Climb the Joyous Mountain (May 2012 Memorial Issue)

We have a duty to find meaning in this very life, this present existential situation. And this requires a disciplined mind. 

The Japanese sense of beauty … usually relies on delicate understatement. What is left out is just as important as what is put in.

All one can do is bring the palms together in a salute to all beings. May they lose the attachment that makes for suffering. Life can be good – if we plant the proper seeds. The way of joy is best. Climb the Joyous Mountain.

A solitary pant growing insanely from seemingly barren rock expresses a great and indomitable Life Force. To be aware of such Life Force, to walk serenely beneath the awesome blue sky, and to listen to the spring raindrops on the over-hanging eaves of the old temple building – these are all meditative experiences if we merge with them.

To live each day with some contemplation, and to try to feel gratitude for the really countless blessings we take for granted, will lead us to treat others as we wish to be treated.

May I be properly grateful for this food,
which is the result of the work of others
and the suffering of other forms of life.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The aim of Zen is to free oneself from all conditions – however pleasurable or painful – while living in the midst of conditions. To do this means living in the here and now while transcending the here and now.

Living the Meditative Way

Time has always seemed to me to be expansion and contraction. This would account for the cyclical nature of events.

We tend to judge people in the same way, estimating how much they differ from the provincial standard set up in our localities. Actually, each one of us is part of a minority; everyone is outnumbered.

In keeping with enlightenment teachings, Justin advised, “There are two things to accomplish in life: knowing who and what you are (your essential being) and according with impermanence (blending harmoniously with change).”

– Steve Ridley, CO

One memory was Justin always telling me to bend my knees more and more and more. I have always used his DVD to show my classes how he teaches the movements I am teaching so, in a way, I have seen Justin almost every week for the past 18 years.

– David Schulberg, San Lorenzo, CA

I remember my June 1999 teacher training, when Justin joined us as fellow teacher candidates were presenting T’ai Chi Chih to imaginary groups. Justin had a habit of watching a student move and then going over to Ed Altman and (supposedly whispering) saying loudly enough for all to hear, “He’s not doing that right. You’ve got to show him how to …” Then we’d gather our courage to continue, let alone remember where we were in the scenario. Justin could be tough. But I so appreciated his corrections and his sincere desire to have us move and teach well. He has offered us a lifelong tool of deep wisdom and wellbeing. I’m forever grateful.

– Linda Robinson, Seattle, Washington

Thank you for the knowledge of T’ai Chi Chih and Seijaku.

Rest in peace Sifu…

– Mark Harrell, Saratoga, CA