Keeping Justin’s Memory Alive

Seven years ago on March 28, 2012, Justin Stone physically left us and left so behind much – books, CDs, DVDs, poetry, poetry form (pyramid poetry), art, music, meditation techniques, T’ai Chi Chih and Seijaku. That is a lot. He speaks to us through so many mediums and, most dramatically, through his gift of daily spiritual practices (TCC and Seijaku).

And yet there is more. He left his words (sometimes “no words”), personal conversations, kindness (and scary corrections) and mostly his example. He never charged a teacher money. He regularly checked on a homeless man in Albuquerque. (How are you? Do you need anything?) He spoke to Folsom Prison inmates not down to them. He considered and treated TCC as a service to humanity – not a road to personal profit. He thought of teachers as treasures and jewels. I had limited personal exposure to Justin compared to many, and yet could go on and on. I was deeply impacted by each encounter.

So how can we keep the uniqueness and selflessness of this special human being alive? How do we inform our students of the teh (inner sincerity) behind our practice? I imagine my students get tired of hearing me talk about Justin, and my constant expression of gratitude to him. Still, I will do my best to keep his memory alive. Too much will be lost if we do not.