The Shimano Archive
嶋野 栄道 老師 アーカイブ

02/17/84

コリン　シルヴァン　ブッシュよりミセス　チェスター　F.　カールソンへの手紙

10/15/82

Letter from Robert Aitken to Soen Nakagawa.

"I furnished Dr. Ogura with the names and addressee of two of the three psychiatrists who treated the two women who had mental breakdowns in 1964. I gave him the name of the third psychiatrist who has moved away from Hawaii, doubtless he can find his address from a medical directory. I did not provide Dr. Ogura with any more information except to observe that Eido Rōshi's (嶋野 栄道) departure from Hawaii was directly linked to the breakdowns of the two women. I hear now that Dr. Ogura has not been able to proceed with the investigation for reasons connected to disorganization in the Zen Studies Society"

02/29/84

Letter from Board Member David Leddick to Korin Sylvan Busch.

"The Carlson fund could then pay the Roshi (嶋野) perhaps a salary of about $3,000 monthly, and the apartment maintenance of $500 monthly, and as we discussed perhaps it would be good to pay Aiho (愛法) [Yasuko Shimano (嶋野)] $500 or more monthly as the Zen Studies Society bookkeeper."

"as a member of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of The Carlson Fund Committee I have some concern that the sale of the house and the use of the money be accepted by Mrs. Carlson"

"And legal or not, I don't think we can ignore the difficulty we could be in should there be legal process with her [Mrs. Carlson's] wealth and power behind it."

"she [Mrs. Carlson] could cause many problems if she is determined"

"The Society's lawyer, Jack Clareman, told me today that he in fact has never seen any document relating to the original [Carlson] endowment"

Chester F. Carlson was the inventor of xerography.

03/00/84

Letter from Korin Sylvan Busch as Board President, to the Shimanos.

(See entry of 03/01/85)

03/06/84

Letter from Mrs. Chester F. Carlson to Korin Sylvan Busch.

Dorris Carlson was the wife of Chester F. Carlson, the inventor of xerography.

"You placed great emphasis (and total confidence) in the Roshi’s (老師) reported conversation with me on September 19, that I had agreed to the idea of selling the townhouse and therefore having done that, agreed to the whole scheme of things which ultimately provides for a significant benefit to the Roshi (老師) and his wife. September 19, as you know is the anniversary of Chester Carlson's passing. But it should not be the anniversary of a Roshi's [Shimano's 嶋野] deception. I did not approve of the plan that he ultimately announced in the December 21 letter." 

"Do not create a 'Carlson fund' as I will determine how the money shall be used in keeping with the original intentions I had in 1974. And further, under the present circumstances, I do not want the Carlson name used by the Zen Studies Society in any manner. I shall await the reply from the Board of Directors."

03/06/84

ミセス チェスター　F. 　カールソンよりコリン　シルヴァン　ブッシュへの手紙　

貴方は９月１９日の老師によってつたえられた私との会話、つまり、私がタウンハウスを売ること、これにともなう一切の処理、そして此の結果老師と彼の妻は相当な利益を得ることになるという一連の取引に賛成したという報告を受けて、これを重用視（完全に信用して）おられるようです。９月１９日 は貴方もご存知のように、チェスター カールソンの忌日です。

老師のペテンの記念日であってはならないのです。

私は１２月２１日の手紙で彼が最終案として告げてきた計画は認可しません。

１９７４年の初志を保つべく、どのように金を使うかは私が決定することで、勝ってに、カールソン財団を利用しないでください。

さらに、現状において、禅教団はカールソンの名を、いかなる状況においても使わないでください。

理事会からの返事を待っています。

VIDEO



VIDEO

"I do not want the Carlson name used by the Zen Studies Society in any manner."

Chester F. Carlson graduated from Caltech 1930 with a degree in physics. He obtained employment at Bell Laboratories and went on to work for a patent attorney and for Mallory Battery company (now Duracell).

