Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Eido Tai Shimano

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I originally posted this in November last year. Later, I collected it with other posts I considered removing from this blog. Later still, it was suggested I put the posts back ... which I did. Today I got a call from someone who was looking for this particular post and was having a hard time finding it because it was in among other posts headed "putting it back." So ... I am giving it back its own space and title for whoever might find it useful.
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
letter to Eido Tai Shimano
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What follows is a letter I wrote in 1982 to Eido Tai Shimano, the chief executive of Zen Studies Society in New York and Dai Bosatsu Monastery in upstate New York. Mr. Shimano is a Zen teacher.

The reason for posting a letter of so many years ago is not to open the old wounds that bled freely in their time. Nor is it to deny that Zen Buddhism in America has made great strides when it comes to the sexual and financial abuses that it has faced and continues to face from time to time. Nor is it to suggest that I have not been a hypocrite. Nor is it to elevate my own status as a rebel or nay-sayer or promoter of some one true virtue. I too love Zen Buddhism both in its directions and in its experiential truth.

I am posting it as a reminder that the past is or can be very much the present and further that the 'scandals' that have occurred involved very real and particular people and that those people suffered in ways that are contrary to Zen Buddhist teaching. Not for nothing did the teachers of the past make upsetting the sangha a no-no. Not for nothing did they encourage repentance when it was warranted. And not for nothing were they aware that in the human sphere, however elevated and adored, the room for error was and remains a very real possibility.


November 1, 1982

The Rev. Eido Tai Shimano
New York Zendo
223 East 67th St.
New York, NY 11021

Dear Mr. Shimano:

Thank you for your creative letter of Oct. 19, 1982 with its equally masterful enclosure of Oct. 21 to Mr. George (Jochi) Zournas. I must say that as I began to read your work I felt some vestigial hope that you might in fact clear the air, turn some metaphorical corner and clarify what, over the years, has become murky with the stuff that Soen Roshi has learned to call your “lies.” By the time I finished reading your words, I was, of course, disappointed if not surprised.

“So much sitting, so many sesshins, so many dokusans…” and still Soen Roshi calls you a liar. Could you tell me why? Is this perhaps another encouragement to “bravely march on?” Coming as Soen Roshi does out of a society that takes pride in indirection, still he uses this most direct word, “liar.” Why? Coming as he does out of a discipline that enjoins confession and straight-forwardness, he calls you a liar. Why? Among the monks at Dai Bosatsu last summer you managed to plant the idea that Soen Roshi was an alcoholic and/or senile. But why would a senile alcoholic even bother to call you a liar? Politics, you say? – because Soen Roshi wants Dai Bosatsu, to become king of the some American Zen castle? If Soen Roshi actually did want Dai Bosatsu, why not give it to him? Do you not owe him a great debt for his teaching, perhaps as Torei felt he owed Hakuin? As a ‘true man without rank,’ with so many sesshins, so much sitting, and so many dokusans behind you, surely you recognize that the toys of Zen Buddhism – the robes and monasteries and power – are only dreams. Could you, a ‘Zen Mater,’ be fooled by a dream?

But this, of course, is not your understanding. Your understanding seems to be that They are all out to get you – you who are blameless in administration, honest in the dokusan room, pure and “fair” and deserving of respect from those who support and make possible your meaning as a person of rank. It is the questioners who are “insane” or full of “intense personal hatred” or want Your zendo or want Your monastery or hate you because you have money and they have not or don’t understand the ‘Japanese’ group and you…you bear it all so remarkably well, so staunch and patient. You are really very good at it: masterful, if not the master.

Besides those Jochi George Zournas mentioned in his letter (those Others who were out to get you), I would like to take this opportunity to recollect some others, perhaps not quite so august, who have left our own sangha. I am not now referring to those who left because they moved or to those who made an easy personal choice, but rather to those who left after some discovery in that beautiful zendo where there is room for our lifelong practice. True, some left in anger or confusion, but what was it they really discovered? Is it possible they discovered what Soen Roshi called your “lies?” I really don’t know, but I recollect them now and express my sorrow at their leaving: Daishin Peter Gamby, Maishin Mike Sopko, Reimon Ray Crivello, Genmyo Elihu Smith, Sojun George Seraganian, Bunyu David Bogart, Roca Lorca Morello (all of whom were residents as Sho Bo Ji with your blessings),Kanzan Bruce Rickenbacker (your monk who memorized the whole of the Diamond Sutra), Daiko Charles Carpenter (another of your monks), Shoro Lou Nordstrom (another of your monks), Kozen Peter Kaufman (another of your monks), Jonen Sheila Carmen (pseudonym), Wendy Megerman, Nennen Merry White, Toni Snow, Reishu Jim Gordon, Shinso Merete Galesi, Ishin Peter Mathiessen, Jean Day, Carol Binswanger, Jochi George Zournas, Wado Vicki Gerdy, Rinko Peggy Crawford and Mushin Frank LoCicero. You will recall, or course, that, over the years, the list has grown much, much, much longer and is filled with people who did not show sufficient “skepticism about rumors,” as you so quaintly put it.

How many of them came to you directly in 1975 and 1979 (when what were humorously referred to as the “Fuck Follies I” and the ”Fuck Follies II” were unveiled)? How many? Was it 10 or perhaps 20? Without any exception I know of, each of those who came to you directly came in a spirit of admiration and love, in hopes of clarifying a delicate matter without public exposure. The situation: your manipulation of the dokusan setting for your own periodic sexual satisfaction (seducing women); treating lovers taken from within the sangha with contempt once you had finished with them; and taking no candid responsibility for your own behavior but rather answering direct, honest and caring queries with, in one form or another, the line you used in a jam-packed zendo in 1975: “It’s none of your business.”

The line of people outside your door is long, very, very long. In my mind, they wait silently – the They and Them whom you so easily accuse of insanity or intense personal hatred. A long line of crazy people outside your door. What brought them there? Even crazy people have their reasons, don’t you agree?

Look! There’s Merry White. Remember her? She was the one who sent a letter to the Board of Trustees in 1979 outlining without rancor your sexual blackmail. It was she who wrote: “Personally, I found his (your) seductions very distracting and jarring during the first Kessei…I wonder now if I would not have been a better student in the long run without it. ... And last year (1978) during my second stay at Dai Bosatsu, it hurt me that he treated me very distantly for quite a while. When he warmed up, it became sexual again. That kind of either/or situation made it very difficult for me (or, I would think, any woman) to be his student. You want his attention and his help, and that, I think, is how it begins. He takes this emotional opening-up, which is normal and right in a spiritual student-teacher relationship, as a sign of sexual readiness.” Clearly the Board of Trustees, your Board of Trustees, took the only possible sane action by never fully discussing the matter and by issuing a letter, signed by Korin Sylvan Busch stating, “we affirm our confidence in Eido Roshi and his leadership of our sangha.”

And there’s Jane Smith (pseudonym)! Remember her? December 24, 1977, Room 1100A at the Statler Hilton after dinner at Mama Leone’s. Remember how the board of Trustees covered that one when Jochi and Korin, at whose instigation I can only guess, spread lies and rumors about Jane – how she was only dreaming of an affair with you? And how even Jane was drawn into the lies and told them on herself because she believed the truth would be harmful to you and to Zen practice in America? She was the same one who commented later in front of witnesses that “he (you) never even said thank you.”

And Carmen!… But of course you will recall this and much, much more.

On and on and on it goes down that long, long line. Person after person, Bodhisattva after crazy Bodhisattva, each of them willing their suspicions to silence. How is it possible they were so willing, so stupid? Perhaps it was because many people begin their spiritual practice with the understanding that the ascendancy they have previously granted to their emotions and intellect is the source of much suffering. Because of that pain, they were willing to set aside their own emotions and intellect (to the extent possible), and to be as faithful and obedient as possible. Perhaps they counseled themselves that intellect and emotion are more delusion. And perhaps they trusted that your emotions and thoughts were not based in delusion. This trust, however misguided, was surely human and understandable. Unfortunately, it was and is open to manipulation and deceit. There are many I know, myself among them, who practiced with you and were grateful to you, until, a little at a time, they began to wonder. In their wondering, they came to you in their twos and threes and tens, not even caring very much that you took lovers on the side, but curious about a wider pattern of contempt and manipulation. No doubt you saw them as insane people out to take your toys. Well, they didn’t get them, did they?

To some you said your Japanese heritage and samurai code of honor kept you from understanding or responding to these puritanical “barbarians.” Isn’t it odd for a so-called Zen Master who has lived in America for 20 years to claim he understands neither his students nor his environment? Isn’t such a person in the wrong line of work? No doubt it is equally insane to suggest that a real Japanese man would know something of discretion and that a true samurai would not exhibit contempt and dishonesty towards those in his own circle of honorable endeavor.

Of course it was more difficult to use this line on Dr. Tadao Ogura, the psychiatrist who offered to act as arbitrator in the present upheaval. He was the one who suggested taking three “impartial” observers from the sangha with him when he listened to the direct testimony of those involved. The group would then have reported to the Board of Trustees, your own Board of Trustees. Perhaps he too was one of the insane ones, the ones who had to be stopped. And stopped he was when Korin Sylvan Busch, at whose instigation I can only guess, let it be known that three “impartial” sangha members could not be found.

The long line outside your door does not say these things. They are silent. They are gone. It is I who say them, I, Kigen. I take responsibility for saying what I have said and doing what I have done. I have company, but I take responsibility for myself. I am one of Them, those Others whose fault it all is, one of the ones who supported you well, offered you gratitude, did his best to practice the Zen Buddhism of the Patriarchs, lied or remained silent for you on numbers of occasions, lied or remained silent to myself about you, endured and perpetuated your deceits, and, finally...went...”insane.”

It is out of that insanity that I also offer you my most sincere and honest thanks. I offer thanks without irony or sarcasm. You have taught me well and I am grateful. Besides the mechanics of Zen Buddhism, you have also taught me what a Zen Master is not – a teaching worthy of a true Zen Master. Although your teaching lacked the creative clarity, the nurturing of the Buddha Dharma, and the straight-forwardness of a truly enlightened man, still I say your teaching was fine. As I value my life, my Zen practice, so I value this teaching.

