The Shimano Archive
嶋野 栄道 老師 アーカイブ

08/23/10

A Letter of Receipt of Complaint from: STATE OF NEW YORK, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, DIVISION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, CHARITIES BUREAU: to Genkaku Adam Fisher.

"Re: Zen Studies Society, NYS Reg. # 10-97-68,  Complaint  #l0CHN0494"

"The Charities Bureau has received your recent complaint concerning the above named entity. Your complaint will be reviewed to evaluate whether sufficient basis exists for action by the Attorney General."

08/27/10

Stuart Lachs Posts to the buddha-l List.

“Things were picking up steam in the Shimano arena well before this ‘brave woman stood up this June and stuck her shovel into the heap that is Shimano Roshi.’ As a result of a telephone conversation in July of 2008 with Kobutsu Malone, a Zen priest ordained by Shimano in 1993, Aitken decided to unseal the sealed portion of his extensive papers at the U. of Hawaii at Manoa library. I learned of the files and obtained a photo copy from the University library. I thought the contents of the unsealed files were important, and should be more widely known, so along with Vlad K. owner of www.thezensite.com jointly wrote an article ‘The Aitken -Shimano Letters’. Some time after the files were unsealed they went up on the internet.”

“Shimano's defenders claimed all the trouble ended in 1993, the last scandal on record. It is a pretty disturbing case described in www.shimanoarchives.com, files 241 and 253. The main defender, Genjo Marinello, an heir of Shimano's claims how close their relationship has been for fifteen years and mentions all the retreats and dokusan they did together and in all that time he never heard of anything troubling or of inappropriate behavior. He and another defender Nonin Chowaney, a Katagiri heir, were dismissive and critical of Malone, myself, Genkaku (Adam Fisher), an ex-Shimano disciple who has a blog, and Aitken. Some how they wondered why Aitken put his name in this? If they had read the files it would be very clear why Aitken was involved.”

“I believe the most recent woman read the ‘shimanoarchive’ and realized what was happening; that she was but the last name on a long list. It was in this context that she bravely stood up at dinner and announced in front of Shimano and other members of the sangha her two year secret affair with Shimano. This caused havoc with the defenders who have yet to apologize and with the Board of Directors and I assume at least some members of their group. A lot was happening before this woman stood and announced her affair. It did however, break the defenders original defense and shook the BoD out of their complacency. The Zen Studies Society has a long history of their BoDs covering for and protecting their leader.”

“I believe some years later Kobutsu Malone became embroiled with Shimano. He wrote or called Aitken to ask for counseling concerning his perceived mistreatment from Shimano. I believe Aitken was glad to see Malone confronting Shimano and ready to take him on in the public arena. Aitken was glad to help Malone and this cemented their old and close friendship. I think this was the immediate cause of unsealing the sealed files. Aitken has felt guilty for a long time over keeping the Shimano trouble secret and my guess is he felt responsible from the 1960's on. Over the years, Aitken did precious little, even for a while sat on the stage with Shimano in the late 1970's/early 1980's discussing Zen at large public events. Years went past and he was old, ill and approaching death and wanted to set the record straight, but it was too late to do it himself. He offered assistance to others who would do that work. He has been a great assistance to Kobutsu and they developed an especially endearing closeness near the end of Aitken's life. Aitken's last public words summed up his view of Shimano, ‘he is a crook’ and his actions are the 'product of his criminal mind'. Aitken also spoke of the women who came forward to the Board of Directors of the Zen Studies Society saying ‘I am awed by their courage; I want to give them all the possible encouragement I can.’ "

Please Note: The file index numbers referenced in this entry are no longer valid.  The referenced numbers are probably referring to:

19930112R_Xxxxx_Shimano.pdf
and 
19930805R_Xxxxxxx_Board.pdf

08/30/10

An email Sent to the ZSS Board of Directors by a Male Shiatsu Therapist.

"... during dokusan Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) asked me to come to his room that evening after meditation to give him a Shiatsu massage."

"I distinctly remember him saying 'do not let anyone see you come to my room.'"

"I proceeded to give him a Shiatsu massage. When I asked him to turn over to be face up, I saw that he had an erection. He was clothed but it was obvious to me he had an erection."

09/04/10

A Letter from Christopher Hamacher to the ZSS Board of Directors.

