So you should view this fleeting world --
A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream,
A flash of lightening in a summer cloud,
A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream.

Buddha, The Diamond Sutra
 

We can only view the passing of Clark Terry with admiration and gratitude.  Clark passed away last weekend at the age of 94.  Jazz musicians, it seems, either die young or live old.  The ones that live old seem to just continue and continue - giving, sharing and still learning and growing.  I think of Hank Jones playing at the top of his game until the end of his life at 92.  I think of Doc Cheatham gigging until his last days also at age 92.  I think of Eubie Blake who died at 96 and concertized and lectured until the very end.

The Buddha speaks of living your life as a "field of merit".  Your actions, day in and day out have repercussions.  Every action has a reaction, even a single thought can have implications that are universal in its consequence.  This is the law of Karma.  A field of merit is the force of your living-self on the world - how your deeds and actions effect the world around you and the continuing reverberations.  Like throwing a rock in a still pond, the waves continue and continue until they are imperceptible.  Clark Terry's life was a field of merit impacting millions of lives through his amazing musical career and the generosity of his spirit in teaching and sharing.  Clark never quit, never gave up even for one second.  Right until the end he gave of himself and shared - a force field of positive action for the world, a true spiritual warrior. A Hero.  We cannot be sad by his passing.  At 92 it was as complete and successful a life as a human being can aspire to.  We can only reverentially tip our hats and say "thank you, Mr. Terry for the wonderful gift you have bestowed on Humanity.  Our deepest gratitude."

Regards,

Spike