Dear Mu Seong,

July 27, 2000

Dear Mu Seong,

It’s hard to describe how positive I felt about the experience at BCBS, especially the discussions which you led in the library. I felt it was a real privilege to be in such an intimate group with you, Shoshana and David. As a result of the time there I feel that I have a better grasp of the development of Buddhist thinking. It also put me back on a more intentional path of practice which began with my experience at Green Gulch Farm.

When you need to come to New York let me know. I can let you take advantage of the arrangement our church has with the Roger Williams Hotel at least for a few days. As I mentioned, we are able to put people there who are here for religious or denominational purposes at half the price normally charged. In the event that we could ever bring you to the church to directly run a workshop or seminar of some kind, the church would cover your expenses with the hotel.

I’m sending you two excerpts which you might enjoy.

The first is from a book of meditations by Frederick Buechner, Listening To Your Life. In one of our discussions at BCBS you made the distinction between koans and parables. I thought Buechner’s comments on parables was excellent.

The second excerpt is from Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. It concerns comments made about Suzuki Roshi after his death.  A life beautifully lived.

Thank you for your gifts which you shared with us.

Also please convey my thanks to Marie and Debbie for their assistance and hospitality.

Peace,

P.S.

I’ve read part of Diamond Sutra since leaving BCBS.