Gratitude

 

March 6, 2026

 

                Master Dogen Zenji says the most important task is to study the matter of birth and death. While watching some British hospital show last night there was an elderly man, a few years younger than me, who suffered a stroke. Next to him, lay a young baby boy in his mother’s carriage: birth and death. We are each born to grow, flower, and die. It is life’s way. For each of us, this is our path. What we make of it is ours.

 

                There is an old phrase, “Carpe Diem.” In effect, it means having a “live for the moment” attitude. Seize the day for tomorrow may not come and yesterday is gone.  Yes. For us Elders, tomorrow is a hope; each morning I am grateful for the sun to rise, and I am awake to experience it. A sip of coffee, a chat with Shukke, petting our dogs…grateful for it all.  My practice is to live knowing I will die. This is the knowledge of being a human being. I may not be here tomorrow. And so?

 

                The “so what?” is to make each day count by some measure we each bring to our lives. For me, since Vietnam, it has been to be in service to others whether as a psychotherapist or priest. Now, pretty much retired, it is with such writing as this, such kindness as caring for wife and pups. I am grateful for this everyday opportunity.

 

                Be a blessing,

 

                Daiho