In Memoriam: Bristol’s Bodhisattva

An extraordinary man left us yesterday. Ken Robinson was not wealthy or famous, but simply extraordinary in his goodness: his always kind smile, his generosity and support, and his unending quest for wisdom. Ken was a great man, an acute student, and a dear friend.

I first met Ken back in 2004 when just beginning my MA studies in Bristol and we immediately hit it off. He was retired, living with his wife not far from the University, and sitting in on graduate classes in Buddhist Studies. I was told that he had made a deal with the Uni: he would donate his vast Buddhist Studies library to them at the end of his life if he could sit in on courses. It was truly a win-win for everyone.

We had two courses together, the first being John Peacock’s Foundations of Buddhism course and the second Rupert Gethin’s challenging Abhidhamma class. Ken would enter every class with a smile and “hellos,” shaking hands with anyone he hadn’t seen in a while. He regularly asked the most penetrating questions, having been through the classes several times and each year gaining greater depth of understanding in the material.

Each week he joined us for tea at Hawthornes, a café just up the road from our department. While having an endless list of ideas and pursuits of his own, gathered up over decades of Buddhist practice and study, he was always genuinely fascinated with the particular ideas, interests, and lives of the students.

As our year together began to wind down and weekly tea meetings became ever more rare, we started Buddhistacademics, an online discussion group devoted to continuing our conversations. There, as in the classroom and over tea, Ken was at the heart of countless wonderful exchanges. His kindness and wisdom infused every message. In one post, after leading us through a brilliant account of the notion of the Buddha’s omniscience, he remarked, “I’d be most grateful if anybody who disagrees with any of the above will let me know why.”

Last fall Ken, for the first time in his life, began to fall ill. It started slowly, but gradually progressed until a hospital visit last month confirmed he had developed serious pneumonia. He wrote us shortly after the experience, “When I saw him the second time that day, my GP said “You do realise don’t you that you’ve been very ill?“, so no wonder I’ve felt so awful for so long!”

He was put on antibiotics and was weak but in good spirits. I had hoped to see him while I was visiting Bristol and offered to pick up some shopping for him or just stop in for a visit. He wrote back:

Dear Justin,

I hope you are having a good time in Bristol, and I’m really sorry to have missed seeing you while you are here. I’ve been up and down a bit since I’ve been on the antibiotic, but I’m now reasonably confident that it is working. Most of all, I’ll be glad to get rid of the nasty taste in my mouth and get my appetite back! It’s weird just not wanting to eat! Many thanks for the offer, but I’m OK over the week-end; my daughter called today and a friend is looking in tomorrow.

I look forward to picking up the threads with you again quite soon.

All the best, Ken. [January 17]

Dear Ken,

I’m so sorry to hear that you’re in the hospital. Pascale was kind enough to alert the buddhistacademy group a few days ago and I’ve thought of you each day and about what I might say to help cheer you up. Just know that I’m thinking of you and the many wonderful conversations we have had over the years, both in person and through email. I have benefited immeasurably and really look forward to continuing those conversations very soon. I will plan to be back in Bristol for a visit by September at the latest and there is a small chance that I may try to come back to live for a year or so. More on that soon. Do rest up for now and let us know when you’re back around again.

Best wishes,

Justin

Unfortunately, the news back was that his condition was worsening.

Hi Justin,

You’re welcome. I’ll bring your message today. On Sunday afternoon, Ken was moved into the ICU. He was calm and rested when I saw him and gave him some of the messages I had already received for him. He was very pleased to hear from everyone, and I’m sure he’ll be delighted to hear from you as he did ask me if I had heard from you in particular. He’s often mentioned you to me.

We’re keeping positive and that he’s going to recover. Keep him in your thoughts.

Best,

Pascale

Yesterday we received news that he had passed away, peacefully. As in death, so too in life. I can think of no better tribute for Ken than to think back on his life as a gift to all who knew him.