an old writer and his words

  • MEMORIAL PRAYER

    We are rapidly approachingthe forty-ninth day since youdied early that morning.We knew you would be dying,you told us so, told usnot to worry, it was your time.Still each day we recitethe memorial verses, hopeothers in the sanghado as well, hope that yourtransition out of this lifehas been made, in somesmall measure, easierby our daily recitation.We…

    Lou Faber

  • ISAN’S DO NOT BETRAY OTHERS 正法眼蔵 四十七

    If you fall, 20,000 armswill lift you up,when you sit10,000 join the Sangha.If you walk barefootin the snowI will put sockson my feet for you.If you hunger, Iwill give you an empty bowland this will beour shared dharma. A reflection on Case 47 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • FOUR VOWS

    I can’t recall how many timesI’ve recited the four vows, howI strive to follow the eightfold path,and yet I do wander offbut never, I would add, intentionally. Just yesterday after morning sittingand the Gratitude ceremony,we gathered on in our ever more important Zoom worldtrying to tighten the threads of Sangha. It was light, joyous, and Iwithout…

    Lou Faber

  • THE DAY AFTER*

    Today we only speak silently and know everyone hears. Today we cry only dry tears, and others gently wipe our eyes. Today we mourn what we fear is lost and together vow to retain it. Today the sun shines less brightly and we know the dark cloud will eventually pass. Today we hug, each to…

    Lou Faber