Hi Steve,
Here are a few comments:
First, I presume he did nothing illegal.
Second, I must make it clear that in no way, shape or form do I consider
this Zen teacher's behavior acceptable.
Third, whether pressured or consensual, his behavior violates norms,
and, from what I have read, if in Japan, he would have been kicked out
of his abbotship.
Fourth, he could rationalize to himself that the break-up of marriages
could be a learning experience for them.
Fifth, "beyond lust" - my freaking foot!
Sixth, all students should be warned when they join a Zendo that it is
their duty and responsibility to report any teacher seeking to get into
their pants.
Seventh, loyalty is to the Dharma only.
Eight, the Crazy Wisdom defence of the Teacher by the students is hard
to rebut. Students tend to be biased in favor of their teachers whom
they feel indebted to for guiding them out of their confusion.
Ninth, students must be taught to let go of their naivete: Even to a
seasoned teacher or a long-term meditator, money, sex and power can
prove to be quite irresistible.
--ED
--- In [email protected], "SteveW" <eugnostos2000@...> wrote:
> > Hi ED.
> For example, one teacher of Zen (again, I will not name names)
pressured young married girls into sexual relations with him, using his
position of authority to influence them, and causing the break-up of
several marriages.
> When cornered, he asserted that he
> was "beyond lust" and merely wanted to test their loyalty. So not
> only was he willing to cause trouble for others in order to gratify
> his selfishness, but he also lied about his motives. Unfortunately,
> you will still find followers defending his profound Zen crazy wisdom.
> Steve
> --- In [email protected], "ED" seacrofter001@ wrote:
> >
> > Hello Steve,
> >
> > I assume that the behaviors were legal in the location in which they
> > occurred.
> >
> > If they were not, then they were definitely a no-no.
> >
> > I am interested in *examining* these (legal) behaviors from
> > psychological, ethical and other perspectives.
> >
> > --ED
