear Sangha."

This Letter was Posted to the genkaku-again Blog on March 26, 2011 at 4:10 AM by Someone Identified as "Tom." The Missive is a Text File, and Contains no Letterhead or Signature.

"Please let me know how I can help you, and please consider coming to Dai Bosatsu Zendo. I look forward to meeting with you, and to working together to envision and bring about a healthy, strong Zen Studies Society."

03/30/11

Sex and the Sangha: Out of Touch

An Article by Marnie Froberg Posted on Her MADHUSHALA Blog.

– मधुशाला –

Captured: 04/23/11

“Joan Halifax Roshi, founder of Upaya Zen Center, wrote a statement some time back regarding the ethical sexual issues that are plaguing the American Zen scene Why Buddhism?: Violations of Trust in the Sexual Sphere on Facebook. It also appears on Upaya’s website and on the blog,  The Jizo Chronicles.  In that missive she discusses the situation with regard to Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) many abuses, but many of her words are pertinent to the current situation with Dennis Genpo Merzel, a Buddhist teacher who cried crocodile tears a few months ago at being caught in another (for there have been many) compromising ethical position. Mr. Merzel pledged to disrobe, take counseling, set things right and basically get his shit together.

But now, less than a month and a half later he is announcing he is retaining his Zen master title and going back to teaching. That was fast. But you know these dharma-transmitted enlightened Bodhisattvas have so many super-human powers that no doubt one hour of counseling for them is equal to a year for the rest of us. Unfortunately there will be many who will be stupid enough to buy into that kind of magic thinking though.”

“AN INTERESTING TURN OF EVENTS: GRACE AND I WERE PUBLICLY BULLIED BY ONE OF THE AZTA ZEN TEACHERS FOR OUR COMMUNIQUES, INTERESTING PUSH BACK TO SAY THE LEAST. THIS IS JUST ONE MORE PIECE IN THE PUZZLE OF THE CONFOUNDING BEHAVIOR THAT HAS SURROUNDED THE SITUATION WITH EIDO SHIMANO AND A TYPICAL RESPONSE WHEN WOMEN STAND TOGETHER AGAINST VIOLATIONS OF THIS KIND. HEREIN A REDACTED VERSION OF ONE EXCHANGE, AFTER THE FIRST EMAIL FROM HIM TELLING GRACE AND ME TO (EXCUSE THE LANGUAGE) ‘BUTT OUT.’

Further the author of the “BUTT OUT” comment, Nonin Chowaney, then outed himself and had more to say in the ZFI forum. The incredibly patronizing tone of his remarks, which he published there, although they are available elsewhere, speaks volumes and thoroughly confirms Roshi Joan’s assessment in my opinion. He wrote:

It was me. Joan Halifax’s remarks are self-serving and inaccurate. Here is what I actually said, directed to two people, Joan and Grace:

At this point, I urge you both to butt out of ZSS’s business and let those on the ZSS Board do what they know that they need to do. They are also well aware of what needs to be done to heal their sangha, and this is no time to be making demands on the ZSS Board that you have no authority to make. If they want your help or recommendations, they’ll ask for them. …You two are coming across as crusaders who think that they know best for everyone concerned. I, for one, am very tired of your attitudes….

Joan, your presentation on the Shimano archives included all that you said but not all that I said. You only included one statement of mine to support your skewed view of what I said. This is intellectual dishonesty.

You also tried to to present my remarks as an example of men downgrading women. I do not downgrade women and try to keep them 'in their place.' My remarks to you and Grace were remarks to you and Grace, and they were meant to downgrade your behavior and your 'positions.' If men had written your remarks, I would have said the same thing.

This kind of scolding, as if they are naughty little girls is insulting. It is not surprising that the recipients were taken aback by it. The pointing out of their lack of authority is rather telling in that he himself assumes an authority to tell them what they should and should not be doing. It is not like the ZSS folks can’t do that themselves.”

 “Not only does Nonin Chowaney know what’s going on in all these situations and presumes to speak for ZSS and many others (read the entire comment thread) he also apparently knows what goes on in the minds of 'savvy' women and can speak for their behavior as well. He can tell us the motivation for other’s statements, 'manifestation of 70’s feminism', what is in the minds of 'most people', in particular that they have “gone beyond” all that. Must be amazing to have such mindreading abilities.

Dismissing a woman’s statement as a 'red herring' is a convenient way not to bother to address it. It says that her feelings on the matter are not only not worthy of consideration but further bolster the previous accusation of 'intellectual dishonesty'."

“A stand has to be made. We each do it in our own ways according to our abilities. There is no problem for me to stand up against any sort of organized or unorganized idiocy by bigots, misogynists, homophobes etc. and that is because it is their ignorance talking. And when borderline newby Buddhists suggest 'not right speech' that is also not too difficult to deal with.”

“Buddhists need to stand up for themselves and others. And not have to constantly worry about getting fragged by their own ranks because of personal grudges or ego trips. When there’s something to be said then say it at a time that is relevant. Storing up decades of resentment and then issuing schadenfreude filled manifestos is ridiculous.”

“The Genpo situation is a case in point. Many who signed that letter [of discipline, advice, castigation] are blatantly hypocritical in their opinions. Most belong to the AZTA (American Zen Teachers Association ) which had admitted Genpo quite a few years ago despite knowing his history and the problems which had occurred with other Zen centers which which he was affiliated. He was still a member until very recently when the pack turned on him lest they be exposed as enablers. Some who signed the letter against him have offered Big Mind workshops at their own facilities to help pay costs. Others have had affairs with him that went sour and they may be a little bit vindictive. (response to that link)  Others have stood by for years and simply done nothing while it all unfolded.”

“There is also Junpo (巡法) Dennis Kelly’s [Shimano's (嶋野 栄道) first Dharma heir] recent statements on the Integral philosophy’s website in a post, In Defense of Promiscuity, which rather lasciviously outlines his being apparently seduced by a student many years his junior. That Junpo (巡法) Kelly is associated with Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) in the past and the Ken Wilber organization currently, to which Genpo Merzel is also attached is not surprising considering how much sexual misconduct has been attested to within that organization’s long and convoluted history. These are just a couple of the more overt expressions.”

