Seven Irreverent Observations of a Zen Traveler - Rich Gray

THESE OBSERVATIONS WERE SHARED WITH THE THIRTY-TWO RAKAN AT OUR FAREWELL DINNER:

Ichi. Buddhas are everywhere. But even in ranks of 10,000, each is individual. Buddhas are sometimes in disguise - Der Bode might even be wearing your clothes.

Ni. Time is eternal. A 20-minute slog in the light rain can be forever.

San. Space is relative. All compass points have equal value. Left and right are only abstractions.

Shi. Nature is wonderful. Earthquakes can uncover strata of unusual design; and glowing flows of lava can be “cool.”

Go. The primordial material of the universe is tofu. Odorless, colorless and absolutely tasteless, tofu can appear in many forms – from totally ungraspable in a lacquered bowl to completely impermeable in a hotel pillow.

Roku. “All the world’s a stage.” The essence of Zen theater is enlightenment – nothingness: noh actors, noh music, noh drama. Even the little stone figures that border the noh stage had no names until travelers in stocking feet kept stumbling over them and calling out “JIZO!” Hazardous ones are now marked with red cloth.

Shichi. Whether the traveler’s destination is enlightenment, Belmont, Cincinnati, Naperville, Goslar, Pittsburgh or the environs of Greater Cleveland, it’s the journey that counts, the leader who makes it worthwhile, and the traveling companions who make it an experience of a lifetime.