(Red Pine)

I feel compelled to share this with my circle. For some time now, I’ve been seeking new readings—perhaps sutras—to accompany my daily practice. After nearly two years with the Radiance Sutras, I sensed it was time for a shift. I’ve read the Yoga Sutras and am nearly through the Heart Sutra, in a translation and commentary by the renowned Red Pine (Bill Porter). At the end of the book’s long introduction, I was surprised to discover he now lives in the same town as I do.

Curious, I did a bit of searching to confirm where he lived, though I had no intention of approaching him—not until I felt more grounded in his work. I learned there’s a documentary about his life called Dancing with the Dead, which chronicles his thirty years in China.  

I watched it, it was amazing. What a remarkable life, translating ancient Chinese poetry, visiting mountain hermits, and offering so many luminous works to the world.

Then today, while walking my two dogs in Chetzemoka Park, I started down the path to the beach but turned back, thinking it would be too muddy. And there he was, Red Pine. We greeted each other, shook hands, and had a lovely conversation. I’ll admit, I was a bit awe-struck.

Next week, two of his translated works are set to arrive: The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain and The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse. I plan to draw my daily readings from these.  I definitely feel they found me...