“In these many sexual scandals there are the occasional outbursts of moral outrage but more often than not in America there has been plenty of forgiveness for the male but little ‘forgiveness’ for the woman or minority for being in that circumstance. There are innuendoes passed, suggestions made and even outright accusations of everything from insanity to jealousy to being behind the times with regard to those who have gotten the short end of the privilege stick. And where accusers and their allies are vocal the attempts to either shut them up directly, by way of bullying, innuendo or exclusion are many.”

“On the one hand the AZTA puts itself forward as some kind of supportive peer group, at other times it is described as merely a listserve and at other points it attempts to put forward some kind of authority such as in the Merzel case when as a group they wrote letters to Maezumi Roshi (前角  大山  博雄) (mentioned here) regarding Merzel’s behavior twenty years ago, not unlike the group effort that was recently made on the same issue.

It is called a peer group organization yet it is envisioned as a service to the general public. They have strict entrance requirements yet do not count themselves as a credentialing or authorizing body. Additionally on that note there are statements regarding 'properly qualified Zen Teachers' which are listed on their database. They do not credential or authorize but merely recommend. This is while simultaneously conducting organized campaigns against teachers who have been listed with them (Genpo) and even those who have not been listed (Shimano) (嶋野 栄道).  There are committees and officers yet it’s purpose is stated to provide information and dialogue opportunities.”

“As one teacher friend pointed out the average age of the American Zen teacher is somewhere in her or his early sixties.

What I think we’re looking at is a dying off of Zen in the West within the next twenty years.

I don’t think Zen will go away. But it will be a much smaller thing than it currently is.

For what reason would anyone with any sense want to become a Zen teacher at this point? To receive such a disorganized, frequently indecisive, confused, meandering inheritance is not something to look forward to.

The situations that have gone on, and that continue, demonstrate aptly either how out of touch the Zen teachers are with their own peers, how out of touch they are with Zen students, how out of touch they are with the ethical foundations of all Buddhist traditions, how out of touch they are with 'savvy' women or women in general, or how out of touch some of them are with reality. In any of these cases it does not bode well for the future of Zen in America.

If the elite of the AZTA are merely running a recipe club rather than an organization that is of some dharmic purpose why not say so and stop with the semi-authoritarian posturing. On the other hand if they are indeed serious about establishing, building and representing the Buddhadharma by way of Zen practice then maybe it’s time to do just that. Comes a time one has to either do the job or use the shitstick and get off the pot.”

05/15/11

genkaku-again blog

An Eyewitness Account and Remembrance of "The Ceremony of the Formal Transmission of the Dharma from Mitta-Kutsu Nakagawa Soen Roshi to his Dharma Heir Mui-Shitsu Shimano Eido Roshi."

By Mushin Frank LoCicero

“I was in attendance.  At that time I was a member for about a year and a half.  I still have a souvenir of that event somewhere in storage. it is similar, if not identical to what Winston posted and includes a photograph showing the ceremonial passing of the staff from Nakagawa Soen (中川 宋淵) to Shimano Eido (嶋野 栄道), if I recall correctly.  In any case It was clearly meant to be a formal transmission ceremony.”

“Bear in mind as you read this that as the situation unfolded seemed a legitimate matter of concern and not a crass grab for title or power. It did leave in my mind a lasting concern that Shimano (嶋野) used political means to circumvent the concerns of his teacher.”

“During the transmission ceremony Soen (宋淵) made it very clear that he wanted the Zen Studies Society sangha to call Shimano ‘Eido-shi’ (栄道 師) not ‘Eido-roshi.’ (栄道 老師) Up to that time he was known as Tai-san.  Soen Roshi (宋淵 老師) seemed very concerned about the ‘shi’ (師) vs. ‘roshi’ (老師) titles and repeated it more than once and gave an explanation as to why.  Briefly, Soen (宋淵) explained that Eido (栄道) was still young and that Roshi (老師) meant ‘old teacher.’’

“My sense at the time, putting it into Western employment terms, was that Soen (宋淵) wanted to make it clear the ‘promotion’ was ‘provisional.’”

“Shortly after the ceremony, Shimano (嶋野) let it be known, informally, that he wanted the sangha to call him ‘roshi.’ (老師)  He claimed this was because the large donors wanted to give to ‘roshis.’ (老師)”

[See entry of: 09/15/72]

05/19/11

Erklæring af Denko John Mortensen - Eido Shimanos fjerde dharmaarving:

Egely Kloster - Taikyo-Ji

Ny 'stil'

Skrevet af Denko, Tor, 19/05/2011 - 10:06

"Et Dzogchen retræte med ham har allerede radikalt ændret mit syn på buddhistisk praksis. Dette vil indebære, at vores stil i Egely Kloster og RZBS ændres en hel del. Meget er allerede ændret - kom og oplev!"

"Vi vil så snart som muligt afholde en 3-dages sesshin, hvor den nye stil bliver fremlagt og diskuteret. Meld venligst tilbage, hvis du er interesseret i at deltage - og i så fald hvornår du kan. Dette retræte vil være yderst vigtigt for vores fremtid."

"Alt dette er for at gøre vores vej så komplet og 'korrekt' (iflg Buddhismens grundtanker) som overhovedet muligt. Mit største ansvar er ikke at 'snyde' jer."

05/19/11

An Announcement by Denko John Mortensen – Shimano's Fourth Dharma Heir:

Egely Monastery - Taikyo-Ji

New 'style'

"I am now officially a student of Kilung Rinpoche, a Nyingma Lama and Tulku."

"A Dzogchen retrete with him have already radically changed my perspective on buddhistic practice. This means that our style at Egely Monastery and RZBS is going to change a great deal. Much is already changed - come and experience!"

"We will as soon as possible conduct a 3-day sesshin, where this new style will be presented and discussed. Please let us know if you are interested and, in that case, when it will be possible for you to attend. This retreat is extremely important for our future."

"All this is in order to make our way as complete and 'correct' (in regards to Buddhism's fundamental principles) as possible. My highest responsibility is not to 'cheat' any of you."

