|
Today is Katagiri Roshi’s birthday. He would have been eighty-five. Not so old, really. I think of him everytime I’m driving my car and see a dead animal on the road. That’s because whenever he was riding as a passenger and saw an animal lying dead, he raised his hands and offered it a solemn gassho. No matter how tired he might be after a week-long sesshin at Hokyoji, or how sick he was feeling from chemotherapy, he would show respect for the animal’s suffering. Ever since I saw him do this, I’ve followed my own version of his practice. I nod my head to dead animals, accepting their reminder of impermanence, and appreciating the lesson I learned from my Roadkill Roshi. In peace, Andrea
December 15 is the 40th anniversary of Katagiri Roshi’s 1972 arrival in Minnesota, along with his wife Tomoe and their two sons. He lived and taught here for eighteen years until his death in 1990. Teijo Munnich sent this poem that Katagiri Roshi wrote on March 13, 1989, soon after learning that he had cancer:
The sage is life, The stone is alive and walking with you; Mountains, rivers, pebbles, trees, flowers, All are walking with you. At that time everyday life walks with you side by side. Many thanks to Gary Webb for this delightful account of meeting Katagiri Roshi. If you have a Katagiri story to tell, you are invited to post it on this blog (click below on “Leave a comment”) or get in touch with me through the Contact tab or by mail. Peace, Andrea
From Gary Webb: One day in 1986, when I was living at Marpa House in Boulder, Colorado, I was asked to show a special guest around the center. I was somewhat shy but at peace as I showed Katagiri Roshi around. At one point we crossed paths with the statue of a bodhisattva, which was approximately four feet tall on a pedestal. Roshi paused, folded his hands, and bowed to the statue. So naturally I did the same. After touring the shrine halls and public spaces, we again came upon the statue. Once again we folded our hands and bowed. Thereafter I always bowed to the bodhisattva in the hall and thought of Roshi. In 2000, I was blessed with the opportunity to spend the summer practicing at Marpa House. Upon my arrival one of the veteran students gave me a tour of the place. As we came upon that same bodhisattva statue, my guide stopped and with folded hands bowed and said to me, “There are many paintings and statues of the buddhas and bodhisattvas here, but for some reason we always stop and bow to this one. Don’t ask why, no one knows. I’ve asked everyone, even the director of the center, but nobody knows. But because it’s a house tradition we all bow.” October 10 is a notable 40th anniversary date. On that date in 1972, the first organizational meeting of what was to become the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center was held, just a few weeks after Katagiri Roshi announced that he would to move to Minnesota.
New photos! Tsugen Narasaki Roshi joined Katagiri Roshi to lead a special bendo-e retreat at Hokyoji in September 1988. Jim Dildine was there and took some great photos. Jim recently sent copies and they’re now in the Hokyoji album under the Images tab. This blog is a place to collect, preserve, and share stories and memories of Katagiri Roshi. In over 35 years of teaching Buddhism in America, Dainin Katagiri touched the lives and hearts of many people. If you are one of them, become part of the Katagiri Project by clicking on “leave a comment” and posting a story or memory to share with others. This blog is a place to collect, preserve, and share stories and memories of Katagiri Roshi. It is moderated by archivist Andrea Martin.
In over 35 years of living and teaching Buddhism in America, Dainin Katagiri touched the lives and hearts of many people. If you are one of them, we invite you to become part of the Katagiri Project by posting a story or memory that you would like to share with others. You’ll find a text-entry box below the comments. Thank you! |
