Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

Tenzen David Zimmerman

‘Forgiveness, even self-forgiveness, is about recognizing that we are all flawed, karmically conditioned beings. We are all imperfectly perfect. I want to live in a world where I am supported in being accountable for my actions, which includes being compassionately reminded when I have caused harm. I also want to live in a world where we are not defined solely by our past mistakes, but are given the opportunity to grow, change, and prove that we can be trustworthy once more.

While this isn’t always easy, especially if the harm done has been profound, it is possible. It also requires that we let go of our rigid narratives about the other person, ourselves, or the harm done, and allow for a wider, more complex, and ever-evolving view. Regardless of whatever transgression has occurred, a Bodhisattva doesn’t lose sight of each person’s inherent Buddha Nature.

Not long ago, I received an email from a sangha member expressing upset that SFZC had chosen to feature a recent Dharma talk by Zentatsu Richard Baker, the second abbot of SFZC, in our Sangha News letter. For those unfamiliar with SFZC history, Baker Roshi had been abbot from 1971, following Suzuki Roshi’s death, until 1983, when he was required to step down following the disclosure of various improprieties. While Richard’s Dharma teachings inspired numerous students and SFZC flourished considerably under his leadership, some of Richard’s behavior deeply hurt many in the sangha, a number of whom have struggled to forgive him since he departed from SFZC over 40 years ago.

In response to the sangha member, I shared that I and other SFZC abbots have been actively working toward a healing process with Richard over the past decade or more; this process aims to support the next generation of sangha members and leaders, including the current abbots (Abbots Jiryu, Mako, and myself, as well as Richard’s Dharma heir, Nicole Baden), to move forward unburdened by ─ although not ignorant of ─ the unskillful karma of some of our Dharma elders.’ (from the SFZC website)

Being of the same Zen Center generation as the current Abbots, this articulates very nicely how I think many of us view the situation now.

Responses

  1. Shonen Avatar
    Shonen

    I think part of the issue for the ZC generation that preceded yours is the lack of what many see is an acknowledgment of the harm done & the extent of that harm by Richard. Even well into the 1990s, he would behave as if he was still Abbot – there are many examples of this which I will not post here.

    The Buddha said that harming the sangha is one of the worst things someone can do & speaking for myself, I feel like Richard disrobing and stepping down from teaching would have been an appropriate & very healing course of action. This has been something that many teachers who found themselves in a similar situation have done.

    I came to Zen Center shortly after Richard left & my practice was deeply affected due to the emotional distress older students were experiencing. My practice leader who I had made a deep connection with, resigned from Zen Center in order to deal with his “ghosts & demons” – I won’t go into the gory details of the effect that had on me but it eventually led to my leaving ZC as I felt like I was wandering in a spiritual wilderness.

    I’m all for moving forward but this will be difficult for many given the lack of contrition on Richard’s part. Whatever transpires in this ongoing healing process, I suspect it will feel like too little too late for those directly affected by his unskillful actions.

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    1. Shonen Avatar
      Shonen

      So I just read David’s full letter on the SFZC website. I was not aware of the public apologies made by Richard so that is good to hear. However, I stand by my statement that he should have disrobed & stepped down from teaching.

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      1. shundo Avatar
        shundo

        Hi Shonen, thanks for your thoughts and for sharing your story around this. I certainly understand the hurt at the lack of contrition (not least from having read Shoes Outside The Door when it came out) for those who had to suffer through this.
        It seems to be a common failing for those who cause harm in these situation to double down rather than accept the consequences. I am sure we can both think of a number of teachers who fall into that category – and not just the pioneer generation either.
        It would have been a powerful message for Baker Roshi to have done that, but he didn’t seem to have it within him at the time, and of course later apologies don’t have the same impact.
        Here is a link to a description of the Zen Center 50th Anniversary celebration which I wrote when I was ino:
        https://theinosblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-big-do-with-procession.html
        That moment in the Buddha Hall definitely had an impact on me.
        With bows
        Shundo

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