05/19/11

伝光　ジョン　モーテンセンの告示　ー　嶋野の４番目の嗣法：

エジリー僧院　- 泰居寺

ニュー’スタイル’

”ゾウグチェン僧院における彼の教化により、私の仏教修行の全景は大きく変わりました。　これは、エジリー僧堂とRZBSも同様大きく変化した言うことです。　既に著しい変化が見えると思います　—　来てご自身で経験してみて下さい！”

”私達は出来るだけ早く、三日- 接心を行い、ここでニュースタイルを紹介し、共に討議したいと思います。　もし興味がおありでしたら、貴方にとって参加の都合の良い日時を当方までお知らせ下さい。　この僧院は私達の将来にとって非常に重要なのです。"

"これら全て、私達の道を出来るだけ完璧で正しい（仏教の基本であるという意味において）ものに築くためなのです。　私の最高の責務は貴方がたの何れをも欺かぬということです。"

05/25/11

A Letter from Sherry Chayat to "Dear Sangha."

"After deep reflection on all the painful events, discussions, responses, and decisions that have occurred over the past year, which have led to rifts and fragmentation of our Sangha, I have requested that the Board of Directors bring in a professional mediator who can help us in a process of open listening, which I feel is the only way we can begin to heal and restore trust."

"It is my profound wish that we bring this about, so that we can go forward in a positive way both at Dai Bosatsu Zendo and at New York Zendo, creating an atmosphere in which openheartedness, kindness, and mutual respect are integral to authentic Rinzai Zen practice, in keeping with the compassionate and noble teachings of the Buddha."

"A first meeting with the mediator, between Eido Roshi and members of the Board, occurred in early May. A second meeting with Dai Bosatsu Zendo residents and the entire Board will occur in early June. An all-Sangha meeting with the mediator will take place on the weekend of August 26-28, at Dai Bosatsu Zendo. (For more information or to register, please contact the DBZ office.)"

05/29/11

Boulders stuck in the Stream of Dharma

An Excerpt from a Teisho Delivered on Sunday, May 29^th 2011
by Genjo Marinello Osho. 

An analogy of Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) as having, or being, a "Boulder stuck in a stream".

06/01/11

An Email from Shoteki Chris Phelan, ZSS Board Vice President to: "Dear Shobo-Ji Members and friends"

New York Zendo Shobo-ji
Yamamoto Gempo Roshi All-Day Sit

"This also is to update that Kokan Genjo Marinello Osho from Seattle will be joining us and will be giving a dharma talk. We thank him in advance for his efforts to travel to sit and share with us. For those who don't know him, he is a a Zen Priest and Dharma heir to Eido Roshi, ordained by Genki Takabayashi Roshi."

"We are also honored and grateful to have another visit and support from Genro and Yayoi of Endless Mountain Zendo."

"This is our last formal all day of this season so we hope to see as many of you as possible."

06/03/11

20110603_ZFI_Shodo.pdf

A Letter from Former ZSS Board President Banko Randy Phillips to Present ZSS Board Member and Shimano's Fifth Dharma Heir, Genjo Marinello.

Posted to the Zen Forum International by Shodo.

“As you know I resigned from the board because I thought that Eido Roshi should take an immediate leave of absence and stop seeing students under the auspices of ZSS.”

“As you remember, during all of the many deliberations with the board Shinge Roshi would agree with the plan of action only to backtrack or reverse direction - sometimes only hours later. She does not fundamentally understand the situation and is apparently not capable of acting any other way. I do understand loyalty to a teacher but this is beyond the pale. She does not handle confrontation well and this is a situation that centers around an individual who needs to be confronted.”

“It appears that Eido Roshi has done nothing other that to try to figure a way to get back in. It appears that two old-time Shanga members (at his request) are soliciting what Sangha that is left to write letters to Eido Roshi explaining their desire to study with him. I speculate that these letters will then will be submitted to the board with the argument that the Sangha wants Eido Roshi and the board does not represent the heart of the Sangha.”

“Eido Roshi has lied about almost every detail of his coming to America and New York. He has lied by omission and by outright lie. He has had very questionable financial dealings. He has gone against the wishes of his greatest benefactors repeatedly to the point where they 'disowned' him. Soen Roshi did the same - and Eido Roshi repeatedly lied about it. He had numerous sexual scandals that are well documented. He allowed his wife to run Shobo-ji nearly into the ground with her mean vindictive behavior. When senior Sangha members (lead by myself) got him to agree to a schedule where she would slowly step down he reversed his decision within months. When the recent scandal broke he wrote a very tepid apology and then retracted it via a letter to the NY Times. He has been asked repeatedly by the current board to return ZSS documents in his possession and he has not to my knowledge acted in good faith or complied with most requests. Now he is behind the scenes trying to pull strings to get himself back into a teaching situation with ZSS.”

"Teaching is a privilege and not a right. Eido Roshi has betrayed the trust that was given to him time and time again. This is patently ridiculous. It also remains a legal liability if the board backtracks. If Shinge Roshi can not agree to this (as she has in the past) then she should remove herself. We can chart the waters ahead without an Abbot, especially one the does not understand the basics. This is not the time for consensus, this is not the time to ask your students what they want. This is the time to explain to them why they can not have what they think they want. Eido Roshi does not have the moral authority to be entrusted with the responsibility of being a teacher because he repeatedly abused this power. This is the time to show some leadership and make difficult decisions - and stand by them.”

“Please not to agree to whatever compromise Shinge Roshi comes up with. I am sure that Fujin is in the heart of all of this as well as all of the other enablers. The time for compromise is AFTER Eido Roshi shows some real honesty, change and remorse.”

