Relationship and Dialogue - Katherine Thanas by Rev. Eugene Bush

Relationship and dialogue are cornerstones of zen practice.  We had a chance at the 10th year memorial for Katherine to ceremonially express our collective gratitude to her, and to all the ancestors, while chanting “Merging of Difference and Unity.” About 25 dharma friends attended in person and about 16 via Zoom from locations all across the world.

 The personal memories of Katherine, not just what she taught but HOW she taught, were lively and touching. Her great kindness, sense of humor, and gentle yet high standard for the forms of practice were invoked in the sharing. The warm hand to warm hand relationships were evident, leading us to reflect upon our responsibility to the next generation.

 I’ll share here a reflection from the booklet that Dana Takagi and I compiled in 2020 and recently re-edited, Most Intimate Ordinary Way. This collection of short pieces from Katherine’s students and the lineage summary are a tribute to Katherine’s continuing influence in our lives.

We close now recounting a memorable exchange at Katherine’s Mountain Seat Ceremony.   You may need to visualize this as the core part of the exchange was not verbal.

 Gaelyn Godwin stood before Katherine and after the initial bow asked: “To whom do we owe our attention?”  Gaelyn put her hands palms up, gestured with one hand, “our students?” and then gestured with the other hand, “our ancestors?”  

 Katherine mirrored Gaelyn, palms face up.   Then, with that familiar great smile, she quickly moved her hands criss-cross across in front of her body, whisk and all, pointing in opposite directions. 

 They bowed deeply to each other.

(Please let us know if you would like to purchase a copy of Most Intimate Ordinary Way for $25.}