The Flash of a Human Life

Dogen Zenji once said, "Having received a human life, do not waste the passing moments. Already upholding the Buddha Way, why would you indulge the sparks from a flint? After all, form is like a dewdrop on the grass. Human life is a flash of lightning, transient and illusory, gone in a moment. He was not kidding or being philosophical. What he wrote is truer than true.

Layla Grace Marsh passed away yesterday, from Neuroblastoma. It's a form a cancer. She was only two (2) years old. It seems and feels, horribly unfair. The tears did not hesitate. This feeling is undeniable. And still she IS perfectly a baby Buddha.

We each have been given a gift, that in many cases has well exceeded 2 years. My sense is that Layla might say, "Don't waste a single moment! Now is your life, use it well!" If the tables were turned, wouldn't we encourage the very same thing?

Carefully thinking again on the Mind of Zen Master Dogen, he said, "Reflect quietly on whether your mind and actions are one with Buddhism (Awakening Heart-Mind) or not. If you do you will realize how shameful they are. The penetrating eyes of the Buddhas and Patriarchs are constantly illuminating the entire universe." Layla Grace Marsh being is indeed shining. We can learn from such a Buddha. Personally, I am listening with my entire being.

In closing, I ask that we think and perhaps even feel Layla Grace Marsh, within our being, also sending caring and loving thoughts to her family, with the loss of such a beautiful child. This may seem insignificant, but we should not under-estimate the power of True Being.

Forever True Dharma Continue,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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