We Don’t (fully) Know What we Got – ‘Till It’s Gone

meiko-at-shasta
Rev. Meiko at Shasta Abbey – early 1990’s.

The other day I was honoured to be the celebrant for a memorial for the late Rev. Master Meikō. Here is the dedication at the start of the ceremony.

This incense and this ceremony is dedicated to the memory of Rev. Master Meiko.
Faith-filled – Meiko
Tenacious of spirit – Meiko
“Whilst Devas beat their heavenly drums, ever making pleasing music…”
You made pleasing music during your life, may we do the same – expressed in our daily living.

(The text in quotations above is from the Lotus Sūtra, Rev. Master Hubert’s translation found in Buddhist Writings, p. 36.)

“We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music.”

Albert Einstein

When all the surface memories
and opinions and hurts
and grudges have fallen away
when somebody has died and there is time to reflect
and not be distracted by what has gone before
the dance
the music
that is their life
Our lives
emerges from the murk of memory
to sound clear and
bright.

By the way my recollections of Rev. M. Meikō were fairly benign. Contemplating her after her death and especially while preparing for her memorial she came more fully into view. I think these thoughts apply not only to death but loss in general.

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6 thoughts on “We Don’t (fully) Know What we Got – ‘Till It’s Gone”

  1. I did not know Rev. Master Meiko, in the physical sense, but there is another kind of ‘knowing’, isn’t there? Your description of her has a familiarity to it, a ‘truth’ to it. I love the words:
    When all the surface memories
    and opinions and hurts
    and grudges have fallen away
    when somebody has died and there is time to reflect
    and not be distracted by what has gone before
    the dance
    the music
    that is their life
    Our lives
    emerges from the murk of memory
    to sound clear and
    bright.
    Speaking for my own losses of the past couple of years, I have found this to be true. Thank you for posting this.

  2. Such a soft and gentle soul she was ( and busy, bright and sharp). These words of your memorial ring true for me, as well. Todd passed nine months ago, and now a soft remembrance of his being . And my own being coming into focus…. Softly, curiously, gently.
    🙏

  3. Rev Mugo
    Dedicated fan of stuff that you write… Some of it I I think I understand and some of it I have no idea but I love the words😁

  4. It’s true, all the harsh memories fade and the love remains… if that is our practice… I had a lovely interaction with Rev Meiko at Shasta when I was there at Jukai.

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