Memorial Service For Katagiri Roshi

After the offerings of incense, tea (Evening in Missoula), sweet hot water, and a chocolate cookie we will bow three times. Then the officiant will offer some dharma words. Here’s what I’ll say tonight:

You came to Minnesota to reveal the pure dharma wind, sitting, talking, and dying.

We were born from your single utterance. Due to your great determination to continue walking, whether the circumstances were good or bad, we continued walking.

You said, “You are you, anyway.” I heard you.

You told me, “Already you are stuck. Turn over a new leaf, now!” The one who has no tools obeyed.

When you were sick you said, “I will always be there with you.” You’ve followed through.

Dogen-zenji said (EK 185) “Today’s memorial dedication will be clearly examined by the [departed] sacred spirit. The deep determination of the disciple yearning for his late teacher is known only by the late teacher. The late teacher’s compassion while sympathizing with his disciple is known only by the disciple…. Blood and tears filling my chest, to whom can I speak? I only wish that [the teaching of] this staff would spread widely. These are the very sayings that know and repay our debt of kindness. What is this matter of going beyond buddhas and ancestors?”

Hearing with the same ears, seeing with the same eyes, I offer this:

I Can Conjure You

Put out my eyes, and I can see you still,

Slam my ears to, and I can hear you yet;

And without any feet can go to you;

And tongueless, I can conjure you at will.

Break off my arms, I shall take hold of you

And grasp you with my heart as with a hand;

Arrest my heart, my brain will beat as true;

And if you set this brain of mine afire,

Then on my blood-stream I yet will carry you.

– Rilke

Today we gather with the eyeballs and eardrums you handed on. It is not uncommon for students to be born together. To be born together and die together – this intimacy is most unusual.

Then we will recite the “Great Compassion Dharani” (Daihishin Darani) and the chant leader will dedicate the service with these words:

Life: Where do you come from?
The flower of the indestructible tree gives its fragrance freely.

Death: Where are you heading?
The clouds disperse and the moon clearly appears.

In offering, incense, candle light, sweet water and tea and the recitation of the Dai Hin Shin Dharani we honor the wholehearted devotion of Jikai Dainin Daiosho. Whether the circumstances were good or bad, you continued walking and offered your warm hand. Now, whether the circumstances are good or bad, we continue walking, vowing to go beyond the dharma you handed on, living and dying together.

Ỡ All buddhas throughout space and time,
Ỡ All honored ones, bodhisattvas, mahasattvas
Ỡ Wisdom beyond wisdom, mahaprajnaparamita.

Memorial Service for Katagiri Roshi