"With this letter I'm not going to bother addressing all the inappropriate acts, since they speak for themselves. The fact that, as a charitable organization, you and/or Shimano haven't already drawn the obvious and absolutely non-negotiable consequences long ago is beyond my comprehension in any case.

What I will address, though, is the equally incomprehensible opinion apparently held by some Board members that, despite all of the abuse, Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏) might still be a worthy teacher "in other respects." In stating my case, I will even ignore the fact that such an opinion is both grossly insensitive to his victims and deeply misinformed about the point of Zen practice in the first place. Instead, I will simply relate my own experience with regard to such "other respects," i.e. from the viewpoint of a perfectly normal sesshin participant, one who was not in fact sexually accosted, lied to, cheated on, threatened, defrauded, or otherwise even remotely mistreated by Mr. Shimano (嶋野氏). Indeed, his interactions with me were always cordial and straightforward, even pleasant. Yet I still affirm without hesitation that he is a shockingly hollow teacher, if not completely illegitimate."

09/05/10

Compelling Reasons Why
Eido Tai Shimano, the Abbot
of The Zen Studies Society
Should Step Down as its Spiritual Leader.

20100905_Resignation_Petition.pdf

Eido Shimano Resignation Petition

190 Signatories
-
Captured 03/19/11

“We, the undersigned Dharma teachers and concerned members of the Maha Sangha call on Rev. Eido Tai Shimano (嶋野 栄道) to withdraw immediately from his position as Abbot and Spiritual Leader of The Zen Studies Society.

“Archives recently published on the Internet reveal the enormity and historical depth of Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) violations of the Buddhist precepts going back at least 40 years. With every passing day, former Sangha members, male and female, come forward to recount their stories.

Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) has denied none of it.

Judged by the standards of civil society, Buddhist law, clergy ethics, or any other standard applicable to the conduct of human affairs, Eido Shimano’s (嶋野 栄道) conduct has been a disgrace. It has been an affront not only to the monks and nuns of Dai Bosatsu Zendo, to the practitioners of New York Zendo Shobo-ji, to the Zen Studies Society Sangha, but to sincere Buddhist practitioners everywhere.

The repeated refusal of successive Boards of Directors of the Zen Studies Society to apply minimal professional standards to their Abbot violates our sense of decency.

The abbot had liaisons with many dharma students; with an officer of the Society; with at least one ordained nun; and most recently, yet another kessei student. Some students allege that the seductions were initiated in a Dokusan setting. This is where the student meets the roshi in a private, confidential, and formal setting during sesshin (retreat).

Additional accounts recently published by the writer Robin Westen cannot be ignored. More women are named by Adam Fisher (Genkaku). And as early as 1964, Robert Aitken (later Aitken Roshi) documented the seduction of two female sangha members being ministered to by Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) who became patients in a Hawaii mental facility.

The internet documents give us so many accusations over so many years, and so many women involved, that it is now impossible for The Zen Studies Society or its Abbot to refute them. The documents allow you to make a chronology of monumental abuse of power and undue influence over almost half a century.”

09/07/10

A Text Email Allegedly from Shimano to the Sangha - With no Letterhead, Signature or Seal.

This August marked my 50th anniversary in the United States. During this half-century I have received so much from people the world over. Over time, I took your kindness for granted and arrogance grew in my heart. As a result, my sensitivity to feel the pain of others decreased. Now, as I reflect on the past, I realize how many people's feelings and trust in me were hurt by my words and deeds. Please accept my heartfelt apology.

My mother was the person who encouraged me the most to follow Buddha's path. Tomorrow is her memorial day, as she passed away on September 8, 1986. Hearing her voice, I have decided to observe my 50th anniversary in the United States by stepping down from my position as abbot of the Zen Studies Society on the last day of Rohatsu sesshin in 2010.

Even though I carry sadness in my heart, as a Buddhist monk, my vow to practice will not end. In order to preserve the Dharma legacy, ensure the training of future teachers, and to purify my own karma, I must march on."

09/07/10

島野より僧伽宛と言われる、冒頭、署名、印の無い、E-メール原文。

09/07/10

Ein Schreiben per E-Mail, ohne Unterschrift oder Stempel, von Shimano an den Sangha.

