Robert Aitken, one of American Zen’s great pioneers, has died.
Aitken was brought to Zen in great part thanks to time detained in Japanese internment camps (due to his presence as a worker in Guam at the start of World War II). In one such camp he met R.H. Blyth, whose presence and scholarly work would have a life-changing influence on Aitken.
Aitken would go on to become a Zen teacher in the Harada-Yasutani lineage of Zen Buddhism, and to co-found Honolulu, Hawaii’s Diamond Sangha. His influence, as seen in books on Zen practice and ethics like Taking the Path of Zen, Encouraging Words, and The Mind of Clover, would become widespread. Aitken also dedicated himself to social justice throughout his life and work, as one of the co-founders of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and a stalwart voice of social tolerance and healing.
As of today, Aitken Roshi’s website reads “Aitken Roshi passed away today, Thursday, August 5, 2010, at around 5:30 pm at Straub hospital in Honolulu. He was 93.” More telling is the wording of the title of that post: “Goodbye Dad, Grampa, Papa, Friend, Teacher, Scholar, Educator, Author, Roshi…” Our thoughts go out to all the many who knew Aitken Roshi in any of these capacities.
Robert Aitken's writings set me on a long (if very slow) path. He was important in my life. He is living proof in my life of the power of books to change someone at a distance.
I had always hoped to meet him and never did. I will miss him, and my sympathies go out to those who knew and loved him.
I corresponded briefly with Roshi aprox 20 yrs ago. His wisdom and encouragement shone through the handwritten response. We are blessed by his efforts.
I've been a practicing Buddhist for almost 20 years and not in the Zen tradition, but I've always considered Aitken Roshi to be my Zen teacher (not Zen but Zen — how Zen!) I treasure all of his books. In the back of Taking the Path of Zen is an appendix called Willy-Nilly Zen where he shares how he came to be on the path. If you haven't read it, now would be a good time.
Many years ago, I wrote him a note, thanking him for his books and all the help he'd given me. He wrote back, thanking me and saying that even teachers need encouraging words.
Bows to a great teacher and a compassionate human being. Blessings to his family.
I loved his writing, especially Zen Master Raven and Miniatures of A Zen Master. A major personal inspiration and influence.
Deepest bows, and peace and healing to his family and friends.
I had the fortune of having an interview with Roshi Aitken while vacationing on the Big Island about 10 years ago.
Reader comments via Facebook —
Gregg W:
"Years carrying around this bag of bones – finally cast off." Gassho
Eva F:
Gassho
"Taking the Path of Zen" was one of the first books I read when I finally committed to practice. I always appreciated his section on how to approach Zen practice with one's young children. It has proven to be very sound advice. I will always be grateful for his work.