Announcement: Nishijima Gudo Wafu Roshi has Passed.

[Jundo]

Dear All,

I have just received the news that my Teacher, and Taigu's Teacher's Teacher, NISHIJIMA GUDO WAFU, passed from this visible world.



A funeral will be conducted next week here in Tokyo. I will also be writing with information on a Memorial for Roshi here at Treeleaf.

Gudo Wafu Nishijima (西嶋愚道和夫) was born November 29, 1919. He Practiced Zazen for over 70 years. He was a teacher to Zen students from around the world, and a translator of Buddhist texts from Japanese and Sanskrit. A student of “Homeless” Kodo Sawaki, the itinerant master famous for his efforts to restore Zazen to its place as the center of Buddhist practice, Master Nishijima shared in that philosophy. Master Nishijima was ordained and received Dharma Transmission from the late Master Rempo Niwa, abbot of Eihei-ji temple and head of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. Gudo Nishijima wrote and translated many books on Buddhism in both Japanese and English, including full translations of Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo (with Chodo Cross) and Shinji Shobogenzo.

A short film of Roshi Just Sitting, by my Dharma Brother, Gustav Ericsson ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfxYowv42Kk

Endless Bows, Jundo

[Kokuu]

So sorry to hear of this news, Jundo. It must be of great personal sadness to you as well as his many other students.

In my humble opinion, the best memorial to Nishijima Roshi, and other fine teachers who have passed, is to take their words to heart and practice well.


Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha.

Kokuu

[Jundo]

Dear All.

I would like to invite all to watch a documentary about Master Nishijima filmed a few years ago. It begins iat the Zen Dojo that Roshi established and maintained for many years near Tokyo, and continues at our root temple of the Tokei-in in Shizuoka, Japan, and during a Teaching tour by Roshi in Europe. In the opening minutes, he is heard in his office with my Dharma Brother, Peter, discussing Birth and Death as Just This Moment.

(I am pleased to say that a younger me was at that retreat, seen carrying a blackboard with Roshi's Teaching of "REALITY" ). I believe this film truly captures Nishijima Roshi's personality and energy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G0Pdq1ESf0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_W-dmbE3po

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy9ll4d_JLo

Nine Bows, J

[Myosha]

Without Master Gudo I'd never explore our ANS connection.

Gratitude and Metta to all.


Gassho,
Myosha

[Mp]

A sad day indeed Jundo ... a beautiful teacher that will truly be missed.

Deep bows
Shingen

[KellyRok]

I'm so sorry to hear this news. My heart is with you, his family, his friends, his students...much Metta. Thank you for the videos, I will watch today.

_/\_
Kelly/Jinmei

[Hogen]

very sad day.

this is one of my favorite videos of him and is how I will remember him

[Hans]

Hello,

he sure transmitted the dharma in countless different ways. I owe him a lot!

Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Jiken]

Deep bows

Gassho,

Daido

[Shugen]

He will be missed by many. His influence on the spread of the dharma is incalculable.

Gassho,


Shugen

[TimF]

Such sad news...it is difficult to find words for something such as this for me. My heart goes out to those who knew him on a personal level.

I love watching his videos and learning from him. Makes me appreciate technology all the more.

Gassho,
Tim

[Shujin]

I'll be viewing the videos this week in his memory. Sadness, but also deep gratitude.

_/|\_

[Risho]

Very sad news... he's ultimately the reason the dharma spread to me and I started sitting Shikantaza. Metta and prayers to his friends, family and students who knew him on a personal basis

Gassho,

Risho

[Daijo]

Deep bows, may his teachings live on forever through us all.

Gassho,

Daijo

[jslinjr]

It's sad to see someone so genuine pass. Without him, I think I would not be here practicing with you Jundo and this sangha. His teachings and wisdom will always live on.

Gassho,
Jeff