October 27, 2013
October 27: Smelling the Roses

Abbot Steve had a couple visits today and had a short walk in the back yard.

He sends love and well wishes to all.

 

 

4 Comments

  1. Sarah Kanowski

    Dearest Steve & all in the San Francisco sangha – I am part of your wider ‘invisible’ sangha, a member of the Sydney Zen Centre now living in Brisbane, Australia. For many years, in various cities, your compassionate & insightful words have helped guide & strengthen my practice. ‘There’s Young Buddha’ is a favourite song of my 6 & 4 year olds & just yesterday we gave Red Robin our best!
    With such deep gratitude & a sense of closeness over these many miles of ocean
    Sarah

    ‘Silent friend of many distances, feel
    How your breath enlarges all of space.
    Let your presence ring out like a bell
    Into the night. What feeds upon your face

    Grows mighty from the nourishment thus offered.
    Move through transformation, out and in.
    What is the deepest loss that you have suffered?
    If drinking is bitter, change yourself to wine.

    In this immeasurable darkness, be the power
    That rounds your senses in their magic ring,
    The sense of their mysterious encounter.

    And if the earthly no longer knows your name,
    Whisper to the silent earth: I’m flowing.
    To the flashing water say: I am.’

    – Rilke, The Sonnets to Orpheus

  2. katharine cook

    What a beautiful smile, thank you. Amazing given what you have been through.

    Katharine

  3. Jim Hare

    Hi Steve,
    A few days ago I finally got after a dead branch in my plum tree. After some initial cuts with a pole saw, I climbed a ladder to remove the rest. When I was up there sawing, I had a flashback to nearly 30 years ago. I was at Yvonne Rand’s place in Muir Beach.. You asked me to thin out some branches on her plum tree. You came by and said something like, ‘looks like you’re having fun up there.’ And indeed I was.

    Back in the present, I thought of you and remembered that climbing a ladder to remove plum branches is a miracle and wonder. Now I see you pictured smelling a rose and think of the many kindnesses I received from my old employer and fellow student of the Way.

    Jim

  4. Larry Wallman

    Dear Steve;

    So good to see your smiling face. Wendy and I think of you every day and send our love.

    Larry

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