At Mallory, he developed the concepts that were to serve as the basis for the electrophotography technique (xerography). By 1937, he filed his first patent; it was expanded and approved in 1942.  (U.S. Patent 2,297,691)

In October 1938, he successfully produced first xerographic copy. In 1944, Carlson was able to interest the Battelle Institute to work on developing a commercial application. Eventually, Haloid (later to become Xerox) was licensed to manufacture copy machines. The first ones came out in 1946.

Chester Carlson died of a heart attack in 1968; at age 62. He donated much of his royalties to science, civil rights causes, paranormal investigation and world peace. His wife and widow, Dorris, continued his philanthropy through the Chester and Dorris Carlson Charitable Trust. She passed away in 1998 at age 94.

(See prior entry and entry of 06/00/98)

03/13/84

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

"Eido Roshi (嶋野) opened the meeting, saying that Nakagawa Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) had passed away Sunday, March 11." 

"In re the difficulties between himself and Dorris Carlson, Eido Roshi (嶋野) said that however the board decided to handle the matter would be agreeable to him. He then turned the meeting over to Korin Sylvan Busch."

"Korin reviewed the correspondence with Dorris Carlson. He said her chief misapprehension seemed to be

1.) that Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) would be paid for the apartment at 333 East 69 St. and it would become his;

2.) that there would be a survivors' pension; and

3.) that a gift would be made to Aiho (愛法) --whereas it is the board's intention 1.) that the apartment be the official "parsonage" and property of The Zen Studies Society; 2.) that there would be no material benefit to the Shimanos from the funds realized, and subsequently invested, from the sale; and

3.) that Aiho (愛法) be given not a gift (as was suggested at the meeting of December 21 and which our counsel has since advised would be illegal) but a modest salary for her ongoing work as treasurer for The Zen Studies Society and N.Y. Zendo."

03/27/84

Letter from Korin Sylvan Busch to Mrs. Chester F. Carlson.

“I’m sorry if my letter of February 17th was not sufficiently explicit about our legal intentions regarding the sale of our present parsonage, the townhouse.”

“The Roshi’s (老師) and Yasuko’s tenure and relationship to the new apartment continues as it has in the townhouse, and if for any reason they vacate the apartment, being the property of the Society, we would be obliged to sell it. All proceeds from a sale would belong to the Zen Studies Society. There will be no so called ‘survivors pension’ or gift to anyone.”

 “I am sorry that you prefer us not to use the Carlson name, We will, of course, abide by your wishes although our intention was to honor Chester and yourself.”

03/27/84

コリン　シルヴァン　ブッシュよりミセス　チェスター　F.　カールソンへの手紙

”老師とやす子の保有権と新しいアパートメントとの関係は、これ迄のタウンハウスにおける関係と同様で、もし何らかの事情で彼らがアパートメントを立ち退くならば、私達はこのアパートメントの売却を余儀なくされるでしょう。　この売却によるすべての収益は禅スタデイ　ソサイエテイのものとなります。　遺族への年金、贈呈なるものはありません。”

”以後私達は、カールソンの名前を使わないようにとの事、勿論その通りに致しますが、私達の目的は、チェスターと貴女自身の名誉のためなのです。

04/09/84

Public Record ZSS Townhouse - 356 East 69th Street, NYC, NY.

"THE ZEN STUDIES SOCIETY INC., a New York Not-For-Profit corporation..."

04/14/84

ZSS Financial Report.

05/21/84

Sōen Nakagawa Death Announced by Shimano.

(Sōen died 03/11/84)

"His five Dharma heirs (all of them Japanese) were invited and attended, along with many others."

"at this point I feel it is most proper if we consider Sōen Rōshi (中川 宋淵) as the founder and Nyogen Senzaki (千崎如幻) as the 'karmic' founder."

(See entry: Press Release of 10/19/82 )

"I want to invite you to participate in the creation of a memorial — called the Founders Fund"

05/31/84

Letter to Zen Studies Society Endowment Fund Committee from David Leddick.

“the parsonage house was sold for $785,00.00.  And after fees, taxes and commissions there was a balance of $735,599.00  This was placed in the Shearson AmEx account, and from this account $160,000.00 was refunded to Eido Roshi Shimano (嶋野 栄道) for expenses in purchasing another parsonage apartment.” 

