photo by Lisa Law

Brief Memories
of Shunryu Suzuki,
Zen Center
back then, etc.

 


from David Cohn

posted 9-12-13


After a talk at Tassajara Suzuki Roshi did his bows and walked out to the entry.  Alan Watts, somewhat inebriated, was waiting to pay his respects.  Suzuki Roshi saw him and immediately smiled and bowed.  He then asked Alan to come to his cabin for tea, but then, very quickly, he changed it, he said, no, I will come to your cabin.  I understood his lightening like social reflex to reflect my own intuition, that it could be awkward to have an inebriated Alan Watts in his cabin, mainly because he may stay much longer than would be pleasant and appropriate.  His social skill and kindness in creating this harmonious situation, that allowed him to pay his deep respects to Alan Watts' contribution to Zen in America, was inspiring.

Alan Watts cuke page