06/03/11

前ZSS理事会、会長ばんこう　ランデイ　フィリップスより、現理事会員、嶋野の第５番目の嗣法、げんじょう　マリナロへの手紙。

しょどうにより禅フォラム　インターナショナルに掲載された。

”貴方も記憶されている事と思いますが、あの数々の審議が理事会で討論されていた時、心華老師は旧道を繰り返すか、逆行への路のみを主張していました。　彼女は基本的に現状が理解出来ておらず、私が判断した所、それ以外の行動を取る能力が無いように見えました。　彼女の師に対する忠誠は理解出来るものの、これは限度を超えています。　彼女は直面している問題に対決していないのですが、今は対決すべき個人に対して対決しなければならない事態にあるのです。”

”私の理解している限り、栄道老師は彼の旧職を取り戻そうと言う試み以外何一つ行っていません。　私の理解している限り、二人の旧僧伽メンバーが（老師の命により）僧伽は栄道老師のもとで修行をしたい希望であると言う懇願の手紙を書きました。　私の推量では、この手紙が理事会の手に渡り、その結果僧伽は栄道老師の復帰を望み、理事会は僧伽の意見を代表していないという論争に至ったようです。”

”栄道老師はどのようにしてアメリカへ、又ニューヨークへ来たかという経緯について殆ど全面的に嘘をつきました。　彼は公然とデタラメな嘘をつきました。　彼は財政問題に関して非常に疑わしい怪しげな処理をしました。　彼は繰り返し、彼の最大の後援者の希望を無視し、その結果この後援者から絶縁を言い渡されています。　宋淵老師も同様勘当を言い渡したのですが−−栄道老師は繰り返しこの事に関して嘘をつきました。　彼は数えきれない程のセックス　スキャンダルを起こしましたが、是等は明細に記録されています。　彼は意地の悪い、執念深い彼の妻に正法寺を統率する権威を与えました。　私の指導になる古参の僧伽メンバー達は彼女の退職を要求したのですが、彼は間もなく実際に、全く逆の事を行いました。　最近のスキャンダルが発覚した時、彼は生温い謝罪状を表明したのですが、直ぐにニューヨーク　タイムス宛に手紙を書いてこれを撤回しました。　彼はZSSの記録文書を私有しており、ZSSの現在の理事会よりこれを返還するよう再度催促されているのですが、これも無視、彼は殆どすべての要請に無視を続けています。　現在彼は再び教鞭を取るべく背後から策動を計っています。”

”教職というものは授けられて得る特権で、資格ではありません。栄道老師は繰り返し、繰り返し信頼を裏切りました。　実に理不尽な話です。　もし理事会がこの事態を放置しておくならば、法的責任を問われる事になるでしょう。　もし心華老師がこれに同意出来ないならば（彼女は過去においてそうでした）彼女は退場するべきです。　住持が、とりわけ基本の分かっていない住持など、居なくても私達は立派に仏道を進める事が出来ます。　今は意見の一致を待っている時ではなく、弟子達に何を望むかと問うている時でもありません。　今は彼らに、なぜ彼らが欲しいと思っていたものが得られないかその理由を説明してやる時です。　栄道老師は師として信頼すべき権威者の道徳能力に欠けており、その証拠に彼は地位を乱用して不行跡を働きました。　今こそ、統率力を発揮し、困難な解決を断行し　−　彼らの為に立ち上がるときです。”

”どうか、心華老師が如何なる和議、妥協を提案しようとも賛同なさらないように。　他の力のある人びとと同様、婦人が是等全ての中心にあるのでしょう。　和議妥協は栄道老師が真実誠意を示し、変化し、自責を表明した時行われるのです。”

06/10/11

20110610_Marinello_update.pdf

Zen Studies Society Update
By Genjo Marinello Osho

SweepingZen: the definitive online who’s who of Zen

"We heard mostly how many wanted Eido Roshi (ER) to be able to do a limited teaching schedule over the next two years. We also heard from some how my recent Dharma Talks have felt offensive to them, 'slandering the father in the father’s house' sort of thing."

[See entry of: 07/16/11]

"The Board made good arguments for why ER is retired and must stay retired, with little or no chance of any continued teaching at Zen Studies Society (ZSS) because of little understanding, remorse or any real redemptive efforts."

"Shinge Roshi related that not enough people at DBZ were coming to dokusan with her. Most people responded that they either were still grieving and not ready for a new dokusan relationship or were still hoping for ER’s return, or simply didn’t want to offend ER by writing him that they no longer wanted him as their teacher (which has been a requirement up to now)."

"June 6th the Board met with DBZ monks and heard of ER’s response (or really lack of it) to a proposed joint statement with the board that asked for many concessions in exchange for some limited access to former students requesting it. This response was relayed by Shinge Roshi, but not advocated by her. Because it was clear that ER was either not willing or not capable of coming close to the steps the board outlined as minimally necessary for some partial reconciliation, it was concluded that a new statement would be drafted that reiterated the Board’s stance that ER is fully retired and will not be doing any teaching under ZSS auspices. The board also concluded that ER would not be invited to Obon ceremony, nor would the new DBZ front gate have any opening ceremony when completed. The Board also worked long and hard on a retirement agreement for ER, we are still feeling hemmed in by the unfunded 95 Deferred Compensation Agreements. A retirement proposal was developed that we hope to have ER sign at a meeting towards the end of the month, at this meeting he will also be informed that we will continue our policy of full retirement and no teaching under ZSS auspices."

"After the all day sit, I had dinner with a former senior student of ER and heard some tales of further indiscretions that exceeded 'consensual' sexual relations with students. Consequently, I have become even more convinced that we cannot have ER return to teaching in any way at ZSS."

"In other ZSS news, we have finally gotten all documents, records and seals from ER. Our lawyer has gone over them and on first few there are many discrepancies, but no indication of fraud or gross mismanagement. We are now working with a couple of accountants to try and bring both NYZ and DBZ up to a level where an ordinary audit can be done. Our treasurer, is a volunteer, doing a great job, but is not an accountant himself. Once the books are ready for ordinary audits then we will begin work on a more detailed historical review of past years. The locks at NYZ have been changed, so now there should be no unannounced meetings or activities at NYZ that aren’t part of scheduled events."

"There will be a mediation meeting the weekend of August 27th for the ZSS Sangha at DBZ. This will be a chance for all students to speak from their hearts, and I hope many who have concerns about the future of ZSS will attend. We plan to include an envisioning method called Open Space, led by Shoshana Susanne Triner. There will be no overnight or conference fee, but dana will be gratefully accepted to help cover costs."

