Sex and the Gurus: The Case of Eido Shimano

Eido Shimano

The long career of Eido Shimano Roshi stands as a cautionary tale against sexually predatory teachers given a pass for their behavior over many years, in this case many decades. 

A very important document in his connection is Mark Oppenheimer, "The Zen Preditor of the Upper East Side," Atlantic (Dec 18, 2014). This is also available in book form. This represents a classic discussion of what happens when a teacher's bad behavior is known but made excuses for, in this case for about a half a century.

Jay Michaelson, "The Shocking Scandal at the Heart of American Zen," Daily Beast (Nov 14, 2013) A somewhat critical review of Oppenheimer's book.

See also:

Mark Oppenheimer, "Sex Scandal has U.S. Buddhists Looking Within," New York Times (Aug 20, 2010).

The Eido Shimano Archive (put together by a former student of Shimano) that provides extensive documentation of Shimano's inappropriate sexual behavior.

Obituaries: 

Joan Duncan Oliver, "The Death of Eido Roshi, Problematic Pioneer,"Tricycle (Feb 22, 2018).

"Demonizing these teachers for their sexual misbehavior disregards their worthy contributions."


Phil Benezra, CAVEAT EMPTOR The Zen Buddhist Community and the Right to Know.


#Blog #Eido_Shimano #metoo #sexualpreditors #spiritualbutnotreligious

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