“No matter how much the spring wind loves the fragrance, the beauty and the delicacy of the blossom, the same wind that caresses the blossom sets the blossom free. And so we see that. We feel that. This is what life brings to us: spring and fall, the bloom and the faded bloom.
The boundless ocean of love encompasses everything—the rise and the fall. We can know the infinite comfort of love and still grieve. And still be terrified! We can be unafraid to be terrified. We can be unhindered by grief.”
Dedicated to my faithful dog Molly, 2001-2019
An excerpt from Closing Remarks at the Spring Wind Zen Retreat on April 14, 2019. Listen in full using the player shown below, or at this link.
Photo by Robbin Huang on Unsplash
Oh, Maezen, I am so sad that your faithful companion Molly is no longer by your side. My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I spent one sunny afternoon with the two of you— sitting in the garden, walking the neighborhood, sharing the peace of a singular afternoon. How grateful I am for that gift.
Comment by Connie Assadi — April 18, 2019 @ 11:36 am
So much love, Maezen ♡
Such grace in those words and I cannot help but believe that there is a powerful message in knowing that leaving and lifting use the very same muscles of the heart. I will never forget her.
Comment by Bonnie Rae — April 18, 2019 @ 11:36 am
I’m so sorry for your loss Karen. R.I.P. Molly. I remember a picture of her asleep in your garden and I commented that she looked like she was enjoying herself and you replied that she had her priorities straight. I’m sure she’s sleeping in some great garden right now.
Comment by Jeff Walker — April 18, 2019 @ 5:55 pm
I am so sorry you no longer have Molly with you, so hard. Sending love ?
Comment by Lucy — April 18, 2019 @ 7:06 pm
Molly was such a good dog. I am so happy to have met her. And you took such good care of one another. I love you Maezen.
Comment by Kirsten — April 19, 2019 @ 5:19 am
Sorry for your loss of Molly.
Love to you.
Jimmy
Comment by Jimmy Fox — April 19, 2019 @ 5:37 am
I’m very sorry for your loss. We have dogs and the older I get the more dear dogs -in general and my own- are to me.
I once read an article about the loss of a dog. According to one of the interviewed people (who had earlier lost two (adult) children) she found the loss of her dog the most painful.
So be as sad as you see fit. But also remember that you are sad for your self.
Comment by Simone — April 19, 2019 @ 6:14 am
I am not sad, nor is she. She hasn’t gone anywhere.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — April 19, 2019 @ 6:20 am
Maezen,
Sending so much love to you and to Molly. I know she was and will continue to be a wonderful teacher. Her presence will continue to be felt, I’m sure. She’s living prajna paramita in whatever form (or non-form) she has now taken. 🙂
Comment by Michelle Cohen — April 22, 2019 @ 2:14 pm
Sending love to you, today and always.
Comment by Deirdre — April 25, 2019 @ 7:43 am