06/10/11

禅スタデイソサイエテイ新情報
げんじょう　マリナロ和尚

スウィーピング禅：禅の紳士録オンライン決定版

”私達は今後２年間栄道老師（ER)が、限られた時間割で教鞭に立つ事をどんなに望んでいるかという声を聞きました。　私達は更に、最近の私の法話がいかに彼らに対して挑戦的中傷に満ちていたかという声を聞きました。　’父の家で父を誹謗した’　等等。”

”理事会は、ERがなぜ退職し、教鞭に立つ機会が全くないか、殆どないまま、退職状態を継続しなければならないかと言う理由を十分に討論しました。”

”心華老師は此れに関した問題として、DBZに属する人びとがあまり彼女のもとへ独参に来ないと話しました。　殆どの人びとの此れに対する回答は、未だ多くの人びとは悲嘆にくれているため新しい独参に出かける心のゆとりがないか、又は、ERの復帰を待ち望んでいるためか、又は、最早彼を師として望んでいないと書く事によってERの感情を害したくない（此れ迄の必要条件）等の理由であります。”

”６月６日、理事会はDBZの僧等と会い、前弟子等の要求、つまり、限られた範囲と言う条件で多くの特権を要求する理事会との合同声明と此れに対するERの返答（実はその欠如）を聴聞しました。　この返答は心華老師によって伝えられましたが、彼女は代弁してはおりません。　何故かと言えば、ERは完全に不承知か又は、調停のために理事会が最低必要とする条件の大要に歩み寄る可能性のないことが明白で、そのため理事会は新しい声明書、つまりERは完全に退職し、ZSSの賛助下でいかなる教えも行わないと言う理事会の立場を反復する声明書を書き直すと言う事で会は終了しました。”

”終日の坐禅を終えて私はERの古参の元弟子であった人と夕食を共にし、ERの“合意による”弟子との不謹慎な性関係の話を聞き、その結果私は、ERは絶対にZSSに復帰して教鞭をとってはいけないという確信を持つに至りました。”

”他のZSSに関する情報としては、私達はやっとERから全ての文書、記録、印等を受け取りました。　我々の法律家はこれらの始めの部分に眼を通した結果、多くの不一致が見られるけれども、詐欺や酷い不法処理はなさそうであると言う事でした。　次に私達は二人の会計士と共にNYZとDBZを平常な会計処理が行える状態に迄整理を試みる予定です。　私達の会計係はボランテイアで、立派な仕事を果たしてくれていますが、彼自身会計士ではありません。　一旦会計簿が正常な状態になったら私達は歴史的な部分の再調査を始めます。　NYZの錠は取り替えられ、もうNYZで告示されない会議、活動が構内で行われる事はありません。”

06/13/11

An Email From The Zen Studies Society

From: office@daibosatsu.org
Subject: Celebrate Dai Bosatsu Zendo's 35th Anniversary
Date: June 13, 2011 8:56:26 AM EDT

“Celebrate Dai Bosatsu Zendo's 35th Anniversary

Please join us for Dai Bosatsu Zendo's 35th Anniversary Sesshin, which will take place July 2-8 and be led by Shinge Sherry Chayat Roshi. After sesshin closes there will be a celebratory meal at 6 p.m. July 8, followed by a concert at 7:30 p.m. featuring shakuhachi grand master Nyogetsu Ronnie Seldin. Sesshin participants will depart on the morning of July 9. If you cannot join us for sesshin you are invited to attend the celebration and concert only, dana (contributions) will be gratefully accepted. Call us to make reservations.”

“Also in celebration of Dai Bosatsu Zendo's 35th anniversary, a brush workshop led by renowned painter, calligrapher, author, and translator Kazuaki Tanahashi will take place Tuesday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $75, including materials and an informal lunch. All are welcome to attend.”

06/17/11

A Letter from Yu-Shin, Tim B. Hale, Esq. to the ZSS Board of Directors

REDACTED
The names and identifying information for various people have been redacted from this document.

“I find the board's decision to prevent Eido Roshi from coming to Zen Studies property and seeing students who wish to see him unconscionable. The board has based their decision on slanderous website, slanderous blog postings by unknown posters, Eido Roshi's admission that he has had several consensual relations with women over the past 30 years, and the letter sent to the New York Times in defense of Roshi. This is ridiculous. Regarding the website and the blog postings they are for the most part a one-sided opinion about events that occurred more than 20 years ago written by people who are enemies of Eido Roshi. They would not be admitted as evidence in a court of law and in my opinion constitute slander. With regard to the consensual relations, I see nothing wrong with them. No pregnancies or abortions resulted from the relationships, all the relationships were consensual, and the relationships were heterosexual in character. This seems quite reasonable to me. Regarding the better sent to New York Times, I have read and see nothing wrong with it. it is simply an attempt by Eido Roshi to defend his reputation against incorrect statements made in the New York Times.”

“Furthermore, the board's conduct has been very dishonest regarding the Eido Roshi matter. The board did not ask or consult with me or the majority of Eido Roshi's students. There was no letter sent to me or other students stating why Eido Roshi was being prevented from seeing his students. The board is has used donor money to perpetuate the current state of affairs without disclosing it to the donors. Genjo Osho, one of the board members, slanders Eido Roshi at every opportunity (e.g., the Dharma Talk at Nyogen Senzaki session). Finally, the board's attempt to reduce Eido Roshi's retirement sickens me. In my opinion that the board's conduct has been immoral and dishonest and in no way befits a religious organization.”

"Let true Dharma continue."

06/18/11

An Email From The Zen Studies Society

Summer Events at Dai Bosatsu Zendo

06/22/11

An Email From Seigan Ed Glassing (Former DBZ monk & Assist. Director NYZ, ZSS Board Member) to:

Grace Schireson, Roshi
Cc: Kobutsu Malone

Attached Letter to Genjo Marinello.

Dated June 12, 2011

“I am concerned about the continued dysfunction in the society, lack of transparency, and the attachment to Shimano that some members still seem to hold.  Most disturbing of all is the discussion that Shimano return to teaching in a limited capacity.” 

“In my opinion, under no circumstance should he be asked to return to the Society, this would be disastrous. He is a liability.  The damage and pain that he has caused far out shadow whatever ‘good’ people say he has engendered in their lives.  As I told you when we met last week, it is not ‘HE’ that changed or saved your life –it is ‘YOU’ that did it, your own Dharma Nature.”