“I think we must meet to discuss this situation immediately.  It should be very clear that the Endowment Fund is not the Business Manager for the Zen Studies Society. It only is designed to provide income, not administrate it. And the administration of Society funds doesn't seem to be very realistically related to its income from the Endowment Fund.”

07/16/84

Letter from Robert Aitken to Brother David.

"I note with some discomfort that you are appearing on the same podium with Shimano (嶋野) at Naropa. Would you do this with a Christian priest with the same reputation?"

07/16/84

Sketches of Stone Memorial at DBZ Cemetery.

07/16/84

Letter from Brian Baron to Koun Yamada.

08/03/84

Excerpts of Letter from Paul Shepard to Brian Baron.

"The critical point is whether or not Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) withdrew Inka."

08/16/84

Handwritten (Draft?) Letter from Robert Aitken to Kyudo Nakagawa.

"Eido Rōshi (嶋野 栄道) implies in his signed article in Four Seasons that Sōen Rōshi (中川 宋淵) was alcoholic and demented in his last years."

“At this time, there is a pervasive rumor that Sōen Rōshi (中川 宋淵) withdrew and cancelled Eido Rōshi’s (嶋野 栄道) inka shomei shortly before he died.”

"His meaning would also be that Sōen Rōshi (中川 宋淵) was not responsible for his own actions and that therefore Sōen Rōshi's (中川 宋淵) withdrawing his inka should be disregarded."

Video produced circa 2003.

Harry McCormick talking with Shimano (嶋野) about Sōen Nakagawa, Rōshi (中川 宋淵) at New York Zendo Shoboji garden zendo.

January 10, 2003

08/17/84

Handwritten Letter (Draft?) from Robert Aitken to Sochu Suzuki.

"In brief, these statements are to the effect that in his last years Sōen Rōshi (中川 宋淵) was an alcoholic and not in his right mind; "

"As you know, Zen Buddhism has fallen into disrepute in the United States, with many scandals at various centers, beginning at the New York Zen Studies Society."

08/17/84

Letter from Robert Aitken to Koun Yamada.

"I am not emotionally involved in this issue; I dismissed Shimano (嶋野) from my mind many years ago. However, as a Zen leader, it is my responsibility to know the facts in such an important matter, particularly in view of the general problem of scandals in Zen centers in this country."

"The various scandals have affected many people, resulting in emotional disturbance, even mental collapse in some cases."

11/20/84

Letter from Robert Aitken to Rosemary Kiefer.

"At the funeral for Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵), Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) was shown to a seat in a section for other former monks of Ryutakuji (龍沢寺) but not, to a seat in a section for Dharma heirs of Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) and other Roshis. I was told that this was a clear signal that he is not considered a Roshi (老師) by his Japanese colleagues."

"Eido Shimano was given a portion of Soen Roshi's (中川 宋淵) ashes to take with him back to the United States. I was told that this was not intended in any way as an endorsement of Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) and his work, but rather a recognition of the deep investment in transmitting Zen to the West which Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) made over many decades."

"Eido Shimano requested a kesa of Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) and this request was denied.

However, it seems that he returned to the United States with one of Soen Roshi's (中川 宋淵) white robes."

"So, any transmission given to Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) by Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) was informal, and any withdrawal of that transmission would also have been informal. Neither action was ever mentioned at Ryutakuji (龍沢寺) by Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵). Confirmation of the rumor that the informal transmission was withdrawn should thus be made in New York."

11/20/84

ロバート　エイトケン　よりローズマリー　キーフアー宛の書簡

そうえん老師の葬式に島野栄道は龍沢寺の往時の僧たちの席を与えられ正式な法継者や他の老師方の席はあたえられなかった。聞くところによればこれは日本においては老師と見なされていないはっきりした証拠であるとのことであります

島野栄道はそうえん老師の遺骨の１部を頂きアメリカへ持ち帰りました。聞く所によれば、これは島野栄道に対する是認でも、彼の功績をたたえるものでもなく、そうえん老師自身の長年の大菩薩禅堂との関わりは老師にとって思いで深い大切な禅堂なので、遺骨をここにおさめたいとの希望のためだということです。

島野栄道はそうえん老師の袈裟を要求したが退けられました。しかしそうえん老師の白い着物をアメリカへ持ち帰ったそうです。

という訳で島野栄道がそうえん老師より授けられた伝法は非公式、伝法の撤回も非公式です。龍沢寺においてそうえん老師によってなされた一切の言動も非公式というわけです。流言を実証するのですが非公式の伝法はニューヨークでも撤回が行われるべきでしょう。

11/20/84

Brief von Robert Aitken an Rosemary Kiefer.

