Continuing on with a theme.
Work is not required of a person
There is such a thing as sacred idleness
The cultivation of which is often fearfully neglected.
I don’t know the source of this quote sent to me by a sangha friend. Talking of friends in the sangha, this time a member of the monastic community, we had the sad news that one of the monks in the order died on Thursday. We are all, to say the least, stunned. Here is the announcement posted in various places on the Internet.
It is with great sadness that I am letting you know that Rev. Master Myfanwy, a senior member of the Order and a disciple of Rev. Master Daishin Morgan, died at Dragon Bell Temple on Thursday, July 2nd in Tiverton, Devon. For some years her health has not been robust, and in the past week, she had reported to her congregation and to fellow monks that she felt particularly unwell. Last Friday she called the NHS 111 emergency telephone service and then followed up with consultations and prescription medication from her general practitioner; these had somewhat relieved her symptoms. However, the cause of death is not known at this time.
This sudden and unexpected death of our fellow monk, who had been part of the development of Throssel, having been ordained in September 1983, and the second disciple of Rev. Master Daishin, has left us all, frankly, stunned. Many memories flood in at this time; her contribution as a trained artist to the decor in the ceremony hall and elsewhere, as well as her presence within the community and among the lay sangha both here at Throssel and later, since 2000, in the South West of England. There is nothing like a sudden death in ‘the family’ to bring home our mortal nature. Our hearts go out to all those who grieve, and for those who have been deeply impacted by this news.
If you would like to share a personal memory please leave a comment on the Throssel blog where others can appreciate the breadth and depth of this big-hearted person. Yes, big-hearted, compassionate and wise and sometimes very forthright! All those aspects and more combined to form the Buddhist monk, Hōun Myfanwy. She will be missed by many.
In gassho
Just to express my sadness on the news of Rev.Master Myfanwy.
She was of the same lay generation as myself,and indeed some now senior monks,at Throssel in the early 80’s,of which I have many fond memories. A life well lived and fortunate to have discovered the Buddha Dharma and followed her heart.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_MacDonald
George MacDonald wrote the quote that apears in this article.