Zen Buddhist elders nearly prevented Abbot Loori’s ordination as a monk, after seeing a tattoo peeking from his robe. A Navy souvenir, it depicted an innocent-enough anchor, but Japanese associate tattoos with criminals, and Abbot Loori refused to erase his past. The ordination finally went ahead. But the abbot wore a bandage over the tattoo when he visited Japan,...
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I received a card today that informed me that the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery had passed away. You can find more information about this interesting man on the pages set up in tribute to him by the Mountain and Rivers Order. I did not know him well but I did have the opportunity to sit with him and...
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Whew!  Finally, I caught up.  This is Pepper, one of the two twins that we live with.  Though she’s chubby and cute, don’t let that fool you.  She’s a skilled hunter with a determination that knows no end. Recently she learned to open the locked cat door so she can get out at night and pursue her hobbies –...
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Look at all the wonderful basil growing by our porch! I love it!
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This is the hospital, RRMC, where I work.  Please note the beautiful weather – and I have to go inside.  Alas!
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