“A meeting between the Board and Shimano was held recently to discuss a new retirement agreement.  Machiavellian that he is, Shimano hijacked the meeting agenda to his own direction.  After a seven-hour mediation that day it should be very evident to the Board that he is remorseless and plotting to come back.  I’m afraid that the next step he will propose is to attempt to link his retirement package with teaching in a ‘very limited’ arrangement.  The pretense no doubt will be couched in Dharmic hyperbole - he will want to ‘complete’ his training with his Dharma heirs and senior students.  He is going to propose that the only way he will accept the change in the new retirement package (with a reduced lump sum) is if he were allowed to return to teaching in a limited way.  The limited way would just be the beginning.  I am worried that the Board in even bargaining with him may be backsliding and this is dangerous. Be aware.”

“It is obvious that he is manipulating behind the scenes, and using his remaining students (perhaps even Board members) to get his way.  This is something that he is very adept at. I have seen him do this many times in the past.  Do not underestimate his abilities.  You should not be negotiating with him or bargaining in any such way.  Communication should be done strictly between his lawyer and yours.  The time for compromise and deals has long since ended.  He has proved himself untrustworthy with his lies, unrepentant for his actions, and is undermining his very own Dharma Heirs and the lineage, which he claims to uphold.”

“Shimano has publicly retired; his teaching is now over (whether he has completed the training of his students or not - in Zen, fundamentally there is no ‘completion’).  The ZSS should now look forward to the future and to a new and more democratic society without him.”

“Repudium means, ‘to divorce or cast off’.  After twenty-five years of studying with Shimano I have repudiated him.  It was absolutely necessary and a healing thing to do. The ZSS Board may invariably be heading in this direction. You may inevitably have to consider disassociating with Shimano for the necessary healing of the Society.  I hope that you are strong.”

“I received a quote that I heard from a Board member today that Shimano was reported as saying:  ‘If I were [to] turn the advances of these women down, I would be committing a worse error than if I accepted them.’ "

“This man must not teach again.”

06/22/11

せいがん　グラッシング（前DBZ僧、NYZ、ZSS理事会員、会長補）よりのEメール：

宛先：グレース　シアソン、老師
Cc　:　古佛　マローン

げんじょう　マリナロ宛の書状

日付　２０１１年　６月　１２日

”ソサイエテイ内では、相変わらず反機能的、公明性の欠如、一部のメンバーは未だに嶋野に付着し続けているなど、心配しています。　最も気がかりな事は嶋野が復帰して、制限付きで教壇に立つ事を許可する協議が開かれようとしている事です。”

”私の意見を申しますと、如何なる状況下においても嶋野をソサイエテイに復帰させてはなりません、これは災厄の原因になるでしょう。　彼には負債があるのです。　“善なる人びと“が彼は人びとの生命の中に生じた等と言ってみた所で、彼のもたらした被害と苦痛を上回るものではありません。　先週私達が会った時私が言ったように、あなたの人生を救済したのは、彼ではなく貴方自身の仏心によるものなのです。”　

”最近、理事会と嶋野との間で彼の退職契約が協議されました。　策謀家の彼は、会議事項を強奪して自分に都合の良い方向に転換させました。　この日、７時間の調停協議の後、理事会にとって明白に分かった事は、彼には悔恨が全く無く、彼自身の復帰のための計略のみだと言う事です。　私が案じている事は、恐らく彼は、彼の退職契約の一部として“ごく制限された範囲”で教壇に立つという条件を要求するのではないかと言う事です。　疑いなく彼は、仏法的誇張法を使用して“完璧な”修行を彼の嗣法または高弟に与えたいと言うでしょう。　彼は退職契約の変更（総額を引き下げる）を受け入れる為には、彼に制限付きで復帰を許し教壇に立つ事を許可すると言う提議を出すと思います。　制限付きでと言う事は、次の段階への第一歩です。　私は理事会が彼とこのような取引をする事自体、後退を意味し危険な事だと心配しています。　注意して下さい。”

”彼は背後で巧みに操縦し、残った弟子等（多分理事会の中にもいます）を利用して彼の道を開こうと試みている事は明白です。　彼はこのような事に熟達しています。　私は過去何度も彼がこのような事を行うのを見ました。　彼の力を軽視しないように。　彼と交渉、取引する事は禁物です。　両者の交流は彼の法律家と貴方の法律家に限定することです。　妥協や取引の時期はとうの昔に終わりました。　彼の嘘、彼の行為に対する後悔の無さ、さらに陰険な手段をもって彼自身の仏法継承者、血脈を汚し同時に是認の権利を主張している、彼は自ら信用出来ない男である事を証明しているのです。”

” 嶋野は公に退職しました；彼の教えは終わりました（彼の弟子に対する訓練が終わったか否かに関わらず　−　禅では基本的に“終了”と言う事はありません）。　ZSSは彼無しに民主的な教団の将来を待ち望むべきです。”

”レピュデイアム（repudium)というラテン語があります、“離婚とか捨て去る”と言う意味です。　２５年間嶋野のもとで修行した後、私は彼と(repudiated)縁を切りました。 これは絶対に必要な事で、精神の治癒のためでした。　ZSS理事会もこの方向に向かっているのかもしれません。　治癒のため貴方も嶋野との関わりを絶つことは避けられぬ事だと思います。　貴方に強くあって欲しいと思います。

” 私は嶋野が言ったという引用文を、現在の理事会員より受け取りました：’もし、女に言い寄られてこれを拒絶するならば、彼女を受け入れるよりも大きな間違いを犯したことになる’　”

”この男を二度と教職につけてはいけません。”

06/23/11

An Open Letter to Eido Tai Shimano from Zogen.

“I was moved to make this public appeal by the recent report from Shobo-ji.  We were told that you had tried to enter the building, using your key, and had to find that the lock had been changed by order of the Board of Directors.  Your stubborn refusal to accept the Board's injunction, treating ZSS property as your own, alas is not surprising.  But, it was an image of an old Teacher locked out of what for him is his ‘house’, the house that ‘he'd built’, left standing on the sidewalk - that image, in itself, was piercing.”

“Do you have to continue to subject yourself and, by extension, all of us to these never-ending humiliations?  When will be the end of it all for you and for Zen Studies Society? And what will be left ‘standing’, once all will be said and done in whatever manner?”

“How do you want to be remembered? What will be your legacy to all of us?  With your reputation compromised repeatedly over many years, and, seemingly destroyed to the point of the near-death of ZSS and nearly total ostracism by the Buddhist community at large - What is still remaining to be salvaged?  I believe that you do have a way to reclaim your dignity in this moment, leaving the historical record as it was, and regardless of your attitude towards what was alleged again and again.”

