Our dear friend and Dharma brother, Hozan Kushiki Alan Senauke, passed away Sunday, December 22nd. Our hearts go out to Laurie, their children, family and sangha. Alan was a genuine Bodhisattva who humbly served his entire adult life in the Dharma on many fronts. He tirelessly brought the Dharma to the incarcerated, visiting the federal prison, FCI Dublin, among others for many years. Alan served as Director of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship for ten years and remained a supporter and friend of BPF's work thereafter. I had the privilege of serving on the BPF board for three years after my release from prison in 1999, and Alan and Laurie very kindly hosted me in their home at the Berkeley Zen Center whenever I was in town for board meetings.
I traveled to Israel-Palestine with Alan and the Zen Peacemakers for a peace conference and witnessed activities during the 2nd Intifada. I directly experienced Alan's fearless dedication to peace, justice, and compassion. Through his project Clear View, Alan was a tireless advocate and good friend to the Rohingya people and the country of Burma/Myanmar.
He was also a long-time friend to the Dalit community and followers of the Indian reformer and statesman Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Of course, many also know Alan as a musician and performer of bluegrass and Appalachian old-time music. May Hozan continue to inspire and motivate all of us to dedicated Dharma practice and compassionate service for many years to come.
Fleet Shinryu Maull
Prison Dharma Network
Engaged Mindfulness Institute