Good morning!
We have a peaceful Sunday morning after sitting and service. On the front path a huge branch, about 50 feet long, has fallen. It is hollow and fell perhaps overreaching or by some sort of storm. An oak tree fell at our back porch, and now at our front porch. Trees can grow huge and fall when their times come.
Recently Dr. Robert Morrell, a longtime Washington University professor of Buddhism and a benefactor and member of our center, passed away. The last time we met he seemed well and gave no sign of something of this sort. We often experience the unexpected decease of others, and maybe our own.
In answer to the often asked question “what is the significance of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West,” Joshū replied, “A cypress tree in the garden.” Trees sit solid, stand soaring, stay strong, serve all in harmony with all – the earth, water, air, light, heat, chill, living and lifeless beings.
Many people have back pain. I came to know that work rather than rest cures, aligning the displaced disc from stooping to straightening (sitting, hanging, etc.). When we change separated sick suffering to holy healthy harmony, we live and die without doubt, dread, disease, destruction, etc.
7/3/16
