Edgar, and Board-isattvas,
I just want to say that I feel an honor and respect of the practice that Edgar
spoke about here, lately, which he carried out in Japan over a period of years,
practicing Zen there, and a physical martial art, as well.
In addition, I acknowledge your practice, Edgar, at the wonderful temple Kongo
Ji, in the Catskills of New York. You know, the Roshi there was instrumental
in helping me on to my career as a woodworker making things for Buddhist
temples, and for Ch'an and Zen teachers, and practitioners. I wrote him 15
years ago, and his gracious hand-written letter in return which I received is
something I treasure. He also put me in touch with his sangha Carpenter there,
and this made all the difference in getting me started, and I hope, on a good
foot at that, since.
Well, Edgar... we may at times disagree or MISUNDERSTAND each other (or, I,
you), here on this Board. But that's no reason for me to shed disrespect; in
fact, WHEN I DO so, I am clearly wrong. The way of the Buddha is the way of
Wisdom. And of Compassion. Compassion is not always sweetness and light;
***BUT*** hardness, or hardheadedness or hardheartedness, is not always
Compassion, or, NEVER.
Let's! check ourselves.
In this spirit, Edgar -- and all those reading -- I send appreciation of your
practice and of your experience. Let's agree or disagree as the messages and
posts go forward, but let's not disrespect. That's not our way as Zen people,
no matter on WHICH side of the Date-Line.
Let's give leeway, too, for the relative INADEQUACY of flat letters on a
screen. In person, on sesshin, we'd have a fuller communication; a fuller
identity; and fuller appreciation; fuller participation.
To All..., in this One Mind -- the no-mind of the only mind there is -- I send
apologies for disrespect I've shown on this Board.
You know who you are, and you know who I am.
And I ask you (all) to keep me "honest", and appraised of when I lose sight of
who We are.
You are my Witnesses, and Guides. I'm counting on you. It's a lot to ask, but
a lot to appreciate. Thanks!!
No, no "April Fool's". It's already the 3rd of the month, anyway; check your
clocks. Or I'll clean them.
Just honestly recognizing and acknowledging Edgar's practice on several shores:
the Old Country, and those of Zen's newer homes.
Be SURE: ***WE*** have the Dharma, now. Careful.
There's a *LONG* future ahead of Zen. Let's give it a push!
No quibbling.
--Joe
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