As they begged alms last week in the Japanese city of Kobe, Zen Buddhist monks from the great temple of Shofukuji (Good Omen) met an unusual reception. Instead of showing reverence, people cracked seemingly typical Zen koans (problem riddles). "You look like the one who was admiring nude pictures," giggled one housewife, slamming the door in a novice priest's face. Snapped another tart-tongued woman: "Wash out your mind before I fill your bowl."
The sneers and jeers were caused by the worst scandal in the temple's 300-year history. Last June Photographer Mikio Tsuchiya got...
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