This is a time for potential new beginnings – yours, mine, the sangha’s. Always new beginnings. I pray now and will continue to pray that each of us may one day face death with strong, even breaths and perhaps a small smile of true understanding.

Thank you and goodbye.


Adam Fisher


It was during that same time period that I heard perhaps the sharpest rebuke I have ever heard in my life. At one point, Soen Roshi was talking face to face with Mr. Shimano and discussing the reported disharmony Mr. Shimano played a role in. Mr. Shimano offered his responses. And Soen Roshi reportedly said sadly, "Now it comes -- dead rock!"

5,119 comments:

  1. Kobutsu Malone said...
    "Yes, the source is authentic.... the young man involved was my son and my name is Kobutsu Malone. I am not a liar..."

    Kubutsu,

    It is a relief to "know" what motivates you in pursuing this as relentlessly as you do. It is now more understandable.

    I do not know if you are a liar or you are not one but, I think you do not lie in this.

    I pray you and your family can find some peace, particularly for your son.

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  2. "I have certainly seen into what motivates you toward bringing down ZSS."

    I don't think you have. I believe that what Kobutsu knows about his son is fairly recent. What we're seeing is raw pain and dispair. To voice it on a blog like this is risky - to say the least. Being shredded is what it's been like for many of us to voice raw feeling about abuse within ZSS. I'm sorry that Kobutsu is experiencing this for this specific situation. Sadly, it's not surprising,

    "It always seem personal, and this leaves no doubt."

    Say this to Martin Luther King Jr. or the woman in NJ who worked to pass Kendra's law. Sure it's also personal.

    Please take a look at a core factor that's affecting so many people on this blog. What happens when the "unconditional realm" can't join hands with "unconditional love/compassion"? It's a step up. Not easy to maintain in our human bodies full of drives and chemistries, roles, false identities and unexamined assaumptions about how we operate and see things around us in the world.

    What happens when leadership fails to address this complexity with any honesty and humility and attempts to self-correct?

    I'm not saying this to excuse personal responsibility despite leadership. But the fact remains that ZSS is destroying itself. And it will coninue until both unconditional realms meet. Shimano failed to do this for his sangha and for himself. It's a huge failure with huge karmic baggage.

    "I'm sorry for you and your family to have had to go through this. I send you sincere wishes that you all are able to come through this intact."

    And there you go - thank you.

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  3. Above comment posted by Olivia. (meant to indicate that despite the risks)

    And the "rally"? A head monk came out to offer us a cup of tea. Lovely.

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  4. Motivation of Kobutsu is irrelevant.
    The point is that Shimano's actions have to be publicized so that the guy should be kept from future victims.

    At the least, Kobutsu's action is backed by the risk he is taking by exposing his identity.

    You better stop your mean attack. Or maybe you sat too long under Shimano's guidance?

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  5. Anonymous @10:38pm said

    "I'm sorry for you and your family to have had to go through this. I send you sincere wishes that you all are able to come through this intact."


    Anonymous @ 12:54am answers 10:38pm,

    "And there you go - thank you."

    Olivia said@1:12am ...

    "Above comment (12:54am) posted by Olivia."


    The implication: "Olivia" is a Malone family member? Please clarify this Olivia.

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  6. Olivia is not a Malone family member.

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  7. Do not conflate the person of a ZSS monk with that of the former ZSS Abbot.

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  8. The "Founding Abbot" was well aware of the proclivities of the monk in question. When tenzo, said monk once missed breakfast and was found passed out drunk in the office in front of the computer. When students went to use the VCR in the lounge room one day they were surprised to find a copy of "In The End Zone" a gay porno tape loaded into the VR player. Like it or not, the "Abbot" (founding or otherwise) is responsible for the actions of the "monks" under his training. Shimano failed to take responsibility in dealing with this man and placed a young boy and who knows how many others in jeopardy. This is simply irresponsible leadership.

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  9. "The implication: "Olivia" is a Malone family member? Please clarify this Olivia."

    Correct, I'm not a Malone family member - don't even have a drop of good Irish blood. I've never met Kobutsu.

    My response "and there you go, thank you", is within the total context of the post that includes a sentence on the meeting of the "unconditional realm and the realm of unconditional love/compassion".

    Happy Rohatsu,

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  10. To those who have the courage to keep this information out there in the light of day where it belongs, for the protection of anyone who would otherwise be unaware,

    Gassho

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  11. "The "Founding Abbot" was well aware of the proclivities of the monk in question."

    Proclivities .. yes, the omniscient one must have been aware that child rape was inevitable. He should be charged.

    And, of course, there is no history of alcoholic overindulgence at DBZ.

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  12. Today there is no longer an abbot of DBZ. Rev. Eido Shimano is now the former abbot. He resigns amid scandal and disgrace.

    Spike

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  13. "Do not conflate the person of a ZSS monk with that of the former ZSS Abbot."

    I have to concur. The issue here are the acts of an apparently derailed monk in the some kind of tailspin toward death. Eido was never at DBZ full-time, and although he appears to have given Mr Malone an assurance of care, he couldn't be expected to have babysat with a constant eye upon his supposed charge.
    Having a little knowledge of the issue of HIV, it usually takes repeated exposures to the virus before it takes hold; of course, the issue of rape is another matter altogether.

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  14. DBZ has a history of association with known criminals. All the stonework added to the main entrance to the monastery was done by a convicted felon who plea-bargained for an alternative sentence, namely residency at DBZ instead of jail. (Article in newspaper was how I found out DBZ existed).

    Spike

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  15. You can't have it both ways Spike.... Is he "The Retired Founding Abbot" or is he "The Former ZSS Abbot Resigned in Scandal or Disgrace"? If you pay close attention to Roko, she will soon be spinning the former title.... for her own "standing." Such utter ruthless disregard for decent people's sensibilities.

    The interesting thing is that the former caretaker, who became a real priest gleaning zero support from Shimano went out on his own and worked teaching prisoners for close to twenty years is the guy who stands up and speaks the truth while Shimano's "posers" pretty themselves up in brocade and "holier-than-thou" head trips. I for one, would trust Kobutsu before any of Shimano's loyal supporters. I've seen Kobutsu go way above and beyond the call of duty in protecting and nurturing this precious Buddhadharma while Shimano's "hand-picked" have consistently kept their heads stuck in the sand refusing to see the truth right under their noses.

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  16. "You can't have it both ways Spike.... "

    ??

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  17. "DBZ has a history of association with known criminals"

    Indeed. Years ago, the monastery was awoken in the middle of the night to the screams of a student being attacked with a hammer while he slept in bed. The assailant, recently released from prison, attempted to escape but was captured.

    Should Eido of been held accountable for this near-death experience?

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  18. " The issue here are the acts of an apparently derailed monk in the some kind of tailspin toward death."

    I think not.

    Now "the issue here" is the alledged rape of a sixteen year old while on the grounds of ZSS and what was done or not done by ZSS about this.

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  19. Eido-san is still a founding abbot. He did not
    step down or step aside, but step up.

    He and his wife will go for a while (vacation
    or perhaps looking for a retirement spot?).

    Olivia, the one who gave you tea is perhaps an
    unsui (because there is no head monk at Shobo-ji),
    or perhaps the gate boddhisatva (we call him
    that way). Both are very nice people, especially
    this boddhisatva. One day I watched him,
    without his knowledge, giving coffee to homeless
    people at Lexington Ave. These people never condone Shimano's act although they remain at Shobo-ji. They want to serve and serve the sangha
    or any passerby who wants to sit there. This gate
    boddhisatva is the person who everybody at Shobo-ji wants to come back and sit, not the Shimanos.

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  20. DAVID or OLIVIA or anyone else who was there ... could you give some brief description of the rally outside Sho Bo Ji on Dec. 8 ... how many, how long, who, reactions by passersby ... or whatever other info you think might tell the tale?

    Again, thanks for showing up.

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  21. "Eido-san is still a founding abbot. He did not
    step down or step aside, but step up."

    What nonsense. Eido Shimano stepped nowhere at all.

    ReplyDelete
  22. "Now "the issue here" is the alledged rape of a sixteen year old while on the grounds of ZSS and what was done or not done by ZSS about this.
    December 9, 2010 10:55 AM"

    The rape was implied in the "acts" of this monk. And how could ZSS have done anything when they didn't know? Had this young man reported it to the local police or another authority at the time, they (the authorities) would of known what to do with this monk--he'd been in jail.

    Had he told it to a head monk at DBZ--I speculate, there would of been a different response, I'm sure. What they should of done, of course, after some initial questioning, was notify the PD themselves. But you can't say in retrospect, with no documented report on file, years later, What did ZSS do about it?

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  23. " ... while Shimano's "hand-picked" have consistently kept their heads stuck in the sand refusing to see the truth right under their noses."

    Is that why they (the current board) sought his resignation from the board and abbacy? Why they made him apologize? Why some current and recently-resigned board members fought to sever all connections with him?

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  24. "But you can't say in retrospect, with no documented report on file, years later, What did ZSS do about it?"

    Perhaps you are correct. However, it seems otherwise to me. Those who will know something about the truth to be found in this allegation have not left the premises, not all of them, and those who have left are not so dead as to be beyond reach.

    However this plays out, covered up corruption is still decay and is just as smelly as that light grey stuff, which sits in a pasture, waiting for misfortune to be kicked.

    However the kick was accomplished the smell this morning is not difficult to identify.

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  25. "Those who will know something about the truth to be found in this allegation have not left the premises, not all of them, and those who have left are not so dead as to be beyond reach."

    Although Kobutsu says he only recently found out about this, you are saying staff at DBZ knew of the rape, which implies his son did inform the staff of DBZ and that nothing was done.

    You "seem" to imply this rape was known about and covered up. In that case Kobutsu's wrath is understandable. The monk who did this, if he is still alive, should be held accountable. But still, I don't see why Eido should be held accountable for this monk's acts. If so, then every immoral act that ever occurred on those tormented 1400 acres are his responsible, which is absurd.

    As the above example illustrates, should he then be held accountable for the near murderous attack on the face-hammered student?