Im August war mein 50-jähriges Jubiläum in den Vereinigten Staaten. Während dieses halben Jahrhunderts habe ich so viel von den Menschen auf der ganzen Welt bekommen. Im Laufe der Zeit betrachtete ich Ihre Güte als selbstverständlich und es wuchs in meinem Herzen Arroganz. Dadurch ist meine Sensibilität gegenüber dem Leiden der Anderen geschrumpft. Wenn ich nun über die Vergangenheit nachdenke, wird mir klar, wie viele Menschen es waren, deren Gefühle und Vertrauen in mich durch meine Worte und Taten verletzt wurden. Bitte akzeptieren Sie meine herzliche Entschuldigung.

Meine Mutter war die Person, die mich am meisten ermutigt hat, Buddhas Weg zu folgen. Morgen ist ihr Gedenktag, da sie am 8. September 1986 starb. Ihre Stimme hörend, habe ich beschlossen, anläßlich meines 50. Jubiläums in den Vereinigten Staaten von meinem Amt als Abt der Zen Studies Society am letzten Tag des Rohatsu Sesshins 2010 zurückzutreten.

Obwohl ich Trauer in meinem Herzen trage, als buddhistischer Mönch wird mein Gelöbnis, weiter zu praktizieren, nicht aufhören. Um das Dharma-Vermächtnis zu bewahren, die Ausbildung künftiger Lehrer zu sichern, und mein eigenes Karma zu bereinigen, muss ich voranschreiten."

09/07/10

Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
Editor's Blog
A Message from Eido Shimano
Captured 04/24/11

09/10/10

Foreign Policy In Focus – A Project of the Institute for Policy Studies

The Worst of Both Worlds: The "Shimano Problem" Underscores Clash of Cultures When Buddhism Spread to West  

by Russ Wellen

“The ‘Shimano Problem’ and its recent resolution make this an opportune time to briefly explore the subject of Buddhism's integration into the West. Eido Shimano Roshi had been the abbot of the New York Zen Studies Society, one of the oldest Buddhist institutions in the West, and its 1,400-acre Dai Bosatsu retreat in the Catkills [sic] until he resigned from both earlier this week. Even though he's headed the former since 1965 and is 77 years old, he isn't retiring. This comment below, posted at the Tricycle Buddhist magazine blog in reaction to the apology that accompanied his announcement, gives you an idea of what transpired.”

“Take it from someone who has known Eido Shimano for over thirty years, this is anything but a sincere apology. It is the same tired routine he has repeated each time he has been ‘caught with his robe open’ for three decades.”

“As for Shimano, his serial philandering was a source of concern for decades to long-time colleague Roshi Robert Aitken, who recently died. At the Zen Site, Vladimir K. and Stuart Lachs illuminated a series of letters from Aitken to Shimano and to others in the Zen community, including two of Japan's most venerated roshis who had been his teachers. Only much later was one of them inclined to condemn Shimano. Watch how the culture clash played out in this instance. (Emphasis added.)”

“Aitken excuses this lack of interest by the two Japanese Zen masters to cultural differences between America and Japan, writing 'it is important to understand that mental illness and character pathology are viewed tolerantly in Japan.' Aitken infers that he believes that Shimano may be suffering some form of mental illness or pathology, calling him 'someone in a different dimension altogether.'  Nevertheless, Shimano's Japanese teachers ‘felt responsible for him, and were not prepared to disgrace him by recalling him to Japan.’"

“Finally, a couple random observations about the issues teachers in Eastern traditions sometimes have with power and sex:”

“The sheer immaturity they're manifesting is breathtaking. Either they're resisting the transformation that long hours of meditation should be impressing on them or, in the belief that they're fully realized, or enlightened, they think that they're beyond the effects of bad karma on their future as souls.”

“It goes without saying that these problems are all but nonexistent in woman-led sanghas and zendos.”

09/12/10

An Exchange of Emails.
A Female Former DBZ Kessei Student Files Complains About Shimano's Behavior to the ZSS Board and Ethics Committee.

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

“In light of the recent revelations of Eido Shimano Roshi’s (嶋野 栄道) inappropriate relationship with a young dharma student, together with the allegations over the past 40 years, I am terminating my relationship with Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) as a student and terminating my connection to Dai Bosatsu Zendo. I find it completely unacceptable that Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) is still in a position of authority and influence.”

