RIP Bob Bunryu Watkins

Dear friend, Tassajara's first work leader, and co-founder with Kobun Chino of Hokoji in Arroyo Seco above Taos, New Mexico. Learned from Vanja Palmers who said Bob passed two days ago. Here's a page for Bob on cuke with links to interviews and a piece I just put together on him called On Bob Watkins. Tomorrow more links and photos.

There he is in front of his trailer at Duane Hopper's place in Taos. - dc

Update: Just got this.

Dear Friends,

As many of you have heard Bunryu Bob Watkins entered parinirvana on December 8th at 3 PM. He was at home surrounded by friends and family. Bob, with Kobun's encouragement, planted the seed of Dharma in Taos and catalyzed the manifestation of Hokoji, our wonderful temple and practice place. We had a spontaneous ceremony of chanting the Heart Sutra and offering incense after our Thursday evening zazen and we dedicate the upcoming Rohatsu sesshin to Bob's ongoing good works. There will be a larger gathering of family and friends in the spring (date to be announced) where we will have some ceremony, an opportunity to share stories about Bob, and to inter his ashes at Hokoji. Join us as you are able, whether near or far, in the ongoing practice stream.

Best wishes,

Hokoji