Eulogy for Ruth Tabrah
by Alfred Bloom
Ruth
Tabrah was a many-faceted person, larger than life. Simply listing her
accomplishments does not do justice to the magnitude of her contributions
to the community and to the world. Ruth was a highly professional person.
She was an author, editor, scholar, artist, religious leader and social
activist.
As
an author, Ruth wrote novels such as “Pulaski
Place”
in 1950,
which described so well the life of Polish-Americans in Buffalo,
N.Y.
that a Polish-American
organization bought the movie rights. Another significant work was “The Voices of Others,” which was an alternate selection of the
Book of the Month Club in 1959. Most recently her historical novels –-
“The Monk Who Dared,”
about Shinran, the founder of the Hongwanji tradition, and “The Monk’s Wife” about Eshin-ni -- have been read widely and
bring the ancient figures to life in our modern world. The “Monk Who Dared” has just been translated into Japanese and the
translator is seeking a publisher. He will also do the second book.
On
another level, she wrote many childrens’ books which introduced
Hawaii
to youth. Most famous,
perhaps, is “Emily’s
Hawaii,”
which has had numerous editions.
As
an editor, Ruth organized the Buddhist Study Center Press, giving Buddhism
a voice in international and intercultural contexts beyond
Hawaii
through publication.
She assisted many people in their writing, most notably myself,
sacrificing time she might have spent on her own projects. She gave
selflessly to seeing books through the publication process, and
contributing to the propagation of Buddhism.
As
a scholar, Ruth’s writings testify to her abilities and dedication to
education. She was a scholar in the study of religion. She traveled
widely, observing life in other cultures. She was deeply interested in the
relation of religion and Buddhism and science, writing essays on Buddhism
and the New Physics. She was especially interested in David Bohm’s
concept of the Implicate Whole which she saw as an expression of reality
as Amida Buddha. She wanted Buddhism to be in the forefront of modern
intellectual studies. She participated in the International Association of
Shin Buddhist Studies, writing the summaries of many conferences, beside
her own contributions in the journal,
Pure
Land. She was a member of
the steering committee.
Ruth’s
research deeply explored Hawaiian history and she became an authority in
that field. Also, she researched and authored the history of Hongwanji for
the centennial volume: “A
Grateful Past, A Promising Future.” She wrote biographies of
outstanding people -- even a Russian explorer. Her interests were wide
ranging indeed.
Ruth
was an artist, embodying her view of life and reality in her paintings.
Her pictures reflect her positive and optimistic perspective, through her
use of colors.
As
a religious leader, Ruth participated actively in temple life. She served
on boards and committees, placing her skills at the service of the
movement. Eventually she received tokudo ordination and was in demand as a
speaker. She participated in the founding of Project Dana, giving it its
name and remaining in the background as a strong supporter. She was also
an organizer and active participant in the Hawaii Association of
International Buddhists, an ecumenical Buddhist group devoted to education
and social advancement through Buddhism. Many community groups and leaders
constantly sought her advice and insight.
As
a social activist, Ruth was a member of the Hawaii State Board of
Education, representing the
Big
Island. She had great
interest in women’s issues and wrote on Buddhist ordination rites for
women. Her novel, “Voices of
Others,” anticipated later women’s liberation through her
recognition of the independent woman.
In
1998, Ruth was honored with the Hongwanji ‘Living Treasure of Hawaii’
award. It was stated: “She is multifaceted and modest, a soaring talent
who is self-effacing, a mainland born woman who has become so much a part
of the Islands that it is hard to imagine Hawai’i without her books, her
contributions, herself.”
I
have only given but a small sampling of Ruth’s achievements. She is a
model for contemporary people, combining intelligence, faith and
dedication. She was a free and creative spirit. Motivated by Buddhist
compassion, she was dedicated to the truth of Buddhism and the welfare of
all people. She served humanity through the power of her pen.
Though
our lives are like dewdrops, disappearing in the noon-day sun, yet the
water brings nourishment to the soil and sparkle to the blossoms. A dew
drop has vanished from our sight, but not from our hearts, as she
continues to nourish our spirits.
Namu
Amida Butsu.
