Eiheiji, one of the most prominent Zen temples in Japan, has dismissed a trainee monk after he was accused of sexually harassing high school students during a training program earlier this summer.
According to the temple, located in Fukui Prefecture, the man in his 20s was serving as a guide for a group of visiting female students when he inappropriately touched 14 of them. The school reported the allegations after the program ended, prompting an internal investigation. The monk admitted to the misconduct, saying he acted out of irritation toward a colleague.
Eiheiji apologized to the students and their families and formally expelled the monk on August 1. The temple emphasized that no other cases have been reported but acknowledged the seriousness of the incident. A senior official called it “deeply shameful” and pledged stricter oversight to prevent a recurrence.
Founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen, Eiheiji remains a central training ground for the Soto Zen sect, where more than 100 monks undergo rigorous practice such as zazen meditation.
by MagazineKey4532