Here is an interesting page about this subject, obviously there are a lot of problems out there.
Guidance on Finding a Buddhist Teacher or Organization By George Draffan
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www.naturalawareness.net]
But as far as Zen Master Seung Sahn...
there are some very very strange inconsistencies here...above its stated that Seung Sahn, the Buddhist Monk leader of the entire school was having sexual relationships with a number of his female followers.
But the Statement Of Ethics for the "Kwan Um School of Zen" forbids this explicitly.
And if a person does not "apologize", that is supposed to lead to EXPULSION.
Why does that not apply to Zen Master Seung Sahn himself? Did he make a written apology and admit what he did? Or did he try to deny it, or rationalize it?
Why does it say on Wikipedia that...
"The sexual affairs were apparently not abusive or hurtful to the women. By all accounts, they were probably strengthening and certainly gave the women access to power."
Who wrote that on Wikipedia????
Are you kidding me? Below it says the exact opposite...
"The recent history of Buddhist organizations in America shows very clearly that sexual relationships between teachers and students can lead to great pain..."
Does this make any sense at all?
How can you revere a Zen Master Guru Seung Sahn, the founder of your entire organization, when he has violated the code of ethics numeorus times, (violated his vows?), appears to have concealed it and lied about it for YEARS, and not apologized by trying to RATIONALIZE the sex by saying it was not about the sex?
That is a screaming red flag of organizational cover-up.
Can someone explain how that works?
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"Ethics for the Entire Sangha" (Kwan Um School of Zen)
...
The sangha must be free of all sexual harassment. No means no; use it mindfully and hear it clearly. Touching should be mutually agreed upon. If someone asks not to be touched, respect their wishes. ...
Those in the Sangha who hold positions in the hierarchy—senior students as well as teachers and monks—have a special obligation to be very mindful of the potential misuse of power, money, alcohol, controlled substances and sex. Using your position to fulfill your desires is not correct relationship and is an abuse of power.
Teachers’ Special Responsibilities: Teachers in our school have a special responsibility to take into account the welfare of students. A teacher must always ask her/himself how any action will affect the student in the long run. The recent history of Buddhist organizations in America shows very clearly that sexual relationships between teachers and students can lead to great pain and disharmony within the sangha.
...
The Third Precept is "I vow to abstain from misconduct done in lust." Lust can be defined as a self-centered action which is "for me" and doesn't take into account the needs of another. If a teacher's relationship with a student becomes sexualized, two steps are strongly recommended: 1. There should be a 3 to 6 month suspension of the teacher/student relationship, and 2. The teacher should choose another teacher in the sangha in order to discuss the relationship and receive guidance from her/him. In this way the relationship will be witnessed by another teacher who can hold the perspective of caring for the student, the teacher, and the entire sangha.
Grievance Procedure: ...
This action can range from a suggested apology to the other parties, apologies to the sangha at large, a repentance ritual, censure, or in the most heinous cases, expulsion. It is hoped that the aggrieving party will see his or her mistake and apologize.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/29/2008 04:41AM by The Anticult.