Richard Hunn Playing His Guitar in Kyoto!
In 2004, the plan was for Richard Hunn to eventually retire back to the UK with Taeko – and live near my family in the sedate area of South-West Greater London we inhabit. Richard liked the area – jokingly saying it was just far away enough from everyone he knew (or was related to)! We had travelled together in car and bus around the local areas such as Kingston-Upon-Thames, Sutton, and into Central London (the latter by Tube). Richard particularly enjoyed having a cup of tea in the "Cha Shop" situated in the centre of Kingston - not far from the ornate Town Hall - and then to visit what used to be the multi-floored (and very well-stocked) "Borders" Bookshop opposite the Square (both now long gone). After visiting the spiritual "Watkins Books" just-off Leicester Square - and eat "Dim Sum" (Yum Cha) in a nearby London Chinatown (Gerrard Street) restaurant. Dim Sum are the special breakfast dumplings (washed down by Green Tea) eaten as part of the TCM recipes that define traditional Chinese food and drink. I think Richard appreciated the "blend" of Western and Eastern culture in a manner unique - and yet typical - to the British Mainland. Richard often explained that when he left the UK in 1991 - he left behind his old life completely and had no idea what the future held. Even I lost contact for a few years - but I did manage to discuss the matter with Richard's ex-wife (Rose) who eventually passed-on a contact address for Richard.
I put into practice everything Richard had taught me between 1991-1998 - before I managed to reconnected through direct communication. Richard was pleased with my progress - so perhaps "emptiness" (separation) is good for development! As Taeko’s job (a fashion-industry Executive) – could be performed anywhere – the two were seriously considering this option. Although Taeko had not yet visited our home – she had extensively travelled around the UK. Taeko would only be on familiar terms with myself after the passing of Richard – when such a communication became appropriate. Richard had the idea of living locally and continuing my education on a one-to-one basis. His sudden illness and final demise in late 2006 – came as a shock to us all. At least Richard and Taeko spent the last few years of their happy lives together living in a traditional "Samurai Cottage" in the suburbs of Kyoto. This is why the above plan did not come to pass. I spoke to Richard a few more times via the telephone - and received the odd card (his 2005 Xmas card read "Anything is possible!") - and as I was preparing to fly to Kyoto to be with him during October, 2006, Taeko (and Richard's son - Charles - who was already in Japan) telephoned myself and gave the sad news. Of course, I am not blood-related to Richard Hunn - and it would be highly unethical to give the false impression that I am. No. I am spiritually related to Richard Hunn - and that is enough.
I have had the honour to communicate (on occasion) with Richard's flesh and blood - but other than offering my respect and condolences, I did not want to intrude into a highly private matter. In this regard, I remain firmly irrelevant and deep in the periphery - where I belong! Of course, my life had progressed and moved on since Richard Hunn left the UK. I became aware of his presence in the UK via a book entitled "The Buddhist Bible" penned by John Snelling (the "Norwich Ch'an Association" was mentioned - with Richard Hunn quoted in relevant sections) - a British Buddhist who turned-out to be a personal friend of Richard. Although I have only had a nodding relationship with the Buddhist Society (London) - Richard Hunn (and Charles Luk for that matter) possessed a much greater connection. At least tis was true until Richard left the UK in 1991 - when the only spiritual connection would be myself. My position was one of interfacing with the ethnic Chinese community in the UK and Hong Kong - a reality which became far more relevant to Richard once he relocated to Asia. The point is that change and difference are vital for genuine inner and outer self-development. In the end, "change" becomes permanent and an entirely new situation develops. This is exactly the phase we are in today - where the memory and legacy of Richard Hunn has replaced his physical presence. The empty mind ground, however, remains constant just above and behind the movement - as the Six Patriot (Hui Neng) once explained.
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