“Call on the Board to begin preparations for an In-gathering & Reconciliation Process.  As a part of it, convene a meeting of all your Dharma Heirs and former students. Let them begin their dialogue without your overweening presence.  Encourage the Board to seek council from other Buddhist organizations that had gone through such process. Encourage ZSS to undergo an organizational reform; without you their authority is not supported by anything valid or real.  Make your negotiations, regarding your severance package, more transparent.  It might, so hope many of us, reassure people that your entitlements will not be satisfied at the expense of ZSS solvency.”

“Consider a legal transfer of your coop apartment in Manhattan to its rightful owner, The Zen Studies Society, and confirm this openly & legally immediately, leaving no room for innuendoes & suspicions.  Start the process of transformation, then, withdraw. You are, for some of us, forever our Teacher.  Those who feel that way will continue to seek your guidance in practice.  Others will see an example of Buddhist precepts and Zen Rinzai spirit in practice.”

“We do not, any longer, wait for an explanation or an apology from you, Roshi.  But, we are entitled to be considered, while your relationship with ZSS moves to an end.”

“Wake up, Roshi!  You are a Zen Master!  Have courage in this time of inevitable change- - take a leap!  Change everything!”

06/23/11

ぞうげんより嶋野タイ栄道への公開状。

”貴方のみならず、この私達に迄及ぶ、決して終わる事のない恥辱に何時迄身を晒さなければならないのですか？　貴方にとって、又禅スタデイ　ソサイエテイにとって何時これが終わるのでしょう？　何もかも、全てが言い尽くされ、しつくされた今、何が残っていると言うのですか？”

”貴方はどのように人びとの記憶に残りたいのですか？　私達皆への形見は何なのですか？　多年繰り返された貴方の評判は、ZSSを死滅寸前まで破壊し尽くし、貴方自身既に仏教界から葬られたと判断して良いでしょう　—　残すべき何が残っていると言うのですか？　歴史的記録をそのままに、再三繰り返された申し立てにも関わらず、貴方には現在貴方自身の威厳を再生する手立てが未だあると私は信じます。”

”まず理事会を召集して集会と調停の準備をするのです。　この一部として、貴方の法嗣、前弟子達も召集して下さい。　初めに貴方の高踏的な圧力なしに彼らだけで対談させて下さい。　又、このような事件を体験した他の仏教団体から人を招いてこの会議に参加してもらうよう理事会に勧めて下さい。　ZSSに教団の改善を図るよう奨励して下さい；　貴方の不在は権威に確実性と現実性をもたらしません。　それで貴方の引退一括交渉をもっと公明正大に計って下さい。　貴方の資格、権利なるものが、ZSSの資力に叶うものであるかどうか、私達は再確認せねばなりません。”

”貴方のマンハッタンの小さなアパートを、後で嫌疑や当てこすりのないように、公式に、法にもとずく住者、すなわち禅スタデイ　ソサイエテイに即刻譲渡するよう考慮して下さい。この転移を推進し、次いで退いて下さい。　私達の一部の者にとって貴方は永久に師で、そのように考えている人びとは引き続き貴方の指導を求めるでしょう。　他の者は、単に仏教徒の戒律と臨濟禅の修行の一例と見るでしょう。”

”私達は最早、貴方の説明や謝罪は待っておりません、老師、しかし私達は貴方がZSSとの関係をきっぱり絶って移動してくれる事だけは考慮して頂く資格があると思っています。”　

”目覚めて下さい老師！　貴方は禅マスターではありませんか！　この避ける事の出来ない推移の時点で−−勇気を持って跳躍し、全てを変えて下さい。”

06/24/11

The Zen Studies Society Newsletter Spring / Summer 2011

Shimano attempts to re-write history yet again – see page 12:

20110600_ZSS_Shimano.pdf

The entire ZSS newsletter is available here as a public service to the disenfranchised extended ZSS sangha in light of the number of people reporting being dropped (inadvertently?) from the ZSS mailing list. In this ZSS Newsletter Shimano makes the following statement:

"Today, Shinmei-san [Chayat] offered a verse: From nation to nation, this Dharma lineage, which is boundless, receiving and transmitting...

In our tradition, she and I are the only lineage-holders. I have deep trust in her insight and leadership there will be no problem with this, as long as we work together like we have these three days."

06/27/11

An Email from the Zen Studies Society.

06/28/11

An Open Email from Kobutsu Malone to Genjo Marinello.

"It is important for the extended / disenfranchised Sangha to be able to hear and reference his words. It will be a vital element of the historical record. Please pass along this formal request to the Board of Directors."

By Telephone: on 07/10/11 we were informed that the tape would not be released.

07/03/11

Former ZSS Board President Banko Randy Phillips Posts to the genkaku-again Blog Concerning the "extremely important announcement" Referred to in the ZSS Email of 06/27/11.

07/03/11

前ZSS理事会会長ばんこう　ランデイ　フィリップスは、２０１１年６月２７日付ZSSEメールに関連した”非常に重要な声明”をゲンカク−アゲインブログに投函した。

07/05/11

An Email from the Zen Studies Society.

“The following statements were made on July 2nd, 2011 at Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji, with about 45 sangha members from DBZ, New York Zendo Shobo-ji and the Zen Center of Syracuse in attendance.”

“When I took over the inactive Zen Studies Society from Dr. D. T. Suzuki, he had gone to Japan. During the transition from Dr. Suzuki's time to my time, the secretary was very happy to give to me all the documents and the corporate seal. In this case, during the past year – particularly the past six months – we all suffered. The Sangha suffered, the Board of Directors suffered, and I suffered. Unless we come to some kind of positive, corrective, and peacefully harmonious solution today, The Zen Studies Society, Dai Bosatsu Zendo and New York Zendo will all be in trouble.”

“Please do not think you are the only ones who suffered. We all suffered in one way or another. In my case, many sleepless nights continued and finally I got shingles, full of pain, which still continues. In the midst of this pain I asked, what is the best way to solve this painful situation – not only my physical pain, but the Sangha's pain? I thought this way and that, and came to the conclusion – and naturally everyone would agree – that the Dharma is the most important and it must continue.”

