tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post232062513855441509..comments2024-03-14T04:06:54.124-04:00Comments on GENKAKU-AGAIN (adam fisher): funeral preparationsgenkakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12135705172119950326noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-81517714457582721782010-06-24T10:40:00.587-04:002010-06-24T10:40:00.587-04:00Thanks for the comments ... it helps me clamp down...Thanks for the comments ... it helps me clamp down on my too-inventive speculations.<br /><br />One of the things I have found in Zen practice is that over time the secrecies with which we may surround it become less interesting. Sort of: If it's secret, it's important, but the reason it's important shape-shifts over time and we really can talk about it without worrying too much. The central secret, to the extent that there is one, is the secret we keep from ourselves, not the secret we keep from others. <br /><br />Or, as Suzuki Roshi put it once when asked about the importance of practice, "It's important, but it's not that important."genkakuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12135705172119950326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-44003943348021980532010-06-24T10:29:30.912-04:002010-06-24T10:29:30.912-04:00Like you, Sekishin, my family knows little of my p...Like you, Sekishin, my family knows little of my practice. Which reminds me that, if I were to die tomorrow, I would probably receive the full fireworks of a Roman Catholic service -- which admittedly wouldn't bother me much in my state (The important thing, as you point out Adam, is gathering together in memory and celebration of a person's love and influence, and contemplating the silence that follows.)<br /><br /> They wouldn't be aware, however, of the practice which has come to influence my thoughts and actions daily. Why do we keep it secret? (First guess: probably to avoid the God conversation! Another guess: because it makes us have to really be sure about the path we've chosen -- not a bad thing).<br /><br />Bon courage, Adam, and well done..taboulinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-13412585318308483492010-06-24T07:51:46.657-04:002010-06-24T07:51:46.657-04:00Although, outside of my wife, my family knows litt...Although, outside of my wife, my family knows little of my Zen Buddhist practice. I have thought of having the leader of our sangha speak at services at my passing . . . I think you will be surprised at what you have to offer Fran's family: Some insight into Fran, that, otherwise, may have gone unknown/unnoticed by some member of his family and friends. Good luck.<br /><br />In gassho,<br /><br />SekishinSekishinnoreply@blogger.com