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Catherine, United States

Greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama!

Your courage is stunning, and yet, your day-to-day humanity inspires me the most. Gratitude coming your way for who you are and all you do!

I am writing, in particular to tell you that I am greatly impressed with how you partnered with Douglas Abrams and permitted him to help you and Archbishop Tutu present your messages and your splendid relationship with each other. The voice behind the voice is not an easy role. I know because I am one of those silent voices.

There are others out here who are doing what you and Archbishop Tutu have done with Mr. Abrams. That being we are the quiet facilitators that allow  incredible minds to touch us with the power of the written word. Specifically, I want to tell you that I am doing for my teacher (Rev. Zenko N. Okimura, Shihan) what Douglas Abrams has done for you and for Archbishop Tutu, and others: Based on over one hundred hours of conversation, we gathered Rev. Okimura's wisdom teachings and the stories of his life and have recently written a book about his life and teachings.

Rev. Okimura is a Shingon Buddhist priest ordained at Mount Koya Monastery in Japan; he is a samurai descendent and holds his family's lineage leadership; he is a 7th degree black belt in Aikido, the martial art of peace, love, and harmony. Your work with Mr. Abrams inspires me to do revisions to our book to better reflect the joy, service, honor, responsibility, and other virtues that Okimura Shihan teaches, and that I share. It is my honor and privilege to soon bring "Tears for the Samurai" to the world. Ours is a humble effort compared to your book; however, we will be another voice in the silent choir.

Deep bows to you, to the memory of Archbishop Tutu, and to Mr. Abrams for lighting the path before me.

In Gassho!

Catherine Stenzel Sensei

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