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  26. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=kgovq9bab&v=001rj64Pj8NTf5BeTKRBtgUFYXlBL-q4ykrE4_FNSr_EWR47dePaZ8c8tYCpfqy_j8AdFuRkjB1os4oIhH1wmdu8SCwYvjp2CELwW2xog__UDVT4jrMDJiTCg%3D%3D

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  27. All I can say at this point is that one of Roko's monks was made aware of the situation some years later but evidently did not report it or whatever report was made was ignored. On the advise of council I can say no more. Hopefully eventually this will come out in open court.

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  28. "What nonsense. Eido Shimano stepped nowhere at all."

    Really?

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  29. The only way to clean up ZSS is open court.
    Boards, FTI, all fail.

    ReplyDelete
  30. " you are saying staff at DBZ knew of the rape, which implies his son did inform the staff of DBZ and that nothing was done."

    I am saying questions can still be asked of any staff not dead.


    "... Kobutsu's wrath is understandable."

    Kubutsu's "wrath" does not depend on implication or lack thereof to be understandable. I implied nothing but a stink stinks for reasons much more poignant and compelling than wrath. Whatever a court might decide concerning this allegation, this has the oudur of decay.



    "The monk who did this, if he is still alive, should be held accountable.

    Of course, if it is true.


    "But still, I don't see why Eido should be held accountable for this monk's acts."

    Did not say he was. ZSS is another issue. It is independent of Eido Shimano, an institution and it is, in my not a lawyer opinion, completely responsible for what occurs on those 1,400 acres.


    "the near murderous attack on the face-hammered student?"

    A face-hammered student? Is this another tale needs telling?

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  31. "All I can say at this point is that one of Roko's monks was made aware of the situation some years later but evidently did not report it or whatever report was made was ignored."

    Why in the world report this years later to a Syracuse monk? So that a ZSS staffer could seek out the perp and "whack his peepee real good"? For RAPING A CHILD??

    This should have gone to the police and to a lawyer, regardless of statute of limitations in NY, ASAP.

    "one of Roko's monks was made aware of the situation some years later"

    And law enforcement never informed. Unbelieveable and sad.

    "some years later", as if some time has gone on since...

    If there has been a similar lapse in GETTING MH COUNSELING FOR THAT CHILD, that needs to change. Immediately.

    Spike

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  32. "Whatever a court might decide concerning this allegation, this has the oudur of decay."

    It would be a very difficult case to prove, being as old as it is with no official report of the incident. Though if there are indeed staff who were told of it and who did not act on this information and they are cross-examined in court? Or perhaps a settlement to avoid the legal proceedings, if said staff admit to having known of incident?

    "Did not say he was. ZSS is another issue."

    This was directed at Mr Malone as he seems to be holding Eido responsible after having been told by him he would "take good care" of his son.


    'A face-hammered student? Is this another tale needs telling?"

    Violence does not have quite the same cachet as sex, but I can sadly assure you, this also had happened in the darkness of night, on the mountain known as DBZ. Happily the victim survived intact, and went on to become an active member of ZSS.

    'if the thunder don't get you, then the lightning will"

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  33. "Unbelieveable and sad."

    Certainly unproven but believing this not being reported for a long time ... not hard at all to believe.

    Any kid so burdened might well bury such an incident for very good reasons of his own. Disbelief, shame, guilt, fear of disbelief, family feelings come readily to mind.


    "if the thunder don't get you, then the lightning will"

    Out west we say it's the slow fool who takes his time getting off the horse.

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  34. Those "tormented" acres?

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  35. PART ONE:

    Mr. Marinello is in a real bind in relationship to his two Japanese teachers. In the case of his first Japanese teacher, Genkei Takabayashi, on those occasions when he could go out on the town, Genki was a womanizer and pub-crawler. He got one woman from the Temple neighborhood pregnant, she refused to abort the child, and Genki refused to marry her, thereby bringing shame to her family and to the Temple. So he was kicked out of Daitoku-ji. As a favor to a friend, Morinaga Roshi took him in. But he made Genki’s life hell:

    Genki was never a transmitted “Roshi” and Eido Shimano never referred to him as such, it was always Rev. Genki Takabayashi [ http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/19860121_ZSS_Board.pdf ]

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  36. Part Two:

    The title “Roshi” was self-adopted by Genki while he was in Seattle although it appears Marinello was never even aware of this “slight” oversight. He may very well find himself in the same position regarding Eido Shimano depending on how our investigations in Japan proceed. Traditionally the Japanese Temple Abbot assumed responsibility for the actions of all the students under their jurisdiction and often was forced to resign when the transgression of a monk under their tutelage was of a serious nature. So traditionally Monastery Abbots were ultimately held responsible for the actions of their students.

    At the time of Ryushin Malone’s “encounter” with the HIV+ DBZ monk, the entire community (except apparently Ryushin, a new comer) was aware of this man’s HIV status as issues were raised about him working in the tenzo with such a potentially deadly communicable disease. Records (subpoenable medical records) were in existence establishing this man’s medical condition as a condition of his receiving ZSS medical coverage.

    Was Shimano responsible for the actions of his monks and nuns? Most assuredly so - at the time of Ryushin’s assault there were a set of published ethical guidelines in effect [http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/19930600_ZSS_Guidelines.pdf]

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  37. PART THREE:


    Ultimately Eido Shimano as Abbot shoulders the responsibility for the enforcement of these guidelines as his position as Abbot is the highest-ranking arbitrator in the organization. It was common knowledge that for DBZ and ZSS, it was always Shimano’s way “or the highway.” So Kobutsu’s faith and trust in Shimano seemed more than reasonable at the time and not at all out of place. (I doubt Kobutsu retains that same view in light of the subsequent events however.) Having known Kobutsu for close to three decades I can most certainly vouch for his integrity in making a promise to a father to “take good care of his son” - Kobutsu would scrupulously live up to such a promised responsibility.

    There seems to be a difference in perspective here in the way a lot of people view the personality integrity of others particularly in “Zen” circles. For many, the “gold ring,” the documentation, the certificates, titles, brocade robes and paraphernalia are acceptable… this can of course lead to people faking their status such as Genki Takabayashi and very likely with new evidence emerging, now Eido Shimano.

    The other type of genuine intimate knowledge of the moral and ethical standing of the human being irrespective of any paperwork or brocade finery. By intimate, here I mean far beyond than a couple of two-week meetings each year during sesshin time. Mr. Marinello seems to be operating under the delusion that he somehow has some “special” “intimate” relationship with Shimano despite the fact that he has never lived at DBZ and seen Shimano operate on a day-to-day basis in dealing with people during non-sesshin “show-time” events.

    In the case of genuine intimacy, we are dealing with the TRUTH and it is now well established that Shimano is a liar who instructs students to lie when it behooves his agenda. He has certainly not been able to offer any denial given the volume of evidence now extant. I would bet my bottom dollar on Kobutsu’s ethical and moral standing over Shimano any day of the week, I know the man to be responsible and forthright. No “papers” or certificates can trump such standing. Mr. Marinello and Ms. Chayat seem to be ethically challenged in making such determinations. Mr. Marinello appears so far to be a two-time-looser who is still addicted to what somebody else’s piece of paper says about him rather that who he is as a human being. Herein lies the danger in all this Zen hierarchy rubbish. Mr. Shimano has publicly taught “there are no ethics in Zen.” Such a statement is deserving of naught but disdain. I’d trust my child into the care of a genuine compassionate being such as the lowly caretaker who I know I can trust rather that some poser like Shimano who would not hesitate to sell his own mother down the tubes if it suited his ends.

    ReplyDelete
  38. " "if the thunder don't get you, then the lightning will"

    Out west we say it's the slow fool who takes his time getting off the horse."'"

    yea, I like the one, A smart ass doesn't fit in the saddle.

    ReplyDelete
  39. To poster of Part I,II and III. Thanks for all those new juicy, gossipy tidbits to chew on. Imagine Genki also had an affair, started calling himself a roshi and was never transmitted. But we Americans don't really care all that much about legitimate transmission as you say, do we? Just making sure those who claim they do, are? We are only interested in good character defined by proper and wholesome actions Like your good friend and teacher, Kobutsu, who makes little gifts for visitors and is kind and caring, likes to laugh and tells good stories.

    Its has come to this, spending a lifetime bent on revenge as another is revealed as a phony. They'll all fakes these Japanese zen teachers. Seducing our women, allowing others to rape our children, parading around in fancy clothes with complicated ceremonies we couldn't care less about. Send em all back on the boats they floated here on and good riddance.

    Some thanks

    ReplyDelete
  40. Kobutsu,
    I'm so sorry to hear about your son. Is he doing okay these days? It sounds like he's negative for aids?

    It's a bit late, but as we know from Eido's behavior, people who do these things are compulsive, and won't usually stop on their own. If the guy who attacked your son is still around, the police and DA might like to hear about it. Even if the statue of limitations has expired, they would like to be have someone like that on their radar. He might still be a danger to others, and might turn out to be a suspect in an unsolved case.

    ReplyDelete
  41. The police and the DA are well informed...

    ReplyDelete
  42. " ... depending on how our investigations in Japan proceed.

    1. Who are "us"? Kobutsu and Co? Or someone else?
    2. What do you mean by "investigation in Japan"?

    ReplyDelete
  43. "'2. What do you mean by "investigation in Japan"?"

    I'm gonna take a stab at it: they are trying to determine if Eido is a real person or a visual hallucination. Does he truly exist? Does he have a birth certificate, did he have a mother and father? How did he come to exist in the form he now appears in?

    This is a serious investigation with hired PIs doing the legwork, running down the leads.

    Go get em Malone. Soon we will be able to download the whole story on our e-readers once they have a publisher. Maybe a movie too is in the works, or a made for TV mystery?

    How I do?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Whooo... You are a piece of work Anon 1:10...

    "2. What do you mean by "investigation in Japan"?"

    Eido Shimano is not listed as a dharma heir of Soen Nakagawa... he is on neither of the lineage charts at Ryutaku-ji or at Daitoku-ji.
    Kobutsu Malone is inquiring to the abbot of Daitoku-ji to see if Eido's transmission was revoked... since he has destroyed his sangha once every five or so years since he first arrived in Hawaii in the 1960's...

    ReplyDelete
  45. I thought the inquiry is being directed toward the Ryutaku-ji abbot and costello or maybe both abbots and costellos?

