Two Shosan memories: I asked, "Is there any way to avoid making the same mistake over and over again?" Roshi simply said," No."..

And Craig Boyan asked (after sobbing his heart out while waiting in line), asked, "Why is there is so much suffering?" Roshi simply said, "No reason.".

I always feel sad that I don't have more specific memories, but the feeling is there, powerful as ever. During the last practice period, we all went to the Ashes Site on the 40th anniversary of his death; everyone had an opportunity to say something. My offering:

Forty years, a flash and an eternity.
The Buddha Hall overflowing with people and tears.
Chogyam Trungpa sobbing at the foot of your coffin.
I hear your chuckle in the creek and feel your strength in the stones.
Gate, gate, para gate, para sam gate. Bodhi, Svaha!

5-20-13 - Opps. Forgot Al Tribe's birthday two days ago. He was born on Shunryu Suzuki's birthday (5-18-1904).