Dieses Dokument stellt die Anerkennung der Dharma-Übertragung Shimanos (嶋野) seitens der Japaner in Frage.

Bei der Beerdigung von Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) wurde Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) zu einem Sitzplatz geführt, der sich in einem Teil für andere ehemalige Mönche Ryutakujis (龍沢寺) befand und nicht zu einem Sitzplatz in einem Teil für Dharma-Nachfolger Soen Roshis (中川 宋淵) und andere Roshis. Mir wurde gesagt, dass dies ein klares Signal war, dass er von seinen japanischen Kollegen nicht als Roshi (老師) betrachtet wird.

Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) wurde ein Teil der Asche Soen Roshis (中川 宋淵) gegeben, um sie mit sich zurück in die Vereinigten Staaten zu bringen. Mir wurde gesagt, dass dies in keiner Weise als Billigung Eido Shimanos (嶋野 栄道) oder seiner Arbeit gemeint war, sondern als Anerkennung des tiefen Engagements Soen Roshis (中川 宋淵) über mehrere Jahrzehnte, den Dharma in den Westen zu übertragen. Der Eindruck wurde geäußert, dass das Daibosatsu Center sehr bedeutsam für Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) war und dass er möglicherweise froh ist, dass ein Teil seiner Asche dort beigelegt ist.

Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) hat um einen Kesa Soen Roshis (中川 宋淵) gebeten, und diese Bitte wurde verweigert. Es scheint jedoch, als ob er mit einer von Soen Roshis (中川 宋淵) weißen Roben in die Vereinigten Staaten zurückgekehrt sei.

Eine etwaige Dharma-Übertragung an Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) durch Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) war also informell und eine etwaige Zurücknahme dieser Übertragung wäre ebenfalls informell gewesen. Weder die eine noch die andere Tat wurde jemals von Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) im Ryutakuji (龍沢寺) erwähnt. Eine Bestätigung des Gerüchts, dass die informelle Übertragung zurückgezogen wurde, sollte dementsprechend in New York gemacht werden.

12/18/84

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

NY Zendo Committee mentioned. 

“He [Genro Lee Milton] stated that the 11 members of the NYZ committee had been elected by the sangha, since which time two members have dropped out. After some discussion, upon motion duly made and seconded, it was resolved that the NYZ committee should be and was empowered to retain the members now serving on the committee and to fill vacancies as they occur without consulting the sangha.”

Zen Arts profit:  $6,441.11

“He [Bugyo David Schnyer] said that there has been a decrease in kessei, workshop and sesshin attendance; and no logging was done last year.” 

“Stating that the new gatekeeper [Jim Woolcott] had proved to be very satisfactory, Mr. Schnyer requested approval by the board to offer him a five-year lease. This approval was unanimously granted.”

“Mr. Spitz stated his opinion that the board should have been given an opportunity to discuss the sale of the first apartment and the purchase of a second apartment. Mr. Leddick said that henceforth copies of memorandums concerning the ZSS Endowment Fund will be circulated to board members.”

“For the ZSS -Endowment Fund, Mr. Leddick reviewed the financial consequences of the sale of the parsonage house at 269 [actually 356] East 69 St., the purchase of the parsonage apartment 4K at 333 East 69 St., and the investment of profits to provide interest income. He stated that expenses occurring in connection with the death of Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) had required the redemption of some holdings. Recently, an opportunity had arisen to purchase a more suitable parsonage apartment 3J at 333 East 69 St., for $385,000, necessitating a further redemption of notes. The first parsonage apartment, 4K, had been put up for sale, and a serious offer to buy it for $190,000 had been received and accepted. After payment of a broker's fee, $178,600 will remain to be invested as before.”

