I can’t take credit for what I write. When I look at it, I see the influence of my primary teacher, Charlotte Joko Beck, everywhere! I am also very grateful for the other teachers I have studied with over the years: Taizan Maezumi, Dennis Genpo Merzel, Elizabeth Hamilton, Ezra Bayda, and Diane Rizzetto; and for the authors of four of my favorite books:
Douglas Harding, for "On Having No Head"
Robert Adams, for "Silence of the Heart"
Nisargadatta Maharaj, for "I Am That"
David Carse, for "Perfect Brilliant Stillness"
And to Basui Tokusho, for the most beautiful poem I have ever read.
My wife Joni has been extremely influential, and often is the sounding board for my talks or writings before they ever happen.
The sdzen sangha has provided the rich soil from which all of this has grown. I am grateful for all of the questions and feedback, and special thanks go to those who have been hosting sittings.
And the credit goes on and on from there. It gets hard to separate anything out.
On the other hand, I take full responsibility for what I write. It comes from my own experiments with practice, and from my experience and understanding, often refined by the question that I ask endlessly: "How can I express this more clearly?"
And now the responsibility passes to you. Do with these writings as you will. It is hoped that they will be of some use.
Sam Gabriel, San Diego, CA
http://home.roadrunner.com/~clothespin
sam_gabriel@yahoo.com