 “Evidently even confessions to the sangha has not resulted in an effective change of Eido Roshi's (嶋野 栄道) misconduct as demonstrated already over time.”

 “I have read in a two different publications by Genjo pointing out the this recent affair with Roshi (嶋野 栄道) was initiated by this young student. Why, Yuho, does Genjo point this out? Is it because he somehow believes that Roshi (嶋野 栄道) was the one who was ‘seduced.’’

 “It appears to me that the Zen Studies Society really needs outside monitoring. As there is nothing officially in place for this service, I have to say the Shimano Archives was the best thing to happen to your organization.”

09/19/10

Deep Introspection

A talk given by Shinge Roshi Roko Sherry Chayat

Sunday, September 19, 2010.

Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji: Teisho Project

All talks listed here were given as talks at the Zen Center of Syracuse unless otherwise noted.

Selections of the talks offered at the Zen Center are also offered as a podcast through iTunes, which you can subscribe to here.

09/19/10

Genjo Marinello Posts to the Open Buddha Blog:

Engage the FaithTrust Institute to help us process ethics complaints and consult with us on how to best achieve a positive future for our Society.

We have instigated a complete rewrite of the ZSS bylaws that will be membership based, with a much more democratic structure, which we hope to have in place by late January, 2011.

We are pursuing a “forensic” audit of the whole financial structure of the organization so that we can understand all our assets and liabilities from the ground up.

After completing the first phase of our ethics investigation, we concluded that a sincere letter of apology was needed, along with a much earlier retirement date for Roshi. The board made this known to Roshi (嶋野 栄道) at our Labor Day weekend meeting with him.

The Board meets face to face with the New York Sangha Labor Day weekend and everyone is heard.

Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) writes his letter of apology that announces his retirement as Abbot at the close of this training season 12/8/10. Roshi’s (嶋野 栄道) retirement is officially accepted and acknowledged by the Board.

Aiho-san (愛法) is scheduled to step down as the director of Shobo-Ji, New York City Zendo, by the first of the year. A new director(s) is being selected and will be in place by January 1st, 2011.

Shinge Roko (露光) Sherry Chayat Roshi will be installed as the new Abbot of the Zen Studies Society on January 2nd, 2011."

09/20/10

今白隠と呼ばれた山本玄
峰老師

Dharma Transmission Geneaological Table From the Zen Master Hakuin.

09/27/10

Post by Rodo Harold Weisberg.

“It was the fall of 1975, Eido Roshi was mysteriously missing and Soen Roshi was giving, Teisho, Dokusan and Sesshin (- see Larry Shainberg's book ‘Ambivalent Zen’). It was a most important time in my spiritual practice and the New York's zendo's soul. It culminated in the Rohatsu of Dec. 1975. Jinta and me sat every night competiting [sic] on how long and how great our samadhi was, or how we were both crazy. The morning of the last night, (Buddha's enlightentment [sic] against MARA), Eido Roshi takes the high seat and to our amazement disbanded the New York Zendo sangha and retreated to the DEEP mountains of the Catskills, called Daibosatsu mountain. ”

“During the Christmas/New Year break, threre [sic] was lots of speculation, nevertheless the ZSS schedule had a winter Rohatsu at Daibosatsu. Since I was in the Zen Zone of zen practice, I signed up. After all it was a sesshin with both Soen Roshi and Eido Roshi. It was not a disappointing sesshin as the zendo was full but not overcrowded. There was a blizzard on the second day. Eido Roshi and Soen Roshi were battling over the translation of ‘on opening ‘the’ dharma or ‘this’ dharma... We can now see ‘it’ or ‘this’. I think Soen Roshi won this argument. ‘On opening this Dharma’. Suddenly a stomach flu hit, and almost the entire participants were in the bathroom and not the zendo. On the last morning, the wind stopped, the flu left and the sun came out. The sky was blue and somehow there was some kind of purification or understanding of the dharmakaya. The upheaval in the sangha, left me homeless as Nensho, whose apartment I was subletting returned to the city, and took back his apartment that I was subletting. Since there was a vancacy [sic] at the the New York Zendo I applied for residency. Eido Roshi objected, as he wanted Roy, but somehow the Board gave me the residency. After awhile Eido Roshi admitted that I was the best resident director up to that time. ”

