photo by Lisa Law
Stuart Lachs - Don't Forget
Stuart Lachs cuke page
The following is from
Stuart's email of 1/28/03 and is a memory of from Tassajara's first
practice period in 1967. That letter has more memories from then and some
critical analysis of some traps we tend to fall into - including Suzuki. -
DC
As just about every one was new and it was new for the Center to run Tassajara
and the weather was very hot, and the buildings weren't all ready, things
did get sloppy. They tried adjusting the schedule and changing this and
that. It was like a shake down cruise. We did get sloppy and somewhat worn
down. One night I think, in the zendo, Baker gave a talk scolding every
one and telling people to straighten out and so on. I felt upset over his
talk, as I did not like being scolded by him; I think some others felt
that way too. When Baker finished he moved back to his regular place,
Suzuki moved forward to say something. He sat quietly for a few moments,
as did every one else. Then, in a soft voice, he said, "don't forget
why you came here." End of talk! It hit me in the face. Rather than
scolding or blaming or pushing, he gently held it up in front of us and
then gently put it back in each one of our own hands. It was wonderful
living Zen for me. That is my most important and moving memory of Tassajara
and of Suzuki.
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