though i didn’t study with Larry directly, his writing, his teaching and especially his poetry & his inclusion of his Christian teaching with Buddhadharma have had deep resonance for me on my own journey.

with deep bows of gratitude, may his journey onward be filled with ease and love.

~j

⭕️♥️🙏🏼

Posted @withregram • @thelotus_institute 

Dear friends and beloved community,

This morning, Tuesday, August 19, our beloved teacher and wise elder, Larry Ward (True Great Sound), passed away in his home in Rhode Island. Larry had faced some health challenges recently, yet he continued to live and teach fully in each moment. He was always quick to share his morning practice of the Five Remembrances, and how he started every day, before his feet touched the ground, in contemplation of our impermanence and oneness.

Larry is a lighthouse of love, laughter, and wisdom for countless people across generations, cultures and faiths. His voice, the lion’s roar, grew even louder this year as we all faced the challenges of a world on fire. His expression of the Dharma was at once rebellious, accessible and drew on teachings across Christianity, Buddhism and beyond.

Through it all, his radiant smile, joyful belly laughs, and boundless compassion made us feel safe and at home—reminding us that we are doing our best, and that we are enough, just as we are. At Lotus, in team meetings and events, he’d always encourage us to go outside, be in the company of birds, deer, and trees, and sit in the natural wonder of this world—and try not to worry too much.

Peggy is being held in the loving care of family and friends. Please keep her in your hearts and prayers.

Soon, we will have an opportunity to gather and remember Larry and the things he loved: music, poetry, stories, and laughter. For now, we ask you to join us in providing your collective energy and support to Larry in this time of transition.

With deep gratitude and care,

Mona, Matt, Celeste, Mai and Hoa

The Lotus team

#larryward #lotusinstitute