Dear Friends,

I write with a heavy heart today to inform you of the passing of our beloved leader, Ken Rosen. Although he had been struggling with some health issues in recent years, his death Saturday, October 6th, – peacefully at home and with his family around him – was unexpected. At yesterday’s morning’s sitting, we dedicated the Memorial Service chanting to him and we were honored to have his family join us in the Zendo. Anyone who heard Ken’s recent dharma talk on the Prajna Paramita Hridaya, which he had memorized during a hospital stay, perhaps found special comfort in the words:

“None are born or die.
Nor are they stained or pure,
Nor do they wax or wane.”

I know I do not need to tell anyone how central Ken was to our center and how sorely he will be missed. But we hope that you will join us at this sensitive time in strengthening our commitment to the Clear Water Zen Center and to the perpetuation of the Dharma that Ken Rosen shared with us for so many years and mirrored for us in his wise and compassionate life. He was truly a joy and his life a blessing.

When Roshi Lawson joins us the weekend of Oct. 26-28, we will find a further way to celebrate Ken’s extraordinary life and we hope you will join in. We hope to announce the details shortly.

Jeff George,
For the Board,
Clear Water Zen Center