On the passing of Daniel Brunner, Sensei’s Brother

Daniel with his son, Austin

I have lost my brother, Daniel Brunner, to suicide.

These past days have been heavy with grief, and I want to thank everyone in the Sangha for giving me space to rest, reflect, and be present with the enormity of this loss.

In walking through this pain, I have come to see even more clearly the depth of what we are practicing together. We are not just learning to sit still or calm our minds. We are learning how to be fully human. We are learning how to show up with tenderness and courage in a world that is marked with dissention, loneliness, and prejudice.

Emerging from this period of grief, I feel a renewed and powerful conviction: we must practice not just for ourselves, but for the whole world. As a Sangha, we are called to move beyond the opinions and divisions that keep us apart—to recognize and embody the deep interconnection that is always present. Do not separate what is whole by clinging to ideology.

If we do not represent this voice of compassion and unity—who will?

We must practice as if lives depend on it.
Because they do.

Let’s continue to be that steady presence that actualizes connection and compassion with renewed vigor.

Thank you for walking this path with me.