In Memory of Guy Porter

Written by Lama Rangbar • 02/26/2024

“As Buddhists we always try to understand impermanence deeply and not just intellectually.

Every day we recall impermanence in our practice. But we still cling to our wishful and even false hopes of everything remaining continuous.

Today, I find myself wondering why the tooth we never expected to fall out, did just that.

Guy Porter was not only a student but a good friend. Aside from the fact that we just saw eye to eye on many issue, one needs to understand that sober sane people are the exception these days and not the rule. That means they are extremely precious when we have such folks in our lives. Guy is very deeply missed.

Guy was a person that was in a position to integrate the teachings and understanding of Buddhism such as wisdom and compassion into his daily life and professional field of readying people for their passing by encouraging frank talks, planning without ego and fear and a host of other things that assure both those who are passing or passed and the living, experience less suffering and therefore have more chances to enjoy life in all its colors. All this about him meant that the principles of compassion didn’t remain a stagnant intellectual theory with Guy but were a way of life for him. I’m certain he was already all that before we met, I’d only like to think we gave him a little more certainty and clarity about it from our interactions.

As a result of Guy’s kindness and compassionate demeanor, I’m certain Guy will be experiencing happiness. And because of his interest and wish to benefit others, he will also experience situations where he will once again seed further causes of happiness for himself and others in the future.

Now, just as the internet brought us together without regard to the impediments of time and space, so does his passing away from his body-centric experience also accomplish the same. What do I mean? We do not need a ticket to meet with Guy’s awareness now. From our side, we have already started offering butter lamps and candles in the evening on his name, calling him to the offering and the light it illuminates for all beings.

We may not be able to access Guy’s form the same exact way ever again, but his qualities are available anytime by anyone who knew him just by thinking of him. Those who feel to do so can light a candle for Guy in the evenings. Especially this Friday March 1st, and also March 4th, Guy’s birthday. No reason not to celebrate his 66th birthday. Let’s say he made it shall we? After that we the living connected with him, can perform meritorious actions on his behalf as if we were his hands and heart.

There is certainly no obligation here but here at Bodhivastu we will likely be performing some ceremonies to this end for him as soon as Friday. There will also be chances and opportunities to join into these activities by tying in with support of funds for butter lamps and ceremonies in Bhutan monasteries and elsewhere. We dedicate our actions for the illumination of all beings everywhere through space and particularly as well to our friend and family member, Guy Porter. May his path be luminous and blissful until his return one day if he so wishes it.”