“One day Eido Roshi called me to Daibusatsu [sic] in order to discuss the schedule. What was planned for Nirvanna day, Gempo's memorial and Buddha's birthday. I had no idea. So I invited him to New York, for a one day sitting, an evening memorial and a weekend Sesshin. I knew I couldn't conduct services but maybe he should? It could be said, that I was the most influential person in the Rebirth of the New York sangha in 1976! I have no regrets and was always honest with every new student. After all, following morning service, a breakfast special at Kasey's reveals all, Eido Roshi was the teacher and I was the student. After two years I decided to leave New York Zendo and head toward Jerusalem and participate with the Dead Sea Sangha and study with Kyudo Roshi. Eido Roshi was furious but in the end wished me the best.”

“ I met Kyudo Roshi, a disciple of Soen, and wanted to study with him on the Mt. Of Olives. He is the exact opposite of Eido. How could two zen masters from the same teacher be so different? One is into power and attachment and the other has no corners and no attachments? It's all in Larry Shainberg's book. So here I'm writing a defense of Eido Roshi and don' t mention his teachings. He is my Zen Teacher. He gave me Zen practice and turned it into exquisite Zazen. He taught me life and death! 32 years later, I have a wife, two kids grown up and I still practice every morning, more or less, the 4 great vows. Thank you Eido Roshi, as ‘what more do we seek as the truth is reveaveales’ [sic]. I hope you retire in peace and give great lectures. I hope you command the same fees as Bill Clinton a great president that is being reevaluated forn [sic] his great works!”

10/01/10

中川宋淵師からの法を継いだ者として、嶋野榮道氏は列挙されていない。

Dharma Transmission Geneaological Table From the Zen Master Hakuin.
龍澤僧堂

10/01/10

ウィキペディア日本語版エントリー
Japanese Wikipedia Entry on
Shimano Eido 嶋野栄道.

October 1st, 2010

(See entry for: 11/16/10)

10/22/10

Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service

Form 3949 A

Information Referral

10/24/10

Email Exchange Between Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune and Rev. Kobutsu Malone.

“The Society understands that there is public knowledge that the FTI provided suggestions to the Society, and that these were read at the sangha meeting.  These six suggestions are embodied in the FTI's September 2nd, 2010 confidential memo to the Society, and reproduced below:

So at this point, we make the following suggestions:

 ·        Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) must end his tenure as Abbot as soon as possible.  As long as he remains in this role or in any other official capacity, the integrity of ZSS is compromised.

·        If there are students who wish to continue to study with Eido (嶋野 栄道), they may do so on their own but not under the auspices of ZSS.

 ·        Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) should make a full public apology acknowledging his misconduct and his regret for harm done to ZSS.

·        Conduct a formal financial audit for the organization.  Issue a summary audit report available to the Sangha members.

·        Consult with your Zen colleagues who have gone through major restructuring to address misconduct issues, e.g. ZCLA, to help with by-laws revisions and restructuring.

 ·        Read Marilyn R. Peterson’s At Personal Risk: Boundary Violations in Professional-Client Relationships.”

10/27/10

A Text Only Email Letter, No Stationary, No Signature, No Chop - Allegedly an Official Letter From The Zen Studies Society Board of Directors to the ZSS Sangha.

“This has been a year of many changes for The Zen Studies Society. This letter is intended to update you on the developments that have occurred.”

“On January 23rd, 2010, at the annual ZSS Board meeting, Eido Shimano Roshi (嶋野 栄道) announced his intention to retire. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his arrival in the United States. As his last project, he wanted to build a Sanmon (entrance gate) for DBZ, which had been his original vision when DBZ first opened in 1976. He has raised the funds needed to fulfill his vision, and the project is scheduled to be completed next year.”

“Also, in February, as part of his retirement plans, Roshi (嶋野 栄道) retired from his role as guest professor at Shogen Junior College (of which Yamakawa Sogen Roshi (山川宗玄老師) is President) in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, where he has taught for the past 20 years.”

“On Labor Day Weekend, September 4th, several meetings were held at New York Zendo with Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道), the Board, and the Faith Trust Institute, who were enlisted to help guide The Zen Studies Society in response to a series of ethical breaches.”

