I am beginning to pull together some materials for writing about the life and teaching of Issan Dorsey—photographs, notes, memories, sayings, jokes, happy memories and sad ones.
I will also post drafts—I hope in readable shape—of the stories about Issan as I begin writing.
Mindfulness Is Not a Part-Time Job I found this dharma talk of Issan's in an old newsletter of the Gay Buddhist Fellowship. Though I can see an editor's hand, Issan comes through in his simple eloquence and the depth of understanding.
Remembrance of Issan Dorsey Roshi (March 7, 1933- September 6, 1990) on the 20th anniversary of his death,
Issan’s Jesus koan, Bruce Boone’s memory of Issan. April 23, 2010
Hearing the parable of the Good Samaritan—for the first time! April 23, 2010, My friend, Fr. Joe Devlin, S.J., celebrates mass in the zendo at the Hartford Street Zen Center for Issan and other men at Maitri Hospice.
"I have things to do!" April 23, 2010, This story about Issan’s last week of life came back to me when another Buddhist friend received news of a grave diagnosis from his doctor.
Tommy D, the boy as pretty as the girl next-door, May 22, 2010, Candid and not so candid pictures of Issan. Photographs that Del Carlson gave to the Hartford Street Zen Center.
“Next Question” please, The re-examination of an oppressive conversation about the prohibitory precepts and personal reflections about gay men's practice.
I always welcome any thoughts or suggestions. There will be a comment box at the end of each post. Please let me know if you remember some story about Issan.
*"Record" is a traditional title for the recorded sayings of Zen masters, their koans, life stories, lineage, and other interesting stuff. I am almost certain, but will have to check, that the Chinese masters and their disciples began using "record" this way during what is considered Zen's Golden Age, cc 700-900 C.E.
