Memorial Gathering

On April 22, about 30 people gathered at Dawn's and Barry's house in Walnut Creek for the purpose of remembering Bruce Noble and celebrating the life that he lived. Some of us had not seen each other in many years, a few of us had never met. All of us had some connection to Bruce, and through him, to each other. The sun was shining, though rain had been predicted. We walked up to the amazing oak tree and settled ourselves in its long welcoming branches which provided seating at various levels. Poems were read--some from people unable to join the gathering--memories from over the years were shared, stories were told. I think Jeff Love pretty much summed it up when he stood, stretched his arms toward the sky and shouted out "We love you Bruce!" Osha had Bruce's ashes in a large container and those who wished to took a handful and scattered them around the magnificent tree or took some with them to scatter or bury elsewhere. We walked back down to the house to share the food, sitting in small groups indoors and outdoors to continue sharing both humorous and poignant remembrances of our contact with Bruce. Osha read aloud the Zen story of the 10 Bulls which Bruce had always loved. It was a sweet day.

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Saturday, February 10, 2007

Bret/Chakravarta

I was suicidal in the mid-eighties - I couldn't make life work given the way I'd been indoctrinated to be (and fell for, and defended). My friend Donna Gerry suggested I take an Enlightenment Intensive. I walked out of the first one 6 hours into the first day - too paranoid to do it.

Donna was disappointed, and so was I, actually. Why couldn't I just decide to spend three days doing this?

Donna introduced me to Bruce, and I decided to take an EI with him 6 months later, at Tatagatas. The same stuff came up, and I wanted to leave. He gave me an interview, listened to all my objections, answeredthem (as he could), then asked me if I could think of a reason to stay.

I did, and I determined to get into it as much as I could, and I got really freaky from confronting it. And that afternoon I had my first Experience, and I knew where the center is (although I'm not done getting rid of my junk).

I took several more EIs Bruce gave, and he monitored on several others I took, and participated in more. And dyad nights in Berkeley. Sometimes I didn't think so well of his approach, but he was always open and accepting - quite an accomplishment really (or lack of one, depending on one's view of things). I'm sure I could have asked him for help
anytime, and he likely would have done it. I remember he thought well of me.

I knew he was living rough later on, and I lost touch when I moved Down Under, although I'd hear about him occasionally through Marshall. I would have liked to speak with him again, to tell him how much he helped me. Perhaps it would have been someone else if not him (others did help me quite a lot), but he was up to the task, too, and I'm very grateful.

As I think about him now, I can see how sincere he always was, and that is about the highest compliment I can think of for someone. He meant it, and he lived it. And he was kind and patient. I'm not sad thinking about him - I'm happy I knew him.

I don't have any pictures of him, except in my mind. And I remember his voice.

Bret / Chakravarta
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