    Seriously, what would be the next step once confirmation is received, or not, as the case may be? In the investigation, that is under way, to determine if Eido is a bona fide teacher in the rinzai lineage of nakagawa, et al. Send out letters, hold another rally with placards that read:
    EIdo is a phony baloney, not a roshi
    Sends your kids to another school
    Do not enter
    Proceed with caution thru these doors.

    It all rolls into one, nothing comes for free
    there's nothing you can hold for very long

    all this life is just a dream

    nighty night genkaku-again

    ReplyDelete
  46. "I thought the inquiry is being directed toward the Ryutaku-ji abbot and costello or maybe both abbots and costellos?"

    Love it!

    We're all 'costellos' on this bus.

    ReplyDelete
  47. yeah, if Ryutaku-ji....

    ReplyDelete
  48. IT'S...not IF...ugh

    ReplyDelete
  49. Dear Friends,

    I had originally planned on avoiding public discourse in these forums in order to maintain some differentiation between my role as "archivist" and that of a private citizen. I have received a surprising number of entreaties from friends and students asking for more information that is at times contraindicated because of my probable future involvement in litigation. So many people have inquired with quite reasonable questions that, in consultation with council, I now feel obligated to offer what I can in terms of information that is unlikely to have any outcome on any pending legal recourse.

    I have been quite touched by the support shown by so many of you and wish to thank you kindly for your expressions of solidarity. It means a lot to me. I began working on the Shimano archive on July 28, 2008 following a seventeen-minute telephone conversation with my dear old friend Robert Aitken, Rodaishi.

    At that time I had no idea precisely what I was walking into, it was only a few weeks later, on receiving the first installments of the University of Hawaii at Manoa archive copies that I began to grasp the enormity of the material that made up the collection. I spent months “cleaning up” the files, adjusting the skew, contrast and at times going over each document on a pixel by pixel basis to be able to present a clear and legible record for public viewing. Each and every document is genuine and a true representation of the original University of Hawaii at Manoa archive copies.

    I took the position of being the public representative of the shimanoarchive set, however I am not the only person involved in this work. There is a group comprising some fifteen individuals who have worked closely with me on this project doing various tasks from writing, copying, mailing, financing translating, legal advising and a myriad of other tasks involved in the work product.

    When you actually read this material, please recognize that the shimanoarchive is a collaborative effort of quite a number of dedicated and highly concerned people of all ranks from within and from outside The Zen Studies Society who have contributed to these efforts.

    As was mentioned earlier, I am always open to communication with concerned parties. My telephone number is (207) 359-2555 and it is open 24/7 - day or night. If you do not get an answer, please try back in 15 minutes as I will be more than likely walking my dog Harley.

    ReplyDelete
  50. No point just throwing out many guesses.
    Is the investigation really a well-thought one with local PI? Or just mean sending a bunch of inquiries to many temples and other individual?

    Again, who is "us'?
    Related or unrelated to Kobutsu?

    ReplyDelete
  51. @Was Shimano responsible for the actions of his monks and nuns? Most assuredly so - at the time of Ryushin’s assault there were a set of published ethical guidelines in effect [http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/19930600_ZSS_Guidelines.pdf]

    @Send out letters, hold another rally with placards that read:
    Proceed with caution thru these doors.

    In June 1993, the Zen Studies Society Board of Trustees decided that it was necessary to post a PERMANENT WARNING on the walls of both zendos specifically fobidding sexual misconduct, regardless of their discomfort with the Shimano's embarrassment.

    Apparently it was not posted.

    More than TWO YEARS later, in September 1995, a Trustee added the following postscript to her resignation letter :

    “P.S. I hope that the Ethical Conduct Guidelines will be posted in both zendos.”

    I believe that had that WARNING been posted, Kobutsu's son may have found it useful in either avoiding the sexual assault or in reporting it immediately after the fact.


    Citation:
    Here is the Trustee's Resignation Letter complaining of financial irresponsibility, an excessive retirement package for Mr. Shimano threatening the long term financial viability of the organization, government investigatory inquiries, encounters with angry current and former students, impositions on her personal privacy and family, being excluded by the Board from uncomfortable and/or embarrassing information, and the receipt of a letter concerning Mr. Shimano's sexual abuse of students from Robert Aitken, Alan Senauke, Jan Chozen Bays, Susan Jion Postal, Helen Yuho Harkaspi, Philip Kapleau and Bodhin Kjolhede.

    http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/19950910_Perriello_Board.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  52. From 365 TAO, Daily Meditations by Deng Ming Dao

    December 8

    "A living and valid tradition is like a river with a long course. It brings freshness richness and fertility. Just as a drought-ridden place cannot bring forth sweet fruit, those without tradition have less support for their endeavors.

    What makes a tradition alive? Its adherents must be fully capable of manifesting the greatness of their tradition in a contemorary setting. .... If someone says they have mastered the esoteric spiritiual traditions, then they must be able to manifest the power of that spirit today.

    We should not ape the theories and tradtions of a long dead people and time in the name of tradition. We must be ruthless in this respect. Unless the force of tradition allows us to manifest a unique greatness, there is no reason to keep it."

    Syncronicity can be so sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Edit of last paragraph, first sentence should read: We should not ape the habit and theories of a long dead people and time ...

    Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Kobutsu - what happened to your son was horrific. Could you please clear up some of the details:
    1) How long ago did this happen? 2) How old was your son when it happened? 3) Did he report this immediately to someone at DBZ? If so, who was it and what was their immediate response? 4) How long ago did he tell you about it? 5) Was Shimano advised of the situation and, if so, what was his response? The fear of AIDS that he lived with for so long must have been terrifying. I hope he is doing OK.

    ReplyDelete
  55. "Happily the victim survived intact, and went on to become an active member of ZSS. "

    Although this student survived physically after being bludgeoned with a hammer as he slept, I had no right to make the claim, "intact'. I can only imagine the horrors he must experience at times reliving such a horrendous and violent act as this was. Forgive me Mr P, I was out of line.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I understand that several Board members have read the Peterson book 'At Personal Risk'. The comment from one compares teacher and psychoanalyst guidelines, noting similarities.

    I also understand that AZTA members have helped the Board with input regarding new by-laws, and how to become a membership organization, an idea that has been under consideration, and that hopefully will be implemented with membership voting privileges.

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  57. "I also understand that AZTA members have helped the Board with input regarding new by-laws, and how to become a membership organization, an idea that has been under consideration, and that hopefully will be implemented with membership voting privileges.'

    Welcomed news. Sounds good, thanks for that, Spike. Change is already in the air.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Spike reports:

    "I understand that several Board members have read the Peterson book 'At Personal Risk'. The comment from one compares teacher and psychoanalyst guidelines, noting similarities."


    It's somewhat surprising Genjo would "need to read" a book to notice there are similarities!

    Probably setting a good example.

    As Genjo was/is one of the moderates advocating for change within ZSS I say thanks for sticking dispite the inclement weather.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Genjo Marinello lacks to courage to offer a public apology to me and others for his statements made here:

    http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/20100609_Marinello_AZTA.pdf and parroted by his buddy Nonin here:

    http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/20100522_NoninDeclarationsZFI.pdf

    You guys were WRONG and instead of facing your errors like adults you chose to hide behind your credentials, robes and titles.

    ReplyDelete
  60. A statement:

    I have stuck my neck out here revealing a lot of information that perhaps should have been kept under wraps for the time being. Be that as it may, I feel that a lot of people on this list are genuinely concerned about the situation and are entitled to know a lot more than what the ZSS Board is failing to tell people for whatever reasons. I suspect that the AZTA is in a real bind because they are not a legal entity and each "member" is personally liable for whatever is made public, they are not likely yo want to say anything at all but they have set up a 'prior-non-disclosure list-serve" that forces their recipients to maintain silence over all communications. This means that their "members" can make all sorts of statements about people such as myself that I cannot read or respond to because of their secrecy policy.

    Their list-serve is however subponeable and it will be subpoenaed in court when the time comes. The individual members will be responsible for paying for those fees when the time comes. All this because they failed to form a corporate body the way any professional organization would normally proceed.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Tell me again how the legally non-existent AZTA is supposed to offer wisdom and guidance to ZSS?

    ReplyDelete
  62. EIDO SHIMANO IS A THIEF:

    In accord with the ZSS Ethical guidelines I wish to report a violation and request a resolution.

    When Roshin and I were DBZ Gate Keepers, just prior to Junpo Denis Kelly’s Jukai ceremony, I prepared an exquisite Kan (rakusu ring) as a gift from us to our friend for his ceremony.

    This ring was laminated from various exotic tropical woods that I had collected over the years around a central core of sterling silver sheet I specially purchased and it was hand polished to a stunning luster. I took the gift for our friend to Eido Shimano in the DBZ meeting room where he was preparing Junpo’s rakusu. I handed it to Mr. Shimano and stated that I had made it for Junpo and would he please put it on Junpo’s jukai rakusu for the ceremony.

    Mr. Shimano took the ring, and spent some time admiring it. As I was sitting there in front of him he looked at me directly and said, “This ring is too good for Junpo.” He then secreted the ring up his sleeve and glared at me intensely. Sensing uncomfortably that I was being summarily dismissed, I graciously bowed and left the room.

    This incident has troubled me for three decades. I have a number of other issues, including very personal issues concerning my family, that I may choose to bring up in the future, but for right now, I would like the Board to rectify the theft by Mr. Shimano of our gift to Junpo.

    I request that the Zen Studies Society Board of Directors insure that the purloined rakusu ring be returned to me immediately.

    ReplyDelete
  63. P.S.

    I also want to know where the $40,000.00 in hundred dollar bills I personally counted and hand delivered from Junpo Denis Kelly to Eido Shimano in 1981 went? Where was that money accounted for? What ledgers did it appear in?

    ReplyDelete
  64. "In accord with the ZSS Ethical guidelines I wish to report a violation and request a resolution."

    This is Genkaku-again. Try: ZSS.COM

    "I also want to know where the $40,000.00 in hundred dollar bills I personally counted and hand delivered from Junpo.."

    I hope you received a delivery fee, I'm sure you did.

    Kobutsu, man, get some counselling. You sound stressed. What coming down the pike next?


    Did you at least get a delivery fee? That's a lot of acid, eh?

