Tadanori