Robert Aitken, Roshi, passed away yesterday afternoon in Hawaii. He was 93 years old. Through his writings, teachings, protests, and example, Roshi gave unstintingly to the service of others.
A poem in the Zen Temple Rules reads:
Great shout, great echo.
Small shout, small echo.
Aitken Roshi's shout will reverberate for centuries to come. Thank you, Roshi, for offering so much.
For Robert Aitken, Roshi:
Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal
Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal
Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal Jijang Bosal
For his family, friends, and community:
Kwan Seum Bosal Kwan Seum Bosal Kwan Seum Bosal
Kwan Seum Bosal Kwan Seum Bosal Kwan Seum Bosal
Kwan Seum Bosal Kwan Seum Bosal Kwan Seum Bosal
Photo of Aitken Roshi by Robin Scanlon
Ji Jang Bosal
Posted by: David DeSoto | August 06, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Thanks for this, Barry. He seemed like quite an outstanding and honest practitioner.
with three bows
Posted by: Chong Go Sunim | August 06, 2010 at 06:46 PM
...and he was still shouting loudly in recent months!
_/\_
Posted by: puerhan | August 09, 2010 at 04:17 AM
Thanks, everyone!
Posted by: Barry Briggs | August 10, 2010 at 07:31 AM
Thank you for your post about Robert Aitken Roshi's death. The photo you used was taken by me. If the photo is used in any way, I'm asking for photo credit. Thank you.
Posted by: robinscanlon | August 10, 2010 at 10:07 AM