 “The meetings included lengthy discussions during which the FTI issued a series of recommendations (now posted on our website). Additionally, the Board met with a large group of sangha members and heard their input and suggestions.”

11/10/10

Zen Forum International Thread on Eido Shimano's Lineage

Captured: 02/18/11

"Kapleau-roshi was never fully transmitted by Yasutani-roshi, but established himself as the progenitor of a vibrant lineage. His main dharma heir, Bodhin Kjolhede, has established himself as a respected teacher and has transmitted his own disciples. All are recognized by their peers both in and out of the AZTA."

"There are many ways to complete dharma transmission, say, when the original teacher dies or there is a break between master and disciple. Sometimes the master will disown a disciple for spurious reasons, especially when the master gets old and decrepit. I've seen this happen. What's important in these cases is that the disciple either complete his or her training with another master or continue the tradition even if there is a break between her or him and the master."

"As a sidelight, even though his transmission with Kapleau-roshi was complete, Bodhin Kjolhede wanted to complete the koan curriculum that Philip Kapleau didn't complete with Yasutani. Bodhin's disciple, Sevan Ross, had completed the curriculum with James Ford, a teacher in the Kennett-roshi and Sanbo Kyodan lineages, so Bodhin then completed the curriculum with Sevan. This is somewhat un-orthodox, studying under your disciple, but it worked in this case and linked Bodhin with Yasutani in a roundabout way."

11/16/10

ウィキペディア日本語版エントリー
Japanese Wikipedia Entry on
Shimano Eido 嶋野栄道.

November 16th, 2010

(See entry for: 10/01/10)

11/20/10

ZSS Announcement: Shinge-shitsu Roko Sherry Chayat Roshi will be Installed as the Monastery's Second Abbot.

Eido Roshi's (嶋野 栄道) unsparing efforts to root in American soil the legacy of our rich Dharma lineage from Hakuin Ekaku Zenji (白隠 慧鶴) to Gempo Yamamoto Roshi (山本 玄峰) and Soen Nakagawa Roshi (中川 宋淵), from Soyen Shaku Roshi (釈 宗演) to D.T. Suzuki (鈴木 大拙 貞太郎) and Nyogen Senzaki (千 崎 如幻), have brought us to this momentous time of growth and flowering."

11/20/10

Text of Chayat's Biography and Vision.
From The ZSS Website.

“'When reading aloud from the Soen Roku at Hoen-ji’s Dai Bosatsu Mandala Day services, I feel as though his voice comes through me from the depths of his profound realization.

"Shinge Roshi is committed to upholding the authentic Rinzai training to which Eido Roshi (嶋野 栄道) has dedicated his life, as well as adhering to the ethical principles so well articulated by the Buddhist precepts. "

"Shinge Roshi knows her new role will bring complex challenges. 'No matter how difficult it may be, this next phase of my life is, after all, just the continuation of my vow: to be a vessel of the Dharma.' It is with this unshakeable faith that she assumes the role of Abbot of Dai Bosatsu Zendo."

11/21/10

2011 New Year's Appeal from The Zen Center of Syracuse.

“As I look toward expanding my work, becoming abbot of Dai Bosatsu Zendo in addition to my responsibilities here, I am buoyed by the serious yet exuberant practice of my students.”

“In order to meet the considerable financial obligations that make our work possible, we humbly request your year-end support, so that we may continue to offer authentic Zen training, enhance our surrounding community's well-being, care for our beautiful facilities, and provide a place of serenity and true happiness for all.”

“The enclosed 2011 ‘Be Well, Be Safe’ card has been on the Zen Center's altar. You may place it near the front door in your home, as a blessing for you and your family in the coming year, and to welcome visitors.”

11/21/10

Email from Tenshin Hill to Kobutsu Malone.

How Genjo can state that he had no clue that anything was remiss after having his pores opened by a week-long sit, yet be clear enough to be a teacher is an incongruity I will leave everyone to noodle with privately on their own. In the least, I think it makes his position on the ZSS Board untenable."

11/28/10

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

• Is Eido Shimano (嶋野 栄道) a recognized Dharma heir of Soen Nakagawa Roshi (中川 宋淵)?
  
  
• Do the attached documents constitute proof of Shimano (嶋野 栄道) having received “inka” from Soen Nakagawa (中川 宋淵)?
  
