They say that when one is ready to learn a
teacher is provided. I’d also add to that sentiment that when one needs a little
extra push or a supportive word that someone will also appear. Roshi Vernon Kitabu Turner in his book Soul To Soul was that for me. I spent an entire weekend reading, meditating, journaling, contemplating, and coming to a calm peaceful place where I began to accept my future (come what may) with a new understanding. In Soul To Soul, the author talks frankly about finding his place as a Zen Master. In the beginning, he had much trepidation about his destiny. How could he a Christian boy from the United States become a Buddhist
teacher? Not-I, Not-I. Then, he realized it wasn’t really about him. He was
merely a symbol, an image. That he shouldn’t try to be something he wasn’t, his purpose was merely to be himself, follow his calling, and realize that there were no contradictions in being true to his nature. Beyond the profound influence that this book had on me during a time of personal questioning, I believe that Soul to Soul has a greater message for all people, whether they call themselves Buddhists, Christians, or whatever. We both as individuals and as society as a whole tend to think ourselves into problems. Instead of accepting what we truly feel and reacting to that moment, most of us tend to push those emotions down because we fear that we might be judged. In the end, instead of being truly happy and living life to the fullest, we live unfulfilled, stagnant lives, unconnected to ourselves and the world around us.