There has been quite a bit of information going around the Buddhist blogosphere and beyond about recent and long ago events at the Zen Studies Society, culminating in the announced retirement of their abbot. I’ve been asked twice to sign onto a petition regarding this demanding a more expedited process.
I have witnessed a fair bit of the process leading up to Eido Roshi’s announced resignation as abbot and the upcoming installation of Roko Shinge Roshi in his place.
This is a significant, if terribly sad event within the Zen mahasangha. And, I think even those of us not directly affected are touched by this.
It is a sadness we all share. And the outcome of this is of importance to us all.
For those who are concerned this process will not end in Eido’s departure, I would add my sense of the serious intent of the transmitted leadership, Genjo & Roko, evidenced not only in their words but by who they chose as outside professional consultants, particularly Dr Marie Fortune, leave me convinced the matter is proceeding directly and firmly to the necessary conclusion.
For those who feel it is not moving fast enough, it is hard to respond.
There is a great deal of hurt. A world of hurt.
And it took a long time to get here. It’s going to take a while to come to whatever resolution they can achieve.
It will be messy and no doubt people will not find some aspects acceptable.
All I am sure of is that whatever was true in the past, the current leadership is doing what they need to do, and doing it with integrity, and toward that necessary conclusion.
I know their intention and actions are geared to two things: rectifying the current situation and reaching out to those who have been hurt by Eido Roshi’s actions as well as the neglect of the Zen Studies Society in the past. This is hard. It is multiply hurtful. And they are doing it…
I know this event has pushed us within our own sangha to address a clear and usable ethics code. I suspect it will similarly encourage other groups to review how they plan on dealing with such things as they arise.
That these things arise opens many other doors, including a consideration of the nature of awakening, as well as the utility of elevated status for our teachers. I have reflected some on this in the past. As have others. No doubt the conversation will continue.
What follows here is Sensei Genjo Marinello’s status report…
Dear Dharma Brothers and Sisters,
I don’t know how to put it more plainly, but please be assured that Eido Shimano Roshi and his wife Aiho-san Shimano did resign from the Board of Directors of the Zen Studies Society on July 4th, 2010. Their resignations were formally accepted by the Board, and we meet regularly by conference call, and when we are able in person, without their presence or undue influence. In all previous cycles of complaints, Roshi and Aiho-san have remained on the Board and this did indeed create circumstances that hindered the proper processing of similar complaints.
After this date the board has gone on to:
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 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 writes his letter of apology that announces his retirement as Abbot at the close of this training season 12/8/10. Roshi’s retirement is officially accepted and acknowledged by the Board.
Aiho-san 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 Sherry Chayat Roshi will be installed as the new Abbot of the Zen Studies Society on January 2nd, 2011.
At every turn we have tried to respond promptly and with an open heart to every correspondence we have directly received to the Board or Ethics Committee.
As to Eido Roshi’s relationship with the Zen Studies Society after 12/8/10, this is currently a matter of much discussion by the Board. I cannot go into details on this because we are in the middle of our own discernment. Speaking for myself, I hope that Eido Roshi will be able to assist Shinge Roko Roshi to learn the forms and ceremonies appropriate for her role as Abbot for the first six months of 2011. I also hope that Eido Roshi will occasionally be invited as our retired founding abbot to give Teisho at either DBZ or New York City Zendo. However, we are all cognizant that Shinge Roshi will need to find her own footing and that an extended absence by Eido Roshi would probably be very helpful to make for a clean transition.
Finally, as I stated in my own newsletter, as “women come forward who are having trouble coping with the ramifications from these inappropriate relationships, the ZSS Board and I personally will do our best to be helpful…
There are no Buddhas; if I meet one on the road of life, I have found a fraud. It is a delusion to believe that we are either Buddhas or bumpkins. Everyone should know that you will never find one without the other. The good news of Buddhism is that we are not just naked apes but also Buddhas.
I have been asked how could a “Roshi” be so blind? We all have blind spots; unfortunately, Eido Roshi’s have proven to be repeatedly dangerous to the very Followers of the Way he has otherwise given his life to. Very tragic for him, the Sangha and most of all those he has wounded.”
With palms together,
Genjo Marinello
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