Thank you
Am moved at the response regarding a chant for Daido Roshi in what appears to be his final days. Thank you all. His sangha asks, "Please continue your practice during this time and keep Daido Roshi in your mind and heart."
octobre 2009
Unexpected according to prediction
Rain this morning was unexpected, although it came according to predictions. In the same way, I can't decide if it's cold or warm or neither. So I just attend to my poems, in between errands, an appointment or two. On my lap the cat snores. Window panes rattle with vigorous traffic. Word arrives requesting chants [...]
septembre 2009
Continuity and discontinuity of the enlightened mind
It occurs to me as I am going about the day, from early stirring before sunrise until to the settled darkness of deepening night, through conflicts (with a vexing yet much loved teenager, for one) and obligations (professional), pleasures (personal) and routines (impersonal), waking, washing, cooking, eating, walking, talking, working, sitting, reading, writing, cleaning, yawning, [...]
Points of meeting
Skimming the headlines, I see this: "Finding order in the chaos of currents." I wonder if it's referring to something like Bernie Glassman's Order of Disorder. Somehow I don't think so. Quite a project, this chaos vs. order in the flow of things as they are. Like the way of the bodhisattva: What are we [...]
Crossing the bridge at Jaurès
Last night crossing the bridge at Jaurès, I see the half-moon brilliant over the Canal St. Martin. As the light floods me in the cool dark, I am fathomless as the ocean, without border or breath. I'm smiling when companions introduce me to someone I've never seen before, but I know her already and all [...]
Over my shoulder, a chestnut tree
This afternoon I cross the Montparnasse cemetery, sit for awhile on a bench. The trees are so splendid! Already in the crowded Metro moments before I had been filled with joy, riding with the others, strangers every one, sharing this life with them all together. Each touched me as they were. Then in the rue [...]
Make do with everything
It's the day before the first day of autumn. A friend abroad has brought news that his wife is expecting their second child. My old aunt is seriously ill in America. France is abuzz with a government scandal, full of intrigue and skullduggery. This murky tale is (ironically) known as "Clearstream." I'm seeking something. But [...]
Waiting freely
I come to a page and wait for the words. As they come and don't I know that they come and don't but I don't know when or how or what. I only must not be pinned down by waiting. I must wait freely, largely, silently. Silence is not what I think it is. I [...]
Jim Carroll Died
The poet and punk rocker Jim Carroll (famous for writing The Basketball Diaries) died on Friday at the age of 60. He lived hard and fast, died young and fast. He was wild and free and often scared the shit out of me. He was raw and on the edge, a junkie staring into the [...]
Hungry ghost tales (II)
In the rue Daguerre again today, passed the old books/new accessories shop. I see stenciled on the window: commerce equitable. When "hungry ghost" "delusion" is transformed, it becomes equanimity. An enriching presence. Maybe next time I'll go inside.
