Over the past few days, I have listened to the recording made last Wednesday, March 19. My husband, Randy, had orthopedic surgery earlier that day, and I was unable to participate in the live discussion although listening to it in shorter snatches kept me focused and tuned in to all the content. As I was listening, I remembered a time earlier in my own life, when I was a participating member of the Oasis Spiritual Retreat Center community (off Cooper Orbit Road in Little Rock). As Featured Speakers Council Chair, I had the opportunity to hear many presentations, and I can recall many of them and the amazing spiritual guides who led them. Sister Helen Prejean spoke about Walking Dead Man, and others came to share their deep wisdom on a variety of topics.
One stands out to me because there were two speakers, and I remember having a sense that I was in the presence of something very holy. Dr. McDaniel, you were one of the individuals, and the other was a Buddhist monk; I do not remember his name. As I sat in the audience, I could clearly see both of your auras...one was a blue white and one was a pink-tinged white. I do not remember whose was whose, but the experience has stayed with me. I am now wondering if your companion that night might have been the man you spoke of from your time in Claremont....and who served as your teacher while you served as his. Namaste...Patty
Dr. McDaniel, was his name Master Fukushima Roshi? Thank you Patty for bringing this up and sharing! Dr McDaniel introduced me to Buddhism, meditation, and Fukushima Roshi when I attended Hendrix and took several religion/philosophy courses. My classmates and I who were taking Buddhism together, attended the weekend retreat on Petit Jean Mtn led by Fukushima Roshi. It was an all silent weekend, hours of meditation, healthy eating, and cold temperatures. We camped and I felt so connected to nature. I could not remember a time when I had been silent for so long. That weekend began the deeper spiritual part of my life. Thank you Dr. McDaniel! - Joy
Joy, I am so glad you're in the course. It's really great to see you! Yes, the Zen master was Roshi Keido Fukushima...my old friend. He's passed into the next plane now, but still with me and you and others. I'd love to hear more how that Zen retreat influenced you. I'm really glad to know that.