    ReplyDelete
  65. Where is the draft of new bylaws and the forensic
    audit?

    Shoteki-san, as a new caretaker of Shobo-ji replacing Aiho-san, why did you almost never come to zendo even during the rohatsu week, unlike her. So do not blame Aiho if she crawls back to take care of Shobo-ji.

    zss member

    ReplyDelete
  66. No delivery fee....

    ReplyDelete
  67. Dear Anon December 10, 2010 3:58 PM,

    Go fuck yourself and I mean that in the most loving way possible. FUCK YOU! Miserable fuck! If you had half the balls my father has...

    "I hope you received a delivery fee, I'm sure you did.

    Kobutsu, man, get some counselling. You sound stressed. What coming down the pike next?

    Did you at least get a delivery fee? That's a lot of acid, eh?"


    Learn how to spell you stupid fuck.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I remember when I did sesshin ... and overheard
    conversation at DBZ store after the sesshin finished. At that time I did not understand why the DBZ nuns/monks hated Kobutsu, Daidoo Loori, Kapleau, Denko, Jiro, ... even some did not
    like Soen. Why so many hatred?

    ReplyDelete
  69. The people who need the counseling are the people who are running ZSS into the ground - most particularly Chayat, Rudin and Marinello... the ZSS so-called leadership is largely clueless, they have no idea the level of corruption they are dealing with.

    I have been dealing with these issues for over 30 years, I think I have come to some understanding of the nature of the problems far better than most.

    ReplyDelete
  70. "Go fuck yourself and I mean that in the most loving way possible. FUCK YOU! Miserable fuck! If you had half the balls my father has... "

    I'm touched

    ReplyDelete
  71. Re.: At Personal Risk book

    "It's somewhat surprising Genjo would "need to read" a book to notice there are similarities!"

    Reading this book was the sixth of six recomendations made by FTI to the ZSS Board.

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  72. "Genjo Marinello lacks to courage to offer a public apology to me and others for his statements ... [See original post]
    You guys were WRONG and instead of facing your errors like adults you chose to hide behind your credentials, robes and titles."

    Nothing to apologize for in those remarks. No factual errors in them, either.

    Sounds bitter.

    ReplyDelete
  73. COUNSELING You're pointing at Kobutsu and tell HIM HE needs Counseling? The guy that needs the counseling is Shimano. Kobutsu is the only person on half a century who has stood up against the little criminal and exposed him for what he really is, a cowardly psychopath.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Re. "EIDO SHIMANO IS A THIEF:"

    ...

    The writer who identifies himself as "Kobutsu Malone" in this post is an impostor and a liar.

    ReplyDelete
  75. "The people who need the counseling are the people who are running ZSS into the ground - most particularly Chayat, Rudin and Marinello... the ZSS so-called leadership is largely clueless, they have no idea the level of corruption they are dealing with."

    stop worrying about zss and get your own house in order. zss will survive and now that the eido's ability to be involved has been curtailed, there should be no more inappropriate relationships with students. though other teachers may come along who may fall into such, we are human after all, as well as buddhas. forgive and move on, life's short.

    ReplyDelete
  76. "COUNSELING You're pointing at Kobutsu and tell HIM HE needs Counseling?"

    Pointed to the victim Ryushin, not his father.

    But it is also true that Mr. Shimano needs counseling.

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  77. Ryushin says: "Go fuck yourself and I mean that in the most loving way possible. FUCK YOU! Miserable fuck! If you had half the ....."


    Better for all when you remain silent, monk.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Sorry. I really am Kobutsu and what I described actually happened... like it or not, both Junpo and my ex wife were very much aware of it all at the time. Eido Shimano stole the gift I made for my friend. Pathetic but quite true....

    ReplyDelete
  79. "Go fuck yourself and I mean that in the most loving way possible. FUCK YOU! Miserable fuck! If you had half the balls my father has... "

    You need a good little smack upside the head you little shit, just like i should of given your old man years ago. His balls are so big there'll dragging on the floor

    assholes

    ReplyDelete
  80. @”I also want to know where the $40,000.00 in hundred dollar bills I personally counted and hand delivered from Junpo Denis Kelly to Eido Shimano in 1981 went?”

    Thanks for mentioning that.

    Here's a statement written by George Zournas, former President of the Zen Studies Society Board of Trustees, complaining about drug money and that Mr. Shimano's sexual abuses have been financially abusive as well:

    “...and at her dinner parties I meet many of these powerful people - some of whom have contributed to our work in the past. When I am introduced as President of the Zen Studies Society and the connection with Dai Bosatsu and Eido Roshi is established, we are regaled with such remarks as, “How is the horny old pasha and his harem up there in the mountains?” Or, “Boy, is that the kind of spiritual exercise I'd like to be doing.”

    All this accompanied by scornful laughter. Of course such people have no intention of making contributions to support such activity. We have applied to some of the foundations these people control for additional grants – their reply is that their interest has shifted to other areas – they have nothing for us.

    This has become so serious that for the last two years the Society has been running on money contributed to us by a convicted felon. We have been functioning on money that he obtained from selling illegal drugs!”

    Citation:
    Letter from George Zournas to the ZSS Board.

    http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/19820914_Zournas_Board.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  81. Spike reports: "Reading this book was the sixth of six recomendations made by FTI to the ZSS Board."

    I know that Spike. I was just checking to see if you were still awake.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Yes, Spike has been known to snooze!

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  83. "I hope you received a delivery fee, I'm sure you did.

    Kobutsu, man, get some counselling. You sound stressed. What coming down the pike next?


    Did you at least get a delivery fee? That's a lot of acid, eh?"


    See...
    Here's the thing...

    I understand why Ryushin lashed out at you. I understand a son who loves his dad, and who will rush to defend him if he is threatened.

    I also understand (much more now) why Kobutsu is so persistent in exposing Eido Shimano, ZSS, DBZ...
    I mean, the info is already out there where if I had been a student there, and having lived through all the "Fuck Follies" 1 - whatev... and to read the Shimano Archives... it would make me want to burn the place to the ground, salt the earth and start COMPLETELY new. Find a way to send Eido Shimano back to Japan in disgrace, and get his "transmitted heirs" back to training under a REAL teacher so that they can have a taste of what true Zen practice is all about.
    I understand these things.

    I don't understand why you said the above however... I can only conclude that you are a insufferable douche'.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Shimano is a U.S citizen and I don't think there is no PL law regarding defective monk...

    ReplyDelete
  85. http://www.shimanoarchive.com/PDFs/20101210_Malone_ZSS.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  86. How about the unaccounted drug-money, not sending a letter?

    ReplyDelete
  87. "Sensing uncomfortably that I was being summarily dismissed, I gracioulsy bowed and left the room."

    Then you are complicit. But at least you were also 'gracious'.

    "This incident has bothered me for three decades ..."

    Get over yourself!

    Knowing what we now know about Junpo, would it really make you feel better if he had the ring?

    Let it burn in the fires of Mordor.

    ReplyDelete
  88. How much ring compensation is enough for you, Kobutsu? I'll send you a check, and do it on behalf of the *current* ZSS Board members, who don't have enough to do or enough financial dreck to worry about. How much, Kobutsu?

    ReplyDelete
  89. "How much ring compensation is enough for you, Kobutsu? I'll send you a check, and do it on behalf of the *current* ZSS Board members, who don't have enough to do or enough financial dreck to worry about. How much, Kobutsu?"

    Kobutsu is trying to test the effectiveness of ZSS's ethical guidelines (it seems to me) - to see if they actually DO anything...
    I am pretty sure that the reality is that he said goodbye to that Rakusu ring long ago.

    ReplyDelete
  90. What you are all reading now is precisely what a victim goes through as the result of serious harm done at DBZ. I'm talking severe. Severe here is the rape of a 16 year old boy who could not tell his story until years later. Many such young victims have not been able to speak out until years later. That's one whole issue that is overwhelming to a father who already has seen enough through the archives - at least.

    About the ring? It's not really about a ring or the story of a ring. It's about reasonable trust one hopes for in a teacher student relationship. Years of it during which you give time, energy, and purpose and for some, money. Part of the trust is that your teacher has reasonalbe integrity and honesty. If they don't then their teaching is seriously compromised and even more worriome when also an Abbot. (Abbot comes from the root word meaning Father).

    So over and over you see people harmed - for years. And not much happens to move Shimano out of ZSS. In fact he just seems to become more entrenched.

    If you can't get what's going on here I suggest that you learn more. Learn more until you get it with your heart. In the meantime, stop, because the karmic stuff may be something you will regret.

    I would suggest that Kobutsu step back. Stop responding to comments here. Take care of yourself and your family for now.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Yes, test the current ZSS Board. They are just as much the thieves and should pay for that ring, or force it to be returned. Just make the Board do it for you.

    Don't waste time on the other stuff (counseling for the victim, 'other family matters' etc.). Especially, don't directly confront the resigned-in-disgrace Roshi. He might glare again, and you might melt again.

    ReplyDelete
  92. @”I'll send you a check, and do it on behalf of the *current* ZSS Board members, who don't have enough to do or enough financial dreck to worry about.”

    @” Mr. Shimano's sexual abuses have been financially abusive as well.”

    Organizations that persistently employ and cover up for sex offenders always wind up with financial problems...take a look at the Catholic Church. The Zen Studies Society is accustomed to scorn and a lack of funds: why would anyone donate money to them?

    And it is impossible to muster any sympathy for the current ZSS Board when Trustee Joe Marinello has repeatedly portrayed Mr. Shimano as the sexual prey of an inmate at Dai Bosatsu - a woman who is 50 years Mr. Shimano's junior.

    What a load of crap.

    Eido Shimano is a serial and predatory sex offender who has surrounded himself with enablers like Mr. Marinello, Sherry Chyat and Richard Rudin for decades. The public is not fooled by the fact that the Board has changed Mr. Shimano's title from Abbot to whatever: he is still there, co-reigning with his sex partner, the new abbot Ms. Chyat.

    Another disgusting load of crap.
    ...
    I think that Kobutsu's request for the stolen ring to be returned to him is a healthy exercise in holding the organization accountable. The ring should be returned.

