Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

[Jundo]

In Thanks for a Meaningful Life of Effort & Service ... on passing ...



Homage to the relics of the Buddha of complete merit;

Homage to the body of truth which is truth itself and a

stupa for the world of the dharma for the benefit of our

present body. Though the merits of Buddha, the truth

enters into us and we enter into the truth.

Though the excellent power of Buddha, we realize the

truth. Let us do only good for all living things that we may

possess the true mind.

Let us do only pure deeds that we may enter the peaceful

world which is unchanging, great wisdom.

Let us pay homage eternally to the Buddha.

[Shohei]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

I just read this on his blog today.

Sad news indeed. A life that touched so very, very many.

Deep bows to a wonderful teacher.

Thank you Aitken Roshi for your practice and your being.

Tonights's sit will be dedicated to him.

Gassho
Shohei

[Tb]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

Hi.

Yes.
So it is.
Deep bow.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[Dosho]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

I've had a quote from him as my signature for nearly two years now and that time has only increased its meaningfulness to me. Most sad to hear of his passing, but a reminder for us all the short time we all have on this Earth.

Many deep bows in gratitude Roshi...

Gassho,
Dosho

[Shugen]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

Also many deep bows in gratitude and a sitting dedicated to him.

Ron

[chicanobudista]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

:|

http://monkeymindonline.blogspot.com/20 ... -dies.html
Flowers in the Sky: Aitken Roshi Dies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Baker_Aitken

http://www.robertaitken.blogspot.com/


QEPD...._/_

[Seishin the Elder]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

Gassho...

For what you taught me

In your Words

And by your Life.

Gassho,

Seishin Kyrill

[Seishin the Elder]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

May I humbly suggest that the upcoming Jukai class bear a designation as "Aitken Roshi Memorial Jukai Class", since his book The Mind of Clover is so pivotal for the training.

Gassho,

Seishin Kyrill

[Jundo]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

May I humbly suggest that the upcoming Jukai class bear a designation as "Aitken Roshi Memorial Jukai Class", since his book Mind in Clover is so pivotal for the training.

Gassho,

Seishin Jyrill

A very nice suggestion, K, and we will dedicate our Jukai preparations to his memory ... and his book will be present with us throughout.

[AlanLa]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

Oh No!
But yes!
Countless bows
He never leaves me

[Engyo]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

Do not weep at my grave.
I am not there. I am not sleeping.
A thousand winds. I will become a thousand winds.
I blow in the great sky.
In the autumn, I am the light that falls upon the crop fields.
In the winter, I am the falling snow that shines as a diamond.
In the morning, I am the bird to whose song you awake.
At night, I am the stars that watch over you.
Do not cry at my grave.
I am not there. I did not die.
As a thousand winds. As a thousand winds.
That blow in the great sky.
As a thousand winds. As a thousand winds.
That blow in the great sky.
I blow in the great sky.
- by Japanese Singer-songwriter Man Arai

This Roshi lives on in so many hearts and minds.
Many Full Prostrations.

[Risho]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

May I humbly suggest that the upcoming Jukai class bear a designation as "Aitken Roshi Memorial Jukai Class", since his book Mind in Clover is so pivotal for the training.

Gassho,

Seishin Jyrill

A very nice suggestion, K, and we will dedicate our Jukai preparations to his memory ... and his book will be present with us throughout.

That's a great idea! I have not yet read his work, but I've obviously heard of him, and I think the best way to honor a teacher is to practice to the best of our ability and to further strengthen the flame and passion of our practice. So, as others are doing, I will dedicate my sitting tonight to Aitken Roshi and recite the Heart Sutra.

Gassho,

Cyril

[Jinyu]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

9 bows... I will also sit in his name tonight...

Really sad news!
But you had a very beautiful idea Seishin!
I'll read his book "the path of zen" again... but maybe the best thing to do is what is has been teaching during his life, just practicing zazen and living ...

humble gassho,
Jinyu

[Dojin]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

May he rest in peace.

[Eika]

Re: Robert Baker Aitken Roshi

The symphony of zen
Lost a first violin
The orchestra plays on.

Bows to one who gave many comfort and direction.

Eika

PS--I've always loved the New Orleans jazz funeral where the dirge is played to express the sadness felt, but then quickly followed by a much longer celebration with music and dancing, etc.