The Mentor Passes

In my life, Reverend Shoubo Sakata, formerly of Los Angeles and Osaka Nichiren Shoshu Temples, served as my final mentor... a man whose behavior, attitude and faith exemplified what I felt a true Buddhist should be. Reverend Sakata died four days ago, on Oct. 21, 2010. I feel orphaned and alone, but readers should know he is the priestly friend with whom I hoped to finish this effort and writing. Now that I can communicate with him directly through my faith, I pray his wisdom and intellect will infuse what I write and I dedicate all future writing to him.