    I also think that the “I'll send you a check” person should indeed send a check to Kobutsu, not as reimbursement for the ring, but as a donation in gratitude for all of the work that Kobutsu has done in providing information to an unsuspecting public.

    Thanks Kobutsu, you're doing a HUGE public service.

    ReplyDelete
  93. " The Zen Studies Society is accustomed to scorn and a lack of funds: why would anyone donate money to them? "

    Because, by and large, they have a great Sangha composed of ethical and highly motivated practitioners. With Shimano removed from functional office, an entirely new beginning is possible. They have wonderful practice settings, especially DBZ, that can inspire and facilitate their meditation practices. The ZSS Board is NOT a group of evil, enabling conspirators, as often portrayed here. They have accomplished so much already (per FTI guidelines), and are poised over the coming months to undertake a forensic audit and propose new by-laws that will no doubt remake the organization (as membership-based).

    As a student who first came to DBZ in the early nineties, and who has studied with the former Abbot, I wish ZSS well.

    ReplyDelete
  94. "Because, by and large, they have a great Sangha composed of ethical and highly motivated practitioners."

    Are the folks who are speaking so snidely to Kobutsu and Ryushin included in the above description...?
    Seems like a lot of defensive Eido-enablers are commenting currently...

    Let's not forget who started this archive... Aitken Roshi.

    And if (as i suspect it will) it comes out that Eido's claims to lineage were just more falsehoods, I certainly hope that those posters reconsider what they are defending.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Shimano's credentials have nothing to do with the spiritual integrity of each individual of the ZSS Sangha.

    I don't think there is a single 'Eido enabler' on this blog or in ZSS because most people, including the ZSS Board, I believe, recognize the former Abbot's behavior as self destructive. They do not make excuses for it (although some have have tried to analyze it). The Board and others have instead sought and obtained consequences in the form of his stepping down from the Board and his resignation-in-disgrace from the abbacy. Some, like me, wrote directly to the former Abbot asking him to resign. In 2011, through the forensic audit the Board will initiate, they may discover and seek to rectify suspected financial irregularities.

    Eido's lineage makes not one bit of difference to many of his current or former students. The proof is in the teaching, not the diploma on the wall.

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  96. "They have wonderful practice settings, especially DBZ, that can inspire and facilitate their meditation practices."

    The aesthetics of DBZ are part of the problem, in that they give the illusion of authentic Zen practice when, all the while, embezzlement and unconscionable hanky-panky proceed unabated.

    Were the Zendo to consist of a 50s era suburban cookie-cutter house, were the Roshi to wear leisure suits or sweat pants instead of silk brocade, were the incense and tea purchased from the quickie mart around the corner rather than from the most expensive overseas vendor available, students might finally understand that immersing themselves in the Japanese Zen aesthetic is no substitute for actual practice, and consequently, the process of weeding out the phonies and fakes (whether teachers or students) would be easier.

    Subtract the beautiful surroundings, the empire, the finery, and what remain are a greedy, horny old man, his frustrated spouse, and a small herd of power-obsessed sycophants.

    What a waste of 1400 acres. Selling off timber, harvesting a little firewood and maintaining a few perfunctory gardens--the sum total of DBZ's agricultural activities--don't require that amount of real estate.

    Once again, materialism--in this case, the desire to keep ZSS's assets intact--is behind the misguided effort to save this caricature of an organization from itself.

    ReplyDelete
  97. "Shimano's credentials have nothing to do with the spiritual integrity of each individual of the ZSS Sangha."

    Oh?
    Personally, I think that the fact that Eido is a spiritual CHARLATAN has 100% to do with the struggles he has put his sangha thru the past 40 years.

    "I don't think there is a single 'Eido enabler' on this blog or in ZSS because most people, including the ZSS Board, I believe, recognize the former Abbot's behavior as self destructive..

    I don't have any clue who else would come to post on these forums attacking Kobutsu and his son Ryushin...?
    People behave that way because they are defending something or they feel threatened... in fact, one poster up above said (to Ryushin):"You need a good little smack upside the head you little shit, just like i should of given your old man years ago. His balls are so big there'll dragging on the floor..."
    Sounds like an old ZSS member right there...

    "The Board and others have instead sought and obtained consequences in the form of his stepping down from the Board and his resignation-in-disgrace from the abbacy."

    People who have lived through these blow ups before have learned not to trust what the board does... as anyone can see after reading the Shimano Archives... and he has not "stepped down"... he stepped laterally and has become "Founding Abbott"... hardly a resignation.

    "Eido's lineage makes not one bit of difference to many of his current or former students.The proof is in the teaching, not the diploma on the wall."

    Get used to saying that often, because it is going to come out that he is illegitimate VERY soon.
    Teaching is just words - anyone can say them. The proof is how one lives... And Eido has shown time and time again that he is a spiritual fraud.
    What in the world do you think you can "get" from such a poor excuse for a monk, much less a teacher.
    The only thing I see ZSS folks getting is an amazing ability to justify terrible behaviors.

    ReplyDelete
  98. AND...!

    If you think that NOW... NOW after these 40 plus years, that the ZSS Board is FINALLY going to own up and do all the right things... That this is the LAST and FINAL time this sort of thing ever happens...

    What will you say/do when it happens again?
    Just pirouette like a ballerina dancer and say ALL THE SAME CRAP THE ZSS BOARD HAS DONE ALL THE OTHER TIMES THIS HAPPENED BEFORE??

    ReplyDelete
  99. Mike, why don't you check your wiring before dumping so many pointless posts?

    ReplyDelete
  100. Sorry, I meant, Spike.

    ReplyDelete
  101. " "Founding Abbott"... hardly a resignation. "

    Are you claiming that "Founding Abbot" is a functional, not honorary, position?

    That title is a fig leaf only.

    Prior three posts (probably all from the same guy): deluded and wishful thinking.

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  102. "The aesthetics of DBZ are part of the problem ... "

    Best stay away from Tassajara! In particular, their hot springs bathhouses are 'cauldrons of sin'.

    And stay away from Sosen-ji, too, and so many other inspiring places!

    ReplyDelete
  103. "Are you claiming that "Founding Abbot" is a functional, not honorary, position?"

    Yes.
    I am claiming this.
    Do you think that Eido is just going to sit up on his mountain till he dies...?
    I am throwing my hat in on the side that nothing has changed... he will still give dokusan, he will still give jukai.

    Just wait... I will glady eat a ten gallon hat if it turns out I am wrong...

    Honorary Position.... HA!

    ReplyDelete
  104. "I am throwing my hat in on the side that nothing has changed... he will still give dokusan, he will still give jukai."

    Yes, indeed he will. But not to new students, just to the few who are longtime students, and probably know more about forgiveness than you or I do.

    Installation of Shinge Roshi as Abbess will indeed initiate a big change. She will take all new students. She will give dokusan. She will take the functional place of resigned-in-disgrace Eido Roshi.

    Salt and pepper?

    P.S.

    I don't think ER will "sit up on his mountain till he dies...". I think he will sit in his posh apartment in Manhattan until he dies, probably in ten years or so, unless the forensic audit hits paydirt or ER suddenly develops his conscience and goes back to Japan.

    ReplyDelete
  105. 3:03PM is right. Spike, did you attend the last
    teisho at DBZ and Shobo-ji just recently?
    Eido is still in the state of denial.

    Spike did you do anything worse than Eido
    either in the US or Vietnam or Korea? If so, you should take care of yourself than talking
    about SHimano as a form of repentance.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I did not attend sesshin, or hear the teisho. But I did hear that his teisho was, as you say, weak and evasive.

    You recall mention of my service in Viet Nam, so you know the answer (* but nothing immoral sexually). Thank you for your wish that I should take care of myself.

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  107. "Yes, indeed he will. But not to new students, just to the few who are longtime students, and probably know more about forgiveness than you or I do."

    Then it is only a matter of time till all of this happens again.
    Eido Shimano is a very sick man.

    ReplyDelete
  108. "Spike, did you attend the last
    teisho at DBZ and Shobo-ji just recently?
    Eido is still in the state of denial."

    "I did not attend sesshin, or hear the teisho. But I did hear that his teisho was, as you say, weak and evasive."


    Do tell... I would be interested in hearing the details?

    ReplyDelete
  109. It's continually amazing to me, that the only folks surprised by Eido Shimano's exploits are his students...

    You will *NEVER* be surprised as long as you expect nothing but the very worst coming from this man. He has done little else.

    ReplyDelete
  110. "Teaching is just words - anyone can say them. The proof is how one lives... ."

    Sonny, how one lives is "teaching" and words are just a way of noticing this.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Anonymous said...
    "Mike, why don't you check your wiring before dumping so many pointless posts?"

    What a redolently rich dump. If the standard of exclusion is pointless the "commentary" on this blog is guaranteed haywired.

    ReplyDelete
  112. "Sonny, how one lives is "teaching" and words are just a way of noticing this."

    His words and his actions are not in sync "Sonny"...
    Haven't you noticed this...? The man doesn't even think he's at fault!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Someone spoke of forgiveness as not being a noteable characteristic in ES abusers. This is not a surprise when most of them seem to have been his students at some time or another.

    Birds eat fruit and later pass on the seeds.

    ReplyDelete
  114. Haven't you noticed this...? The man doesn't even think he's at fault!

    It's hard not to notice. I was not defending ES. I was challenging your assumption about teaching.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Spike notes that Mr. Shimano has admitted fault in writing and verbally, including his infamous "I have a problem ..." of years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  116. "Someone spoke of forgiveness as not being a noteable characteristic in ES abusers."

    Forgiveness is a quality that is earned. It is very hard to forgive (nor should you forgive) when the abuser continues to abuse, and is completely unable to take responsibility for their deeds.

    ReplyDelete
  117. http://rzc.org/sites/default/files/media/2010-11-27.mp3

    Take a break.

    ReplyDelete
  118. To various and sundry shitheads who wish to give Kobutsu and/or Ryushin a smack upside the head:

    Kobutsu is presently half-crippled with a bursitis condition that makes it impossible for him to move his shoulders, and is also in constant racking pain. Ryushin has a great deal on his mind, and is trying to also nurse his Dad.
    I, however, am hale, hearty, and more than willing to volunteer for any head, heart, ass, or other part smacking. You pissants either shut your insipid cowardly yaps, or send me a place to meet you. And be warned that I may come looking, anyway. Your bullshit has annoyed me. Don't piss me off. Last warning.

