Zen Studies Society
Encyclopedia
The Zen Studies Society was established in 1956 by Cornelius Crane to help assist the scholar Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki
in his work and to help promulgate Zen Buddhism to Western countries. It is housed on East 67th Street, New York
and serves as a Zen practice and training center. The institution came under the leadership of Eido Tai Shimano
in 1965 and now maintains both New York Zendo Shobo-Ji
and Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji
. Allegations of sexual and financial improprieties surfaced regarding Shimano, causing controversy in the community. In July 2010 Shimano and his wife's resigned from the board of directors following the revelation of a romantic relationship with a female student, amid accusations that this was only the latest in series of such affairs. Shimano then resigned as abbot, and announced he would retire from teaching in any formal capacity. Eido's heir Roko Sherry Chayat was installed as abbot in December 2010.
Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki
Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki was a Japanese author of books and essays on Buddhism, Zen and Shin that were instrumental in spreading interest in both Zen and Shin to the West. Suzuki was also a prolific translator of Chinese, Japanese, and Sanskrit literature...
in his work and to help promulgate Zen Buddhism to Western countries. It is housed on East 67th Street, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and serves as a Zen practice and training center. The institution came under the leadership of Eido Tai Shimano
Eido Tai Shimano
is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist roshi. He was the founding abbot of the New York Zendo Shobo-Ji in Manhattan and Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji monastery in the Catskill mountains of New York; he retired from that position after 40 years amid controversy.-Biography:...
in 1965 and now maintains both New York Zendo Shobo-Ji
New York Zendo Shobo-Ji
New York Zendo Shobo-Ji , or Temple of True Dharma, is a Rinzai zen practice facility located in the upper East Side of Manhattan, NY. It is part of the Zen Studies Society. Founded on September 15, 1968 by Japanese Zen master Soen Nakagawa, the building had been converted from a private home...
and Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji
Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji
Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji, or International Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji, is a Rinzai monastery and retreat center located in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Maintained by the Zen Studies Society, Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji is led by Shinge-Shitsu Roko Sherry Chayat...
. Allegations of sexual and financial improprieties surfaced regarding Shimano, causing controversy in the community. In July 2010 Shimano and his wife's resigned from the board of directors following the revelation of a romantic relationship with a female student, amid accusations that this was only the latest in series of such affairs. Shimano then resigned as abbot, and announced he would retire from teaching in any formal capacity. Eido's heir Roko Sherry Chayat was installed as abbot in December 2010.