More Scandal in the Wider Buddhist Sangha ...

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  • Mp

    #46
    Originally posted by Kokuu
    any sangha which acts to protect an abuser is complicit in the abuse.
    Thank you Kokuu, I very much agree.

    Gassho
    Shingen

    Sat/LAH

    Comment

    • Shinshi
      Senior Priest-in-Training
      • Jul 2010
      • 3752

      #47
      Originally posted by Kokuu
      Sadly I have read of several cases of this, which just seems like a modern Buddhist equivalent of "You'll bring shame on the family". As in that case, we need to make it clear that it is the abuser who brings shame, not the victim and, in my opinion, any sangha which acts to protect an abuser is complicit in the abuse.

      Gassho
      Kokuu
      -sattoday/lah-


      Gassho, Shinshi

      SaT-LaH
      空道 心志 Kudo Shinshi

      For Zen students a weed is a treasure. With this attitude, whatever you do, life becomes an art.
      ​— Shunryu Suzuki

      E84I - JAJ

      Comment

      • Anka
        Member
        • Mar 2017
        • 202

        #48
        Stories like these are so disheartening but a reminder that nothing is perfect. If you dig into any religion or group you can find extremists or corruption. I hope the truth comes out here and that people are able to hold their judgement until it does.

        Gassho to you Kokuu. It couldn't have been stated better.

        James F
        Sat lah

        Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

        Comment

        • Kyoshin
          Member
          • Apr 2016
          • 308

          #49
          A pertinent reminder from one of the readings in Jukai study: "That teacher is still a human being! The teacher carries a message, but the teacher may not necessarily be enlightened and therefore he or she is still in a human existence. They will still be affected by a sense of inner superiority or ego and emotions and will sometimes make mistakes. What you have to learn from that teacher is the message not always the behaviour. You should not think, "He did this, therefore I must copy him because he is my Buddhist teacher".
          You must not close your eyes and follow your teacher blindly. Every one of you has the same capability of achievement as the teacher, the same potential. If you continue to do the right thing you may even be better than your teacher! The teacher gives the message and you act on it. It would be wiser to separate the teachings from the behaviour of the teacher. Then if some action of the teacher should disappoint you, you will not lose interest in Buddhism because of the behaviour of one person."

          Gassho
          Nick
          Satlah

          Comment

          • Jundo
            Treeleaf Founder and Priest
            • Apr 2006
            • 40862

            #50
            It is important that we make an environment in which victims of abuse can feel safe and welcome to report confidentially, and be treated with respect, with their reports taken seriously and responded to quickly and fairly. They must be investigated by individuals who are fair and not partial. As well, we must also make sure not to judge purported wrongdoers too early, based on rumor or supposition without all complete facts available. We must do both. It is a fine line to walk, but we must walk it.

            For reference, our Treeleaf Sangha has an Ethics Committee in place, including some non-member individuals who are in positions of trust and experienced in related matters (such as counseling or law), available to take any report and investigate the same in confidence. They can be contacted as a group or individually. We also have ethics rules posted here spelling out standards and procedures.

            Treeleaf Ethics Committee ( Complaint Box )


            I am happy to report that, as far as I know, the system has never needed to be used, and no report has ever been filed about the priests or others in our Community.

            However, it is available should the need ever arise.

            Gassho, Jundo

            SatTodayLAH
            Last edited by Jundo; 09-07-2018, 03:35 AM.
            ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

            Comment

            • Mp

              #51
              Originally posted by Jundo
              It is important that we make an environment in which victims of abuse can feel safe and welcome to report confidentially, and be treated with respect, with their reports taken seriously and responded to quickly and fairly. They must be investigated by individuals who are fair and not partial. As well, we must also make sure not to judge purported wrongdoers too early, based on rumor or supposition without all complete facts available. We must do both. It is a fine line to walk, but we must walk it.

              For reference, our Treeleaf Sangha has an Ethics Committee in place, including some non-member individuals who are in positions of trust and experienced in related matters (such as counseling or law), available to take any report and investigate the same in confidence. They can be contacted as a group or individually. We also have ethics rules posted here spelling out standards and procedures.

              Treeleaf Ethics Committee ( Complaint Box )


              I am happy to report that, as far as I know, the system has never needed to be used, and no report has ever been filed about the priests or others in our Community.

              However, it is available should the need ever arise.

              Gassho, Jundo

              SatTodayLAH


              Gassho
              Shingen

              Sat/LAH

              Comment

              • Jishin
                Member
                • Oct 2012
                • 4821

                #52
                “Cease to cherish opinions and truth will be revealed.”

                —Hsin-Hsin Ming

                Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

                Comment

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