    ReplyDelete
  119. "Forgiveness is a quality that is earned. It is very hard to forgive (nor should you forgive) when the abuser continues to abuse, and is completely unable to take responsibility for their deeds."

    Spike disagrees. Only through forgiveness can you ever heal your own broken heart.

    ReplyDelete
  120. And tell that elderly gook thug Shimano that the letter I sent him thirty years ago said that the next time I laid eyes on him, he had better be on his knees. That still stands.

    ReplyDelete
  121. "Spike disagrees. Only through forgiveness can you ever heal your own broken heart."

    Oh then by all means stick around - if you feel that tolerating Eido's many abuses is the only way you can be healed - continue on in your masochistic practices...

    ReplyDelete
  122. Hey Spikey: Looks like 12/11 6:20 has a hard d**k for you!

    ReplyDelete
  123. " In the meantime, stop, because the karmic stuff may be something you will regret. "

    You have to respect what Olivia knows about karma.

    ReplyDelete
  124. When is Fujin going to come clean and tell the truth about how she is responsible for getting Kobutsu pissed off enough to go after Shimano?

    Truth seems to be in very short supply around Mr. Shimano and his syncopates… tell us how you routinely sign Eido’s name to documents Fujin? Is Shimano so senile these days?

    ReplyDelete
  125. "It's a bit late, but as we know from Eido's behavior, people who do these things are compulsive, and won't usually stop on their own. If the guy who attacked your son is still around, the police and DA might like to hear about it. Even if the statue of limitations has expired, they would like to be have someone like that on their radar. He might still be a danger to others, and might turn out to be a suspect in an unsolved case."

    The NY Criminal Statutes of Limitations: Murder, Class A felony: none; others: 5 yrs.; breach of fiduciary duty: within 1 yr. of discovery of offense; official misconduct: 5 yrs. of offense (could be a continuing duty).

    ReplyDelete
  126. § 30.10 Timeliness of prosecutions; periods of limitation.
    1. A criminal action must be commenced within the period of limitation
    prescribed in the ensuing subdivisions of this section.
    2. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision three:
    (a) A prosecution for a class A felony, or rape in the first degree as
    defined in section 130.35 of the penal law, or a crime defined or
    formerly defined in section 130.50 of the penal law, or aggravated
    sexual abuse in the first degree as defined in section 130.70 of the
    penal law, or course of sexual conduct against a child in the first
    degree as defined in section 130.75 of the penal law may be commenced at
    any time."

    ReplyDelete
  127. Yeah, but what state's law is being quoted here?

    ReplyDelete
  128. "They have wonderful practice settings, especially DBZ, that can inspire and facilitate their meditation practices."

    "...wonderful practice settings..."
    If all I wanted was settings, I would just go to the theater. I am not inspired by such pretending.

    ReplyDelete
  129. "Yeah, but what state's law is being quoted here?"

    New York Consolidated Laws Section 30.10

    ReplyDelete
  130. ...but the statute of limitations that applies may the one that was in place at the time of the crime itself. The no time limitation on rape cases just went into effect during the past few years. This requires careful analysis by a criminal lawyer based upon the specific facts of the case.

    ReplyDelete
  131. You pissants either shut your insipid cowardly yaps, or send me a place to meet you. And be warned that I may come looking, anyway. Your bullshit has annoyed me. Don't piss me off. Last warning.

    hey Darthvader, Fuck You.! Who the frack are you tell anyone to shut up? ..Kegetsu who?

    ReplyDelete
  132. "Forgiveness is a quality that is earned."

    It is simply offered, the bestwy of doing this kind is without conditions. This way one is not disappointed no matter the response.

    ReplyDelete
  133. "And tell that elderly gook thug Shimano that the letter I sent him thirty years ago said that the next time I laid eyes on him, he had better be on his knees. That still stands.
    December 11, 2010 6:16 PM"

    another racist, violent, pig. go waddle back to the slop you crawled out of. your stinking up the place.

    ReplyDelete
  134. David E. Scates, 462 Morgan Bay Road, Surry, Maine, 04684, 207-667-0896.

    Now. What's your name and address, pissant?

    ReplyDelete
  135. Wow the maturity level here has really dropped. Nobody wants to see justice served here more than I do, but this is ridiculous. Can we stop all the posturing and get back to seriously trying to make change that would help those unaware of what they may be signing up for at DBZ?

    ReplyDelete
  136. So long as Chayat, Rudin ad Marinello hold control over the ZSS Board, there will be no change, just more "spin." ES will now get woven as "The Hero "Founding Abbot" into a tapestry of "there is nothing ever wrong, everything is wonderful" hype that Shimano and his deranged wife have been spinning for the past 40+ years.

    It's a CULT folks, plain and simple... a place to be avoided, and a place most especially to keep your children away from at all costs. The one most serious effort that the Board and membership of ZSS should be asking is why the Board has made NO effort whatsoever to communicate with those who hold opposing viewpoints. Does not communication after all transcend irritation?

    ReplyDelete
  137. "The one most serious effort that the Board and membership of ZSS should be asking is why the Board has made NO effort whatsoever to communicate with those who hold opposing viewpoints."

    You reference Anonymous as those who are not being contacted by ZSS? Given these last few posts the humor found in such is appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Anonymous said...
    Buddhists all.

    Why not? Are we not all cut from the template of Buddha to Bumpkin? Coming to grips with such good fortune can be difficult at times.

    ReplyDelete
  139. "The one most serious effort that the Board and membership of ZSS should be asking is why the Board has made NO effort whatsoever to communicate with those who hold opposing viewpoints."


    --1. (In recent letter from ZSS Board): "On Labor Day Weekend, September 4th, several meetings were held at New York Zendo with Eido Roshi, the Board, and the Faith Trust Institute...

    Additionally, the Board met with a large group of sangha members and heard their input
    and suggestions.

    --2. What effort have you personally made to communicate your opinions to the ZSS Board? If you can blogpost here, can't you email there?

    ReplyDelete
  140. Buddha answered, "It is as if a man had be wounded by an arrow thickly smeared with poison, and his friends and companions, his relatives and kinfolk were to procure for him a physician and the sick man were to say,'I will not have this arrow taken out until I have learned whether the man who wounded me was tall ,short, or of middle height, was from this village or that village town or city, whether it was an ordinarty arrow or claw headed arrow.' The man would die without ever having learned this."

    Just seems to fit here.

    ReplyDelete
  141. Mr. Marinello on Mr. Shimano, Autumn 2010:

    http://home.comcast.net/~zenquaker/PMN103.pdf

    References several articles, pages one and eight ("Now I will speak for a moment ...")

    ReplyDelete
  142. "Now. What's your name and address, pissant?"

    We get it Kegetsu - you're mad as hell and you aint gonna take it anymore...

    We all want to see justice, but damn man, your kind of talk does NOTHING to help... Ease up a bit.

    ReplyDelete
  143. "Just seems to fit here."

    Huh... how does that quote fit here?
    The Buddha quote has to do with philisophical/metaphysical questions like is there a soul that exists after death and such... and that they are no help relieving suffering.

    How does it fit here?

    ReplyDelete
  144. Please stop bolding the quotes of others ... if you speak softly, we can still hear.

    ReplyDelete
  145. The quote has to do with suffering and its root causes. How does it fit here?

    ReplyDelete
  146. "So long as Chayat, Rudin ad Marinello hold control over the ZSS Board, there will be no change, just more "spin."

    Just a bald-faced lie, contrary to facts anyone can see.

    ReplyDelete
  147. The quote has to do with salvation and its source as well. How does this fit here?

    ReplyDelete
  148. A sage speaks well enough without resorting to the metaphysic. Yes?

    ReplyDelete
  149. We have two boddhisattvas present. One is Olivia. One is Kegetsu. Which of these has attained a more truthful insight?

    ReplyDelete
  150. "Please stop bolding the quotes of others ... if you speak softly, we can still hear."

    Caps are used to show volume...

    I will take your suggestion under advisment.;)

    ReplyDelete
  151. Sixteen Bodhisattvas Enter the Bath

    Right down
    "full fathoms five"
    a deep joy resides
    with crustaceans
    and anemones
    and rocks collected
    from early childhood.

    Water bodhisattvas.
    Aquasattvas.

    On the bath-mat
    a wet footprint
    slowly evaporates.

    ReplyDelete
  152. In this dream world
    of trucks and pigeons
    and income tax,
    reality becomes
    the beeping of a horn
    the fluttering of wings
    the adding up of figures.

    In this dream world
    of endless desires
    we drift through the stillness
    of a vast ocean
    among swords and sponges
    starfish and feathers.

    ReplyDelete
  153. poetry is from "Blue Cliff Verses" by Richard van Sturmer.

    ReplyDelete
  154. For a friend,

    http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/1911263262_15463f7051.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  155. For another friend,


    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4418559584_abfc5f1a46.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  156. A while back ZSS website relocated its 'Ethical Guidelines' under the 'Contact Us' tab. Take that as a challenge to discuss with them your ethical concerns, e.g., Ryushin's rape, Kobutsu's ring quest, how the new abbess plans to lead, etc. Tell us what happens.

    You can always still be an anonymous back-bench blog bomber ...

    ReplyDelete
  157. Dealing with the people in power at ZSS is pointless.. the only thing they will even begin to understand is lawsuits and the threats there of..

    ReplyDelete
  158. when will be the lawsuit? Or just NATO
    (no action talking only).

    ReplyDelete
  159. "its 'Ethical Guidelines' under the 'Contact Us' tab."

    Did so immediately following rohatsu. Asked directly if there was an awareness of the alledged rape incident at DBZ, one member of ethics committe replied, none at all.

    ReplyDelete
  160. It is likely that they have not been served with papers yet, it takes time to build a case and even more time to gather evidence and background information.

    Even if/and/or/when ZSS does get served, they will not likely admit said receipt and will not make any revelations outside of their attorney's statements. Asking such questions is an exercise in futility... time is the only factor that may/or may not reveal the nature and extent of any charges ITRW. If a settlement is reached through negotiation, nothing may ever be revealed publicly. It's just how business is done.