12/20/84

Letter from Board Member David Leddick to The Zen Studies Society Endowment Fund Committee.

03/01/85

Letter from Korin Sylvan Busch as Board President, to the Shimanos. Signed Apartment Ownership Document.

"Reference is made to the letter between you and Sylvan Busch dated March, 1984 (the 'Parsonage Agreement')" (Concerning the disposition of the Townhouse issue.)

Apartment 3J purchased.

“The capital stock and the proprietary lease covering the apartment will be In the individual names of you and your wife, it is understood that The Zen Studies Society shall be decreed the actual owner of the apartment.”

“The Zen Studies Society shall have the right to offer the apartment for sale by you and your wife or by your wife alone should you predecease her, when you and your wife vacate it.”

“The net proceeds derived from the sale of apartment shall become the sole property of The Zen Studies Society.”

This document is signed by the Shimanos (嶋野).

(See entry of 03/00/84)

03/12/85

ZSS Townhouse Parsonage Sale Report.

Listed under sale expenses:

"Kongoji Car ..................... $ 18,000.00"

07/04/85

Minutes of a Special ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

11/30/85

00/00/86

DBZ Publicity Brochure 1986.

“As a new monk, I did not know why Nyogen Senzaki (千崎 如幻) had come to Japan.  I did not even know who he was.” 

 "Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji was formally dedicated on July 4, 1976, America's Bicentennial. From the start it has been a lay monastery dedicated to the vital tradition of Rinzai Zen."

“..again at the request of his teacher that he teach in America-he arrived in Hawaii in 1960. He studied at the University of Hawaii and led a small group of students who practiced Zen. He wondered if he should proceed to Los Angeles or return to Japan; he did not feel confident that Nyogen Senzaki's (千崎 如幻) students would find him adequate. Some friends encouraged him to come to New York; he arrived in New York in 1964.

“Master Hakuin, exhorting his students in seventeenth century Japan, said, "There are two kinds of bodhisattvas: some transmit the Buddha Dharma, others protect the Buddha Dharma …When they are not in harmony, the Dharma light will not shine brightly. Transmission of the Dharma and protection of the Dharma are equally important."

 “Dai Bosatsu Zendo was created as a lay monastery, receptive to the spiritual needs of those who find in Zen a congenial practice. To fulfill this function, Dai Bosatsu Zendo must continue its tradition of a strong practice even as it seeks to participate in the culture of America.”

“Dai Bosatsu Zendo has been entrusted with the care of the writings and calligraphy of Zen teachers whose lives are connected with our history. The manuscripts of Nyogen Senzaki (千崎 如幻), the calligraphy of Hakuin Zenji (白隠 慧鶴), Gempo Roshi (山本玄峰), Yasutani Roshi (安谷 白雲) and Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵), the documents and records pertinent to the beginnings of Dai Bosatsu Zendo, are stored today in boxes and files. We plan to create an Archives within the monastery building where the public, as well as scholars, can have access to them.”

“It was the beginning of a deep bond that included, in time, one of Soen Roshi's (中川 宋淵) students, Eido Tai Shimano (嶋野 栄道). When Nyogen Senzaki (千崎 如幻) visited Japan in 1956-his only homecoming in more than half a century-it was to return a visit Soen Roshi (中川 宋淵) had made to Los Angeles in 1949.”

01/21/86

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Annual Meeting.

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) said that Sasaki Roshi (佐々木承周) of Los Angeles and the Reverend Takabayashi of Seattle will attend sesshin full-time; and that Trungpa Rinpoche plans to attend the ending ceremony.”

(Genki Takabayashi is not referred to as "Roshi" (老師))

01/27/86

Letter from Bugyo David Schnyer to Shimano, copied to the ZSS Board of Directors.

"I find your recent decision to expend 30-40 thousand dollars to celebrate the 10th Anniversary, nearly 20 thousand of which will go to gifts, an unnecessary extravagance."

"Furthermore, the fact that you declared this to the Board without even speaking with or getting the approval of the Committee Chairman and Treasurer makes the action not only dishonest and improper but also illegal."

