I'm not leaving a comment here. You already usurped any additional insight I could provide. AS always, brother Bret, well done. I could not possibly enjoy this Jewish identity sans the religion more than I already do. We are already members of the same tribe as Groucho Marx and Lenny Bruce.
Welp, that's one of the best things I've read in a long while. What an awakening to simply soak up your words. Thank you! I'm throwing on VSOP immediately. Seeing Herbie for the first time this summer in Newport.
That explains everything; why I am always drawn to and appreciative of your writing and perspective. You always offer insight into your mind and heart, the essential components in creating a relationship (with we, the readers.) I hope you’ve had a chance to see “Zero Gravity.” Thanks for inviting me into your garden.
For over 12 years now, I also discovered the teachings of Buddha through Vajrayana Buddhism. Wonderful. You’ve mentioned Guanajuato twice — I live in Mexico City. I play the saxophone, and my particular taste is for free jazz. If you ever have the chance to come to the city, I would love to meet you. I’m an admirer of Coltrane. Best regards.
I am right here with you. In my darkest hour, I discovered the practice of Buddhism. It was like an invisible hand that reached out to me. I am still learning. I am still meditating. I am still reaching out to that hand. And I am so grateful. As always, thank you, Bret.
Isn't it interesting how a simple book can nudge you in the direction of your life's journey? Sidharta influenced so many of us of a certain age group. I hope it still does.
Beautifully written, beautifully stated. Siddhartha had a huge impact on me as well. It’s funny, I just recently quoted it in a response I made to Brad Mehldau on his Substack. I btw also did the Buddhist chant with Mike Clark and Bennie Maupin, when I worked with them, and was later invited by Herbie when I worked with him, but politely thanked no because I knew that particular way wouldn’t be mine, and I didn’t want to impose on him just because it was Herbie. I gave Siddhartha to my wife when we met. And Kind of Blue. Somehow I feel they are of a piece. Thanks again for your beautiful and thoughtful, truthful piece/peace!
Thanks for this. The only time I got into trouble K-12 was in religious school preparing for the bar mitzvah. The teacher was talking through the miracle of Hanukkah. I couldn’t stand it. God does not act in history! And for that impertinence my ticket was punched for the rabbi’s office. He didn’t have much to say. On the big day I delivered a pretty good version of Hebrew inflected gibberish.
You of all people won’t be surprised that A Love Supreme and Meditations helped me find a way.
I’m just a beginner. I have been for 40 plus years. My therapist in Honolulu turned out to be a Zen monk. Asked me what I was looking for, I said my path, he said look under your feet. Gave me a copy of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. I asked for more and was introduced to Diamond Sangha with Roshi Robert Aitken. I’ve been following my breath ever since.
I learned from Michelle Mercer’s book about Wayne Shorter that he gave shelter to Tina Turner, when she finally made the break from Ike. Wayne and his wife invited Tina to chant with them while she lived with them. I believe Tina credited her Buddhist practice for her great success later on.
I'm not leaving a comment here. You already usurped any additional insight I could provide. AS always, brother Bret, well done. I could not possibly enjoy this Jewish identity sans the religion more than I already do. We are already members of the same tribe as Groucho Marx and Lenny Bruce.
Welp, that's one of the best things I've read in a long while. What an awakening to simply soak up your words. Thank you! I'm throwing on VSOP immediately. Seeing Herbie for the first time this summer in Newport.
“A Jew by culture, by the kind of memory that hums under your skin whether you want it or not.”
I’ve been thinking about how to describe the cultural Jew experience for a long time. The above nails it.
Great story about Wayne Shorter!
from a jazz guitarist with great appreciation
That explains everything; why I am always drawn to and appreciative of your writing and perspective. You always offer insight into your mind and heart, the essential components in creating a relationship (with we, the readers.) I hope you’ve had a chance to see “Zero Gravity.” Thanks for inviting me into your garden.
Loved Zero Gravity!
An interesting take on the way human minds work.
Thank you, Bret.
For over 12 years now, I also discovered the teachings of Buddha through Vajrayana Buddhism. Wonderful. You’ve mentioned Guanajuato twice — I live in Mexico City. I play the saxophone, and my particular taste is for free jazz. If you ever have the chance to come to the city, I would love to meet you. I’m an admirer of Coltrane. Best regards.
I am right here with you. In my darkest hour, I discovered the practice of Buddhism. It was like an invisible hand that reached out to me. I am still learning. I am still meditating. I am still reaching out to that hand. And I am so grateful. As always, thank you, Bret.
A familiar journey. Brooklyn (Borough Park), Hesse, chanting, Tucson, Mexico.
Easy Clear Focused Simple
“ to know without knowing,
without knowing, to know”
Isn't it interesting how a simple book can nudge you in the direction of your life's journey? Sidharta influenced so many of us of a certain age group. I hope it still does.
Beautifully written, beautifully stated. Siddhartha had a huge impact on me as well. It’s funny, I just recently quoted it in a response I made to Brad Mehldau on his Substack. I btw also did the Buddhist chant with Mike Clark and Bennie Maupin, when I worked with them, and was later invited by Herbie when I worked with him, but politely thanked no because I knew that particular way wouldn’t be mine, and I didn’t want to impose on him just because it was Herbie. I gave Siddhartha to my wife when we met. And Kind of Blue. Somehow I feel they are of a piece. Thanks again for your beautiful and thoughtful, truthful piece/peace!
Thanks for this. The only time I got into trouble K-12 was in religious school preparing for the bar mitzvah. The teacher was talking through the miracle of Hanukkah. I couldn’t stand it. God does not act in history! And for that impertinence my ticket was punched for the rabbi’s office. He didn’t have much to say. On the big day I delivered a pretty good version of Hebrew inflected gibberish.
You of all people won’t be surprised that A Love Supreme and Meditations helped me find a way.
I’m just a beginner. I have been for 40 plus years. My therapist in Honolulu turned out to be a Zen monk. Asked me what I was looking for, I said my path, he said look under your feet. Gave me a copy of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. I asked for more and was introduced to Diamond Sangha with Roshi Robert Aitken. I’ve been following my breath ever since.
I learned from Michelle Mercer’s book about Wayne Shorter that he gave shelter to Tina Turner, when she finally made the break from Ike. Wayne and his wife invited Tina to chant with them while she lived with them. I believe Tina credited her Buddhist practice for her great success later on.