When Zen Master Nangyo Ejo was passing away, the Emperor asked him, “What should we do about your relics? Is there anything we can do to help you? What do you want me to do?” And Ejo said, “If you build me a mound for my relics, it is enough.” “How should I build it?” the Emperor asked. Ejo said, “My disciple will know well, so ask him.” So after he passed away, the Emperor asked his disciple how to make the mound. The disciple said, “Make the best mound.” “How do you make the best mound?” The disciple said, “From the east side of the Yangtze to the west side of the Yangtze River.” And the Emperor couldn’t understand. It would cover the whole country! So he couldn’t answer, he couldn’t say yes. Ejo’s true body covers everything. He is one with everything, so even though he dies, there is no difference. —Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 68-02-00-E - as found on shunryusuzuki.com edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives or cuke.com/ig for links to the full Shunryu Suzuki lecture and the source of the photo.
On the full moon night of April 17, 1972, the ashes of Suzuki-roshi were scattered at Tassajara.