    ReplyDelete
  161. "Even if/and/or/when ZSS does get served, they will not likely admit said receipt and will not make any revelations outside of their attorney's statements."

    Would you expect any defendants to ignore legal advice? Makes more sense that they would admit receipt as part of answer deferral.

    ReplyDelete
  162. Ah... an arm-chair lawyer.... Which law school did you graduate from? Or are you just trying to rile up the waters.

    PATIENCE: Wait and see how it all plays out. Wait and see how long Marinello's and Roko's faithful can afford traveling to DBZ to "support" Shimano by filling up his "sesshins." Gotta keep up those appearances at all costs. Even the die-hard supporters are starting to ask hard questions. Whence the "hatred" referred to earlier here?

    Robert Aitken, Jiro Afable, Kobutsu Malone, Philip Kapleau, and all the others (including Soen Nakagawa no less....) Something stinks in Denmark as the old adage says. Shimano has been thoroughly exposed, that's not going to just go-away.

    ReplyDelete
  163. Last teisho at Shobo-ji gave me satisfaction.
    It proved to me beyond hear-say that he is
    in state of denial, that he retired not because
    of the storm, but he already planned prior to
    storm. In other words, one can interpretes
    the last storm did not scratch any dent on
    him. By quoting Rinzai, he 'ordered' that
    after his retirement the Rinzai atmosphere of
    ZSS need to be maintained. To be more specific
    the japanese atmosphere! .... Well ... Rinzai
    is chinese, no?

    ReplyDelete
  164. Rinzai is nothing at all. When I walk into a wall it hurts.

    Better I choose to just pay attention to where I am walking now.

    ReplyDelete
  165. aha reddirt is talking zen ... clap, clap, clap.

    ReplyDelete
  166. REDdirt, you are too much of BS...

    ReplyDelete
  167. I would highly recommend to everyone that they not be throwing around the name of Lin Chi, or Rinzai, lightly. He was not know for suffering fools gladly, or apparently kindly, and I, for one, would not wish to tempt him out of his grave.

    ReplyDelete
  168. Re:

    "Kobutsu Malone said...
    EIDO SHIMANO IS A THIEF:

    In accord with the ZSS Ethical guidelines I wish to report a violation and request a resolution."
    --Dec. 10

    "Kobutsu is trying to test the effectiveness of ZSS's ethical guidelines (it seems to me) - to see if they actually DO anything..."
    --Dec. 11

    Three days after Kobutsu first unloaded on this blog I understand that there has been no report from him to the ZSS Ethics Committee regarding his on blog accusation.

    This kind of indirect, behind-the-back stuff by disgruntled former employees happens all the time. It is just too bad it is happening in this venue.

    Despite this alleged theft having occurred long ago, there reportedly was a witness, and that makes it an excellent case to be brought before the Ethics Committee. The gain in NOT doing so can only be speculated, but it is doubtless nothing to be proud of.

    Spike

    ReplyDelete
  169. THE ETHICS COMMITTEE.... HA! THEY ARE A POWERLESS AND INEFFECTIVE TOOL OF THE THREE STOOGES. LOOK AT THE LAST FIASCO THEY CREATED WITH ONE OF SHIMANO'S VICTIMS. THEY CAN DEAL DIRECTLY WITH KOBUTSU'S LAWYER. NOTHING FURTHER WILL BE SAID HERE ON THIS MATTER.

    ReplyDelete
  170. "Indirect, behind-the-back stuff by disgruntled former employees"? Is that some sort of attempted irony? Or just the stupid blank charge it seems to be? Some bloody nerve you have to accuse Kobutsu of "behind-the-back" anything, given the endless machinations of the Shimano puppets with the AZTA, with the Faith Trust Institute, and with all of Shitheado's victims. It is possible that Kobutsu simply figured it wasn't worth his time to play footsie-wootsie with the so-called "Ethics Committee." It's more likely, given the pressure he's been under recently, and the constant pain he has been suffering, that such a pointless exercise never occurred to him.

    ReplyDelete
  171. Anonymous said...
    aha reddirt is talking zen ... clap, clap, clap.

    December 13, 2010 2:29 PM
    Anonymous said...
    REDdirt, you are too much of BS...

    Well this kind of stuff gets thrown around.

    You are both fools if you THIS or Zen or ZSS or ES or the three stooges will ever answer to you or anyone else.

    ReplyDelete
  172. "NOTHING FURTHER WILL BE SAID HERE ON THIS MATTER"

    ??

    ReplyDelete
  173. "Some bloody nerve you have to accuse Kobutsu of "behind-the-back" anything, given the endless machinations of the Shimano puppets"

    Yes, you would have thought Kobutsu would be better than that, right?

    ReplyDelete
  174. If Kobutsu's letter was mailed on Friday Dec. 10th from Maine, it will arrive in NY either tomorrow (Tuesday) or Wednesday.

    ReplyDelete
  175. Anonymous said...
    "NOTHING FURTHER WILL BE SAID HERE ON THIS MATTER"

    ??

    Perhaps Kobutsu has finally contacted a lawyer?

    ReplyDelete
  176. Kobutsu is noteworthy for manchinations and regularly does many things via the back door.

    One he admittted to is posting as Anonymous on this blog when he wants to "let off" steam or say something nasty.

    ReplyDelete
  177. David Scates said...
    I would highly recommend to everyone that they not be throwing around the name of Lin Chi, or Rinzai, lightly. He was not know for suffering fools gladly, or apparently kindly, and I, for one, would not wish to tempt him out of his grave.

    December 13, 2010 4:16 PM

    David, buddy! Get to a shrink and get this back on the mainline. OK?

    ReplyDelete
  178. "If Kobutsu's letter was mailed on Friday Dec. 10th from Maine, it will arrive in NY either tomorrow (Tuesday) or Wednesday."

    Wikid.

    ReplyDelete
  179. "One he admittted to is posting as Anonymous on this blog when he wants to "let off" steam or say something nasty."

    Oh no! Anonymous posts!!

    ReplyDelete
  180. Anonymous said...
    aha reddirt is talking zen ... clap, clap, clap.

    Who cares but he seems right on about that wall stuff.

    What does "zen" have to do with that?

    ReplyDelete
  181. Anonymous said...
    "One he admittted to is posting as Anonymous on this blog when he wants to "let off" steam or say something nasty."

    Oh no! Anonymous posts!!

    Exactly the point. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  182. Anonymous said...
    Anonymous said...
    "One he admittted to is posting as Anonymous on this blog when he wants to "let off" steam or say something nasty."

    Oh no! Anonymous posts!!

    Exactly the point. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  183. Anonymous said...
    Anonymous said...
    "One he admittted to is posting as Anonymous on this blog when he wants to "let off" steam or say something nasty."

    Oh no! Anonymous posts!!

    Exactly the point. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  184. Augh, is efweebuddy ah shut up?

    GROW UP!

    That's "exactly" the point which is missed over and over and over..

    ReplyDelete
  185. To 5:58 pm:
    Do what you want. It was only my personal recommendation. Obviously, you don't know Lin Chi from your ass. Pray you don't find out.

    ReplyDelete
  186. "He then secreted the ring up his sleeve and glared at me intensely. Sensing uncomfortably that I was being summarily dismissed, I graciously bowed and left the room."

    What is eating this guy up is not so much the loss of his nubby little ring, it's the way that he lost it.

    "Kobutsu Malone said...
    EIDO SHIMANO IS A THIEF:"

    This post could have been entitled:
    Anonymous said...
    KOBUTSU MALONE IS A P***Y

    ReplyDelete
  187. You consider this a contribution, pissant? Apart from the curious logic that derives that conclusion from those facts (all of which are utterly mistaken and just plain dumb wrong), if there's one thing which Kobutsu Malone is not, it's a Pussy. Pussy.

    ReplyDelete
  188. What facts are utterly mistaken? That he didn't have the guts to try to get his ring right back? That it took him three f**king decades to compose a letter (email) of complaint?

    Not a P***Y? Okay. How about 'whining wimp'?

    ReplyDelete
  189. "Sensing uncomfortably that I was being summarily dismissed..."

    You got it right the first time: P***Y.

    ReplyDelete
  190. Such a big and foul mouth. Such a small and venomous mind. What's your name and address, pissant?

    ReplyDelete
  191. On a lighter note, perhaps we could all carry these delightful, if almost totally irrelevant, interchanges on at a different site. I would recommend the Facebook page, "Zen Frum International."

    ReplyDelete
  192. "What's your name and address, pissant?"

    You're safe as long as you don't know me.

    ReplyDelete
  193. Anyone who wishes to speak with me regarding these matters can simply pick up the telephone and call (207) 359-2555. I answer 24/7 ( although I may require a few minutes to get a cup of coffee into me before engaging in any communication of great duration.) I am happy to explain my position, my experiences and describe what I have seen in the 33 years I have known Mr. Shimano. I was once one of his most dedicated followers, I know what it's like. I've made the offer many times before and have so far only had two people call me to threaten me.

    ReplyDelete
  194. David Scates said...
    Such a big and foul mouth. Such a small and venomous mind. What's your name and address, pissant?

    December 13, 2010 8:36 PM
    David Scates said...
    On a lighter note, perhaps we could all carry these delightful, if almost totally irrelevant, interchanges on at a different site. I would recommend the Facebook page, "Zen Frum International."

    December 13, 2010 8:41 PM

    "David, buddy! Get to a shrink and get this back on the mainline. OK?

    This is clearly good advice Dave. Your mouth is a measure of your mind. Unstable, irreverent and unkind.

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  195. "Obviously, you don't know Lin Chi from your ass"

    David,

    Rinzai or "Lin Chi", the well known sage of antiquity and my ass are just two forms of one whole. The former is long gone and too soon the latter will pass as well.


    Good luck all around.

    If you are troubled by visitations from an ass holes (like myself and LinChi apparently) you have more serious business darkly lurking near than insulting the uninsultable.

    Sweet dreams.

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  196. A damn fool jamboree. Whatever.

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  197. "A damn fool jamboree."

    That's exactly, exactly what this is and when it becomes "whatever" it's time to step back and assess the "carnage" for what it is.

    When I forget this I can pull someones chain for the hell in it. Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  198. And for another friend:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/2190707620/

    ReplyDelete