From Shambhala SunSpace.
Mountain and Rivers Order website on John Daido Loori: “Only a few days of life left”
Following on the recent news of the retirement of John Daido Loori, Abbot of The Mountain and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism, the MRO has added a page to its website called “Daido Roshi Descends the Mountain,” which reads:
Dear Friends,
Over the last few days, Daido Roshi’s condition has changed significantly and it is now apparent that he has only a few days of life left. Because of this, the Descending the Mountain ceremony scheduled for this Sunday at Zen Mountain Monastery needs to be cancelled. There will be regular morning services on Sunday October 4, 2009 at both Zen Mountain Monastery and Fire Lotus Temple.
Meanwhile, Daido Roshi is comfortable and attended to round the clock by his wife, monastics and the hospice nursing staff.
Upon his death, we will inform you about the funeral arrangements and ceremonies, events that traditionally take place forty-nine days after death.
Please continue your practice during this time and keep Daido Roshi in your mind and heart.
With deep appreciation,
Zen Mountain Monastery
Like so many of you, we of course are saddened by this news. Please feel free to leave your thoughts and memories of Daido Roshi here so that he and our friends at the MRO might share in them.
The staff of Wisdom sends their prayers to Roshi and the entire MRO sangha.
Update: For more on the passing of John Daido Loori click here.
