Gathas on fear by Robert Aitken Roshi from The Dragon Who Never Sleeps

When I catch myself blowing smoke
I vow with all beings
to clean the air by confessing
the smoke doesn’t cover my fear.

When fear seems overwhelming
I vow with all beings
to face this last great barrier:
it’s terror of death I feel.

When fear seems overwhelming
I vow with all beings
to relinquish even my fear
and die, once and for all.

When fear feels overwhelming
I vow with all beings
to walk through this ancient valley
breathing Mu right to the end.

When I read about levels of insight
I vow with all beings
to return the book to the bookcase.
“Oh Bosh,” as Grandma would say.

For a lovely memorial to Aitken Roshi, please go here.

Have a fearless weekend and thank you for practising,

Genju