Up High Flying In The Clear Blue Sky

Airport1.jpg
Amsterdam airport

This is part of what I wrote on the plane as I flew back from the States a couple of days ago. So sorry to be cutting my visiting tour short.

Reykjavik, try saying that when you’re tired! There on the map. On the screen. On the seat back. In front of me. Through the window to the right, the full moon. Full of mystery and promises. To the left the sun rises. A new day, a day that never ended, or that’s how it seems right now. I’ve had quite some hours to absorb the reality, the passing on of a dear friend and fellow traveler. His light burns still and yet Iain of Little House In The Paddy no long lives. A heart attack. Heck! That must be true or I wouldn’t be up here returning to England!

This is all rather a shock to me and to all of us who knew Iain. If you never met him I’d suggest you take a look through his blog, he is there. Bless him.

Posts may be few and far between while we do – what we do – when a Buddhist dies. What you do – when anybody dies – that’s give them a good send off. And in so doing wing their way with a loving heart.

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8 thoughts on “Up High Flying In The Clear Blue Sky”

  1. Indeed it was a shock to learn of his death. Iain was a great guy, a real friend and fellow traveller. We go back many years.

    gassho
    __/\__
    Norman

  2. Dear Rev. Mugo,

    That was a hard day — dark, one might say. And within the darkness, a bright spot of light: Shortly after your departure a call came in from the airline worker and friend of the priory, calling to share his joy at having been able to meet you. You made his day, as he made yours a wee bit brighter.

    Thank you for the photo of Schiphol — it reminded me of paintings by the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. How fitting, in Holland.

    Sending sympathy, merit and metta,
    Margaret

  3. All good wishes to Iain and his family, and to yourself Rev Mugo. It was clear to see what a great friendship was there. Heartening, and sad and beautiful.
    In Gassho,

    Miles

  4. Yes, there was a friendship with Iain. Fellow Buddhist training side by side – our travels in East Asia in 2005 were life events for both of us. All of that would not have been possible without him, and his wife Edera too.

  5. I should tell the story of my meeting with the friend of the priory at Portland airport. He was the first of many encounters with people who have helped support me along the way. But really! Having a United employee on his tea break make gassho and offer to buy me a coffee was an incredible start to now almost a week of adventures.

    Gosh is it a week since you were bringing me breakfast, water mellon and and oranges slices, and tea, and oatmeal as I sat glued to my computer. And you on the phone negotiating changes to my flights which were ‘not allowed’ but in the end, were.

    Uh, I will have to look up that artist you mention.

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