Danny Parker
Danny Parker is a Zen Priest in Florida who studied at the SFZC when he was 21 then got involved with Zen again years later, becoming a student and dharma heir of Ed Brown. He recently edited a book of Ed's lectures called The Most Important Point. He's done and is doing a lot more. Congratulations on receiving transmission from Ed Brown.
Danny is a retired research scientist. He specializes in collecting and analyzing measured data taken from residential and commercial buildings to determine how efficiency and renewable sources can dramatically lower energy needs.
-www.ba-pirc.org/researchers/parker.htm
From an email to Katrinka from Danny, April 11, 2026
Dear Katrinka and Fellow Travelers,
Yes, I seem to wait for the very last moment for everything. But there still seems to be a moment to write about my friend David Chadwick. My processing of grief for David seems glacial. So I apologize for my last minute tribute to our sweet, whimsical relationship over years.
Our last communication was on January 26th of this year. I had mentioned to him that I had heard an beautiful dharma teaching from an unlikely source— Jim Lovell, who had circled the moon in December 1968– and that it might be worth a podcast on Cuke.com. It still might.
David set aside a time and I missed our appointment. I can’t recall why. We were going to reschedule and entered a discussion that was never finished.
There are many things I could relate about our few meetings at Tassajara, now, nearly 15 years ago. We would pal around the valley and each time was a bit magical. One episode, in particular, stands out in my memory. David had hurt his foot, but was determined to make it up to the Suzuki Roshi memorial with me. He used a cane and felt brave to do it if I would come. On the way up the first switchback he stopped and announced that he wished to tell me a story. It was this:
Over the years with Suzuki, he had earnestly asked Roshi to tell him what he must do in order to attain true realization. David had already been at Tassajara, Japan and remained devoted to practice. The first time David asked, Suzuki was in a car with him in the back seat, but after his question, David looked back and Roshi was sound asleep. However, the next time, David arranged a Dokusan with Suzuki so there would be a direct question and answer.
David said in dokusan, he then pleaded with Suzuki to tell him what he must do to reach true realization.
Suzuki didn't hesitate: “Remember everything!”
On the trail up to the Suzuki Roshi memorial, David had stopped to tell the short story and then, gestured with his hands out, one holding the staff, and let out a big laugh. Was that possible, I asked.? He laughed again. We finally composed ourselves and made it up to the memorial to tidy the place and to pay our respects.
I have never forgotten the impossible teaching. It stays with me and keeps coming back.
You see, David devoted in his life to remembering everything about a special spiritual guide-- Shunryu Suzuki, a special time and special beings. Everyone was involved in a warmly mysterious spiritual quest. What we are all doing here?
It still goes on.
David gets the last word from Cuke.com which I read to our little sangha this morning.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings be healthy
May all beings be free from harm
May all beings love life
May all beings awaken
I pray that you and yours are safe and comfortable, free from economic hardship and able to get out and do whatever it is you want within the universal precept of do as little harm as possible.
Thank you David. Thank you Katrinka and the Chadwick family. And thank you Peter Ford and all the others-- a mountain of grace.
Many Blessings,
Shojo Danny Parker