It has been 13 years since Tassajara faced a fire like it has faced again with the Willow Fire. I thought it was time to remind people of their story. It happened in 2008 and they defended the Zen Center when everyone else had pulled out. This year, both the USFS and Cal Fire stayed with them. In 2008, they were abandoned. And this year, they weren’t five. They were ten. It is an unbelievable story told well. You can find it in this book available on Amazon:
I love a happy ending. Dog owner found and put in contact with person who…
Date: July 17, 2026 District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa…
Date:Wednesday, July 15, 2026District:05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz…
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Perfect. Thank-you, Kate.
Chop wood, carry water.
Indeed! And nowadays,
Chop Wood, Clear Brush, Carry Water!
They are in such better shape this time around! Trained, fuel mitigation up the wazoo, well organized, so many good firefighter relationships and of course the Buddha way!!
Blessings to all the folks in the line of fire (so to speak!)
The time to "fight" fire is before it arrives. It usually arrives before the flame front. Airborne burning material carried on the wind . . .
Indeed Lauren!
Kudo's to them All!
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Thank you for everything as always, Big Sur Kate
Thanks for the Fire Monks shout-out Kate! I wish the story wasn’t as relevant as it still is, but I have just as much faith in Zen mind and the preparation and groundedness of the folks at Tassajara as I did in 2008. They have used the time between these fires well. Thanks for your unwavering generosity in keeping us all informed