"What perhaps bothers me the most about this action Roshi (老師) is the fact that you really consider me stupid. I may not be wise but I am not stupid and actions of this sort only destroy the 'relationship' we are supposed to have."

"For a long time now I have known that the words honesty and personal integrity mean nothing to you, but for me they shine brightly in my heart as a guiding star and I will follow it until I die."

02/11/86

Minutes of special ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

10th Anniversary Celebration at DBZ.

“..the frustrations attendant to 'scraping along' on a low and unpredictable income. In view of DBZ as long-range needs, he argued that $30,000 should not be expended on the 10th Anniversary but rather $10,000.”

"the fund-raising drive Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) and he had launched in the fall (an example of which is the brochure published largely for corporate targets) had been dropped n favor of fund-raising specifically for the 10th Anniversary, and that this would weaken the longrange effort."

"..it was concluded that  1.) funds for the 10th Anniversary will be targeted at $10,000; and  2.) the original Roshi/Schnyer fund-raising drive will  be strongly continued and will incorporate the 10th Anniversary effort in which Bernard Spitz and Richard Rudin are specifically involved."

02/17/86

A Letter From Philip Kapleau, Roshi to Yamada Koun, Roshi.

“The first year he [Yasutani Hakuun (安谷 白雲)] came to Rochester he gave me permission to hold daisan. He told me I could do that until he returned to the United States the following year, at which time he would have a public ceremony for me if everything went all right in the meantime. Unfortunately, everything did not go all right in the interim. Many things happened involving Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道), who was living in New York at that time. As a result of Eido’s (栄道) behavior, when Yasutani Roshi (安谷 白雲)] came to New York the following year I phoned him and told him not bring Eido (栄道) with him to Rochester. This was a foolish thing for me to say to the Roshi (安谷 白雲) and he obviously resented it, because when he came to Rochester to hold a 7-day sesshin later on he was angry with me.”

“Furthermore, you must know that teachers under certain circumstances do permit students to teach regardless of how many koans they have passed or even if they have passed none at all.  In this connection, Nakagawa Soyn [sic] Roshi (中川 宋淵) himself told me that he did not even have kensho when Yamamto Gempo Roshi (山本  玄嶂) appointed him his successor.”

07/10/86

Schedule of 10th Anniversary Celebration.

* 300 SETS OF SHIKISHI (REPRINTS) BY GEMPO ROSHI, NYOGEN SEHSAKI, AND SOEN ROSHI HAVE BEEN ORDERED. THE COST IS APPROXIMATELY $3,000.

* THE SOEN ROKU; 1000 COPIES WILL BE PRINTED FOR ABOUT $6,000.

* FINE SHINO TEA BOWLS IN WOODEN BOXES. 250 HAVE BEEN ORDERED. EACH COSTS $50. THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE WILL BE $12,500 PLUS POSTAGE AND HANDLING FROM JAPAN.

* 200 TEACUPS BY GEORGE PETERSON ($8 @) WILL BE DONATED BY AIHO (愛法).

* PRINTING OF INVITATIONS AND SHOPPING BAGS. 

* GRATUITIES TO VISITING TEACHERS.

07/15/86

A Letter of Gratitude to Kobutsu for a Non-Contribution to the Memories Section of the SŌEN ROKU.

A copy of the SOEN ROKU is sent to you under separate cover with the compliments and deep appreciation of Eido Shimano Roshi, Abbot.

07/15/86

The Sōen Roku
Page 193

The Plumber's Smile
by anonymous

(Kobutsu)

"One day, Kobutsu was working alone in the monastery basement, crawling around in the pipes that run along the ceiling. There was no one in the basement, and Kobutsu was waiting for a drop of water to show up on the stem of a leaky valve that he had just tightened. Eido Roshi walked, no, sort of scuffled slowly into the room. He was obviously in a samadhi state as was Kobutsu up on the ceiling. Since Kobutsu's Samadhi was imperfect, he was distracted by the Roshi's approach. Being mindful, and not wishing to disturb the Roshi, he did not make a sound. Consequently, the Roshi was apparently unaware of Kobutsu's presence."

