Colleen Morton Busch

Author of Fire Monks

Sitting with fire again

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The Soberanes Fire has now burned 40,618 acres. Evacuation orders were issued yesterday to allow for safe backfiring. Tassajara has not evacuated yet, but some retreats have been cancelled and according to 2008 fire monk David Zimmerman, the on site resident fire crews are "on alert" and preparing. Let's hope the new permanent Dharma Rain system is not soon tested. The cause of this fire is still under investigation, but containment isn't expected until the end of August. More info on the fire's spread here. … [Read more...]

One-pointed mind and wide-field mind

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Fire in the vicinity of Tassajara has me thinking of Abbot Steve and his wise leadership during the 2008 Basin Complex fire. I dug through my interview audio files to unearth this little Dharma gem, Abbot Steve talking about applied Zen in the realm of wildfire: "Detachment doesn't mean that you separate yourself from things." … [Read more...]

In Remembrance: Myogen Steve Stücky, March 6, 1946 – December 31, 2013

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In the early morning hours of the last day of 2013, fire monk Myogen Steve Stücky left this world for the great beyond. Read more about Myogen's life here. I was tremendously fortunate to spend time with Myogen during the research and writing of Fire Monks. He was warm and encouraging from the first time we spoke. He was patient and curious and engaged my questions thoughtfully and openly. I remember sitting in the abbot's cabin at Tassajara going over the proposal before I had a contract with Penguin Press for the book. He wasn't sure about the title "fire monks"--none of … [Read more...]

Tourmalet trounce

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We heard Tourmalet was a fiercely challenging climb and that many a Tour de France has been decided on it. Well, climbing is believing, apparently. We saved this monster pass for last on accident, and it lived up to its reputation yesterday. I didn't take many photos since my energy was going towards getting myself and my heavy but trusty touring bike up the hill. Here are a few images: Pedaling backwards in time, the day before Tourmalet, we tackled the Col d'Aspin,another Tour mainstay, but a much gentler climb. Watch video clip … [Read more...]