“In the meantime, I have received about sixty letters, telephone calls, faxes and person-to-person contacts saying, ‘Please continue to teach. I will miss you. Don't abandon us.’ I thought, this might be true, but suppose I were dying. If that were the case, these kinds of phone calls, faxes and letters would not have been written. Then I thought, it must be a kind of attachment in the Rinzai Zen tradition.”

“I have retired, but some of you may think, ‘Are there any exceptions?’ No. I will stop doing dokusan and giving teisho in a formal way. Some of you may feel uncomfortable at first because you are not used to Shinge Roshi. I have experienced this personally. When I first went to Heirin-ji as an unsui, the Roshi over there was Shirosu Keisan Roshi. Three years later, I moved to Ryutaku-ji and became a student of Soen Roshi. Their teaching styles were very different, and for a while I was ‘not together.’ But there was karmic congeniality between Soen Roshi and myself, and later I thought that my period of confusion was a gift. By passing through that confusion I became stronger. In Japan, if an old Roshi is going to retire—for either health reasons or some other reason—there will be confusion among the training monks. Some leave, some stay, some are confused...but it ends up most of the time that half of them remain and half go somewhere else.”

“I don't want this to happen at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, but if I completely retire and you don't support Shinge Roshi, the life of DBZ will come to an end. This is nobody's wish. When I think of the fifty to sixty students who wrote me such passionate letters, I feel so bad. But if I am weak now, and take them back, this will not work. So, my thoughts and my feelings are always with you, whether you love me or hate me. This is the only way we can recreate One Sangha, with harmonious togetherness. For some of you it must be quite difficult to hear such a declaration. You may say, ‘How mean you are!’ But this is the only way. This is the only way.”

“When I come here, Shinge Roshi and the residents always cheerfully welcome me. Although I don't attend sesshin anymore, and I will not do dokusan anymore – in any place – I do visit from time to time. This is my life! I gave my life to the Dharma and I hope that this can peacefully be continued here and at New York Zendo Shobo-ji. I think I have said clearly what my attitude is from now on, and beyond that, it is up to you."

“Note: Although Eido Roshi's students have previously been advised that they should write a formal letter stating their intention to continue their practice under Shinge Roshi's guidance, this recommendation is not required in order to initiate a teacher-student relationship or participate in dokusan with Shinge Roshi.”

07/05/11

禅スタデイ　ソサイエテイよりのEメール。

”昔、無活動の禅スタデイ　ソサイエテイをD.T.鈴木博士が日本へ去った後、私が譲り受けました。　ドクター鈴木から私への変遷期、彼の秘書は快く文書類、法人捺印を私に譲りました。　今回、過去一年、−　とくに過去六ヶ月、私達は苦しみました。　僧伽は苦しみ、理事会は苦しみ、私も苦しみました。　今ここで、私達が何らかの肯定的で、矯正的で、平和で調和のとれた解決策を計らねば、禅スタデイ　ソサイエテイ、大菩薩禅堂、ニューヨーク禅堂は難儀な事になるでしょう。”

”どうか苦しんだのは貴方だけだとは思わないで欲しい。　私達は皆何らかの状態で苦しんだのです。　私の場合、多くの眠れぬ夜が続きやがて帯状疱疹にかかりました。　酷い痛みでこれは今も続いています。　痛みの最中私は、この苦痛に如何にして対処したら良いか考えました　−　体の痛みだけでなく、僧伽の苦しみ？　私はあれこれ考え、答えに到達しました　−　そしてこれは皆も同意するに違いないと思うのですが　−　大切なのは仏法であり、これだけは持続させなければならないと思いました。”

” その頃私は約６０通の手紙、電話、ファックス、又個人面接があって、“どうか教えを続けて欲しい、貴方が懐かしい、私達を見捨てないで”と言うのです。　多分これは事実でしょう、しかし、もし私が死んだとしたら、このような電話、ファックス、手紙等はあり得ない。　それならば、と私は考えました。　これは臨濟禅で言う執着でしかない。”

”私は引退しましたが、一部の人びとは“例外”を考えているかもしれません。　否、私は正式に独参も提唱も行なわないと決めました。　一部の人びとは心華老師に慣れていないため、不安を感じるかもしれない。　私にもこの経験はあります。　私が初めて雲水として平林寺へ行った時、老師は白水敬山老師だった。　三年後、龍沢寺へ移り私は宋淵老師の弟子になった。　この二人の教えのスタイルは非常に違っておりしばらくの間私は“同調”出来なかった。　しかし宋淵老師と私とは宿命的一致があり、後に思った事ですがこの頃の困惑は反って良かったと思っています。　日本では老齢の師がもし引退することになると　−　健康の理由か又は他の理由で　−　修行半ばの僧の間で問題が生じます。　一部は去り、一部は残り、一部は困惑します...しかしやがて殆どの場合、半数は残り半数は他所へ去ります。”

”このような終末を見たくないのですが、もし私が完全に引退し、貴方がたが心華老師を支持しないならば、DBZはお仕舞です。　これは誰も望みません。　５０人、６０人の弟子達があのような情熱的な手紙を私に寄越した事を思うと済まなく思います。　しかしここで私が挫けて彼らを受け入れても解決にはなりません。　私の想い、感情は貴方がたが私を愛そうと憎もうと常に貴方がたと共にあります。　これが僧伽の和合を再生させる唯一の道だと信じます。　一部の人びとにとってこのような宣言を聞く事はかなり困難な事かも知れません。　貴方は“なんと意地の悪い”と言うかも知れない。　しかし、これが唯一の方法なのです。　唯一の方法なのです。”

”私がここへ来ると何時も、心華老師や在住の人びとは明るく迎えてくれます。　しかしもう接心は行ないませんし独参も致しません　−　何処にしても　−　時々訪れますが。　これが私の人生なのです！　私は人生を仏道に捧げてきました。　私はここも、ニューヨーク禅堂正法寺も平和で永続して欲しいと望みます。　私ははっきりと私の今後に対する態度を述べました。　それ以上については貴方次第です。”

” 註：栄道老師の弟子はすべて、心華老師の下で修行を続ける意志である事を表明する正式な書状をしたため、提出するよう勧告が前もってあったが、これは心華老師と師弟関係を開始し又独参に参加するための必須事項ではない。”