Abandon Hope (May 2012 Memorial Issue)

Those who have to have a “rational” explanation for every event will never know such experiences and never know the contentment that such devotion can bring.

Do Not Push
It will come of its own accord
If it is meant to come at all
How we struggle to manipulate
That which cannot be manipulated

Coincidence? Two coincidences? It seems to me I had become one of Mother’s children in spite of myself, and that guidance has never left me since then.

This Suffering is not merely the “pain” in the pleasure-pain syndrome; the Buddha said that, in the long run, pleasure, too, is Suffering.

Where there is sincere, heartfelt belief, such devotion cultures the heart and completely changes the character of the believer.

Abandon the past and the future, live fully in the “Now” with no hope of anything, and the “Now” reveals itself, containing in itself both the past and the future. This is true renunciation, and this is Ananada, Joy, the Bliss of what is, not the hope of what might be.

PLEASURE IS REACTION; JOY IS WITHOUT CAUSE.

bye
justin
you walked it
you showed us truth
and you beared
the fruit
love

– Pete Gregory, Highland, IN

While staying at Green Gulch Farms [where Justin held early meditation retreats], I took many pictures including one of a small stone Buddha statue nestled at the base of a tree in the gardens, almost invisible for the foliage. In memory of that occasion and to honor Justin with another Pyramid Poem, I offer this:

the
stony
Buddha sits
doing no-thing
observing
seasons
pass

– Jerry Granok, Pagosa Springs, CO

When asking why the right hand is on the outside in “Daughter on the Mountaintop,” Justin said, “Because the right hand is on the outside.” We each remember certain things about Justin. What keeps coming to my mind is his statement that T’ai Chi Chih is a gift to humanity. I would like to suggest that all accredited teachers, in addition to normal classes that they charge for, find a way and location to teach those less fortunate than we. For example, I teach two classes of seniors that have Alzheimer’s or dementia. All I ask of the center is to pay my gas bill for the round trip of eight miles. I also have terminally ill people that are homebound. I cannot tell you how much they appreciate the attention and movements. I feel that this is the best way to perpetuate Justin’s philosophy.

– Jerry Bumbalough, Greenfield, CA

I wasn’t prepared for the shock of hearing about Justin’s death. It made me sad but also made me glad that he is no longer in pain and is onto the next part of this journey. Hopefully he can pave the way for us on that part, too. I had my moment of tears, and then I was so grateful to have had the chance to meet him and be in his presence. I will never forget listening to him at lunch telling the story of him riding in a car past a young kid in India, in the pouring rain on the back of the cart. I had read that story many times, but hearing him tell it the same way it was written made me appreciate his writings even more. His physical presence will be missed, I’m sure. But what he left the world will carry on for many generations. His presence will be felt every time I begin my practice.

– Neal Roy, Portland, OR

Seventeen years and eleven months ago I received a certificate signed by Justin Stone certifying that I was accredited to teach T’ai Chi Chih. I wonder sometimes just how far the ripples of my teachings have spread into others’ lives, but that is only a fraction of the ripples spreading forth from the long life of Justin Stone.

– David White, Jackson, TN