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Thanks Todd.
That’s really sad news, although I knew his health was faltering.
I found Bernie Glassman’s take on Buddhism and social activism inspirational. His voice is needed now more than ever and so Jundo’s invocation to continue what he started is the best tribute and honour we can give to his work and life.
Let us be sad and Joyous for the old clown, all at once. Perhaps no teacher revolutionized Zen Buddhism in the west more than Bernie Roshi.
For one of many things, his street retreats, his attempts to make Sangha into work places for the homeless and others with no place to go ... "Bearing Witness" Sesshin at battlefields and concentration camps. I had the good experience of sitting one Zazen retreat with him years ago.
Many people will have much to say this week about his life. All our sitting and all activities in our Sangha this week is dedicated to Glassman Roshi. Our Lend A Hand project has been always very much inspired by his example.
Some Bernie quotes that show his many sides ...
When we bear witness, when we become the situation - homelessness, poverty, illness, violence, death - the right action arises by itself. We don't have to worry about what to do. We don't have to figure out solutions ahead of time. Peacemaking is the functioning of bearing witness. Once we listen with our entire body and mind, loving action arises.
...
I always have this red nose in my pocket, and if it looks like I'm taking things too seriously, or the person I'm talking to is taking them too seriously, I put the nose on. It doesn't matter what we're doing or talking about, it doesn't matter if we agree or disagree, the nose changes everything.
...
The pursuit of enlightenment is for the purpose of the world, not merely for the purpose of the individual. Practices for enlightenment must lead to action in the world.
...
The basic problem, actually, is how to get rid of the idea that we're going to get rid of our problems. Only then can we relate directly with the real issues of our life.
...
Each of is an arm of Kannon, enabling Kannon to do her work. Like her, we're also overwhelmed, but when we reallize that the millions of pieces are all operating as one, then there's no problem. The reason we get overwhelmed is that we're attached to a certain result or taht we want to achieve a certain result or that we to achieve a certain goal. If we weren't attached we wouldn't be overwhelmed. It's endless. And we just take one step after the next.
"I always have this red nose in my pocket, and if it looks like I'm taking things too seriously, or the person I'm talking to is taking them too seriously, I put the nose on. It doesn't matter what we're doing or talking about, it doesn't matter if we agree or disagree, the nose changes everything"
What a great idea! From now on, I shall keep a metaphorical red nose in my pocket at all times. Thank you Bernie Glassman.
Gassho
Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah
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