  
• If so, (a) is there any evidence that Soen Nakagawa (中川 宋淵) ever revoked or otherwise disavowed this “inka” and (b) is this “inka” recognized by Ryutaku-ji (龍沢寺) or any recognized Rinzai Zen institution?

12/01/10

A Signed Letter in English from Eido Shimano to The New York Times.

“Mr. Oppenheimer did not interview me for this article, nor did he speak with Mr. Aitken or the young woman who is referred to in the article. The article states that he attempted to contact me and that I did not return several phone calls - this is just not true. I was never contacted by Mr. Oppenheimer, nor did I receive any correspondence from him at either my Livingston Manor address or my New York City address.”

"When I returned to the United States, many people brought this article to my attention. The effect has been profound. Many people are hurt and confused. As an aside, minutes from our Board of Directors meetings are private documents. If they wound up in Hawaii or in Mark Oppenheimer's possession, they were improperly obtained andor delivered. Did anyone question why Mr. Aitken would write about a Buddhist monk for 50 years, when I have had contact with him only twice since 1964? I shall look forward to hear what your journalist, Mark Oppenheimer, has to say about the contents of my letter.'

[See entry of: 12/26/10 & 03/00/07]

12/01/10

Ein unterschriebener Brief auf English von Eido Shimano an die New York Times.

"Weil ich vorhabe, in diesem Jahr in Rente zu gehen, möchte ich nicht, dass dieser Artikel mit meinem Ruhestand in Verbindung gebracht wird. Das eine hat nichts mit dem anderen zu tun - es gibt keine Ursache und Wirkung."

"Weder hat mich Herr Oppenheimer für den Artikel interviewt, noch hat er mit Herrn Aitken oder der jungen Frau, auf die sich der Artikel bezieht, gesprochen. Der Artikel behauptet, dass er versucht hat, mit mir Kontakt aufzunehmen und dass ich mich trotz verschiedener Versuche nicht gemeldet habe - dies ist schlicht falsch. Ich wurde nie von Herrn Oppenheimer kontaktiert, noch habe ich irgendwelche Korrespondenz von ihm erhalten, weder an meine Adresse in Livingston Manor noch an meine Adresse in New York City. "

"Als ich in die USA zurückkehrte, haben mich viele Leute auf den Artikel angesprochen. Die Wirkung war tief. Viele Menschen sind verletzt und bestürzt. Nebenbei gesagt sind Protokolle aus unseren Vorstandssitzungen vertrauliche Dokumente. Wenn sie nach Hawaii oder im Besitz von Herrn Oppenheimer gelangt sind, wurden sie in unzulässiger Weise bekommen bzw. herausgegeben. Hat sich jemand gefragt, warum Herr Aitken 50 Jahre lange über einen buddhistischen Mönch schreibt, wenn ich mit ihm nur zwei Mal seit 1964 Kontakt gehabt habe? Ich bin gespannt, was Ihr Journalist Herr Oppenheimer zu meinem Brief zu sagen hat."

12/08/10

On Wednesday morning, the 8th of December, the sun will rise in Manhattan at 7:07 A.M.  Those who are on the sidewalk at the Zen Studies Society at 223 East 67th Street hope to draw attention to the sexual and financial depredations of Eido Tai Shimano, "Abbot" of Shobo-ji and Dai Bosatsu Zendos.

12/10/10

Internal Revenue Service

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

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

12/10/10

Form 990-EZ
Short Form

Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

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

990-EZ forms from; 2009, 2003, 2002

12/13/10

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

"Here is the story:

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

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

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

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

That is pretty much it."

12/15/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/16/10

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

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

12/17/10

A Letter from Merry Benezra to Kobutsu Malone.

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

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

12/18/10

A Letter from Tenshin Hill to Eido Shimano.

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/21/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/23/10

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

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

12/26/10

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

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

[See entry of: 12/01/10 ]

12/24/10

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

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

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

12/26/10

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

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

12/26/10

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

12/26/10

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

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

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

12/28/10

The Mark Oppenheimer Blog:

Captured: 4/10/11

[See entry of: 12/01/10 ]

12/28/10

マーク　オッペンハイマー　ブログ：

12/30/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/30/10

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

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

12/30/10

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

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

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

12/30/10

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