This is the story as it was written and given to Eido Shimano, it was about an encounter with Eido Shimano not Sōen Roshi.

08/26/86

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

"David Schnyer reported receipt of a $50,000 contribution (earmarked for the guest house) from Laurence Rockefeller;"

"Certain expenses such as publishing costs for the Soan Roku book, food and refreshments July 2, and photography totalled $7,084.01"

"Finally, Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) reported that 10thAnniversary contributions for events taking place on July 2 (also some in connection with the Japan Society event June 30) had totalled $35,349.56."

02/24/87

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Annual Meeting.

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) announced the resignation from the board of David Leddick”

 “Mrs. Shimano reported for the DBZ 10th Anniversary fund-raising committee an intake of $8,342.79 and distributions of $7,191.64.  It  was decided that  the balance of $1,151.15 would be distributed to NYZ for needed improvements and repairs.”

“..flowers were being sent from NYZ and the board to Sylvan Busch, who was undergoing tests at  N.Y. Hospital.”

09/15/87

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) stated that this 15th day of September, 1987, the 19th Anniversary day of Shoboji, was the 49th day since the death of Sylvan Busch, president of The Zen Studies Society, founding member, and valued friend. A memorial service for Mr. Busch had been held at the Zendo on Sunday, September 13.”

“Miss Barnes said she believes The Zen Studies Society is legally bound to appoint a new president. After some discussion, it was decided that possible successors will be considered prior to the next board meeting.”

 “Mrs. Bankier proposed Wilkie Pretorius. Mr. Schnyer suggested Andrew Afable, a Washington, D. C. resident who heads Kashin Zendo. The other members of the board expressed approval of both men, and Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) was asked to find out if they would be willing to serve.”

“Miss Barnes said it would be desirable for another person serve on The Zen Studies Society Endowment Fund committee help evaluate investments. Wilkie Pretorius was suggested.”

“Mr. Spitz asked that agendas be sent to board members prior meetings, and Miss Barnes asked that minutes be circulated.”

11/25/87

Memorandum from Jikei Jean Bankier to ZSS Board of Trustees.

“Wilkie Pretorius and Andy Afable have accepted The Zen Studies Society's invitation to serve on the board and will attend the next meeting.”

“Mr. Schnyer said that he has asked for a year's leave of  absence commencing in March, 1988.”

“Mr. Milton said that he has written Michael Raftery requesting his formal resignation from the board. Mrs. Bankier will send Mr. Raftery a letter of resignation to sign.”

 “THE ZEN STUDIES SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING BOARD OF TRUSTEES SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1983 AGENDA”

 “CREATION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES FOR THE GOVERNING OF THE ZEN STUDIES SOCIETY”

 “three executive committees will be created to direct the activities of the Zen Studies Society.” 

“THE CARLSON FUND, created from the present Zen Studies Society account with the addition of the revenue obtained by the sale of the 69th street house, will support educational activities.” 

“NEW YORK ZENDO SHOBO-Ji will provide people in New York City with the opportunity to study and practice Zen Buudhism.”

“DAI BOSATSU ZENDO KONGO-JI, located in Hardenburg New York, provides the world with an opportunity for traditional Zen monastic training.”

“Each committee will consist of a Committee Chairperson (CC), a Treasurer, and additional members (max. 9).  Both Committee Chairperson and the Treasurer must be Zen Studies Board members…” 

“THE ABBOT will act as an ex-officio member of each committee.  He will have veto power over the committee’s decisions.”

01/10/88

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Annual Meeting.

"The name ‘Carlson Fund’ was changed to ‘The Zen Studies Society Endowment Fund’ ”

“Mr. Schnyer said that the DBZ gatekeeper is self-employed, and DBZ is not required to pay taxes or social security for him, although it does pay disability. He said a sub contract will be drawn up for the gatekeeper's services, which will run between $1400-1500 a month. Since this puts a strain n DBZ’s funds, Mr. Schnyer suggested approaching persons close to DBZ with the idea of a ‘gatekeeper sponsorship’ to a total of $10,000.”

07/08/88

Letter from Jikei Jean Bankier to Genro Lee Milton.

"In accordance with your wish to resign from the board of trustees of the Zen Studies Society and from the committee of New York Zendo Shoboji, please be advised that the board of trustees accepts your resignation and unanimously requests a written confirmation of it.”

07/08/88

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) opened the meeting by announcing that Lee Milton had left Dai Bosatsu Zendo during the last day of sesshin the previous day, and that he had resigned from the Zen Studies Society.”

“It was agreed that Clark Strand be sent to New York Zendo as resident and that the present Committee be disbanded and a new Committee be organized. Mrs. Shimano, Jean Bankier and Wllkie Pretorius would remain on the Committee and Bernard Spitz and Clark Strand would join them. Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) would invite additional Committee members." 

“Wilkie Pretorius was asked to have the locks changed at New York Zendo.”

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) reported that Jim Woolcott had taken a year's absence from his regular employment to work as caretaker for DBZ during that time. He had now approached Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) with a request for permanent employment. The Board was reminded that although he had been doing an excellent job, his full-time employment would entail an additional yearly expense of $18,000 to $20,000.”

“Dai Bosatsu Zendo was experiencing financial difficulties in view of the fact that the Open Center was not producing the anticipated income, two staff members had to be hired for the Guest House, a salary had to be paid to Jim Woolcott and that Keesei attendance was low. He asked the Board to consider different possible sources of income.” 

“..people wanted to attend Kessei to practice zazen and not to clean and make beds for outside groups. He [Andy Afable] advocated a 'pure' Kessei.”

 “Wilkie Pretorius suggested that Jim Woolcott's employment also produce income for DBZ. One possibility could be increased maple syrup production, allowing him to hire and pay for his own help, but sharing profits with DBZ.”

 “Yasuko Shimano suggested selling some real estate in order to raise capital for investment purposes. Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) added that the present 1400 acres held by the Zen Studies Society at Beecher Lake did not produce any income and that all the land was not needed for privacy.”

 “Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) requested that the possibility of a pension/retirement plan be considered in lieu of an increase in his salary.”

 “Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) voiced his feelings of disappointment about the attitudes and actions of some sangha members. He said that both he and Mrs. Shimano were tired and needed time to rest. He had even considered residing In Japan and visiting New York sporadically. He thought the sangha also needed time for rejuvenation.”

09/13/88

Minutes of ZSS Board of Trustees Meeting.

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) said that being in charge of two Zendos was very exhausting.”

“He then announced his decision to resign as Abbot of New York Zendo effective December 31, 1988”

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) will visit Japan and upon his return inform the board about his plans for a leave of absence during 1989”

 “Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) will make Dai Bosatsu Zendo his residence and concentrate on activities there. He would, however, continue to maintain the New York residence at 333 East 69th Street.”

 “New York Zendo will thus be independent within the Zen Studies Society 'umbrella' organization.”

 “the board agreed that it was premature to discuss the sale of DBZ land as there was no urgency to do so”

 “Jim Woolcott’s social security be paid by Dai Bosatsu Zendo as requested, additional to his salary.”

“Investigate the possibility of paying social security for the monks in residence.”

(See entries of 01/07/89 - 04/28/02 - 03/23/03)

11/18/88

Letter from Junpo Denis Kelley to ZSS Sangha.

“..this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the founding of New York Zendo Shobo-ji.”

“we hope you will  join with us in expressing our gratitude to Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) and Aiho (愛法) for their patience and perseverance over the past two decades.” 

“Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) has recently expressed the need for a leave of absence for rest and revitalization so that he can continue his work in America with renewed vigor. 

“.. to give the Sangha a chance to struggle and grow independently, Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) has decided to take a one year sabbatical beginning in March of 1989. During this time he plans to teach Zen classics twice weekly at Shogen Junior College in Gifu” 

"Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) will return to New York in August of 1989, at which time he will conduct an additional 7 day sesshin at Dai Bosatsu Zendo.” 

 “Upon his return to America in March of 1990, Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) intends to devote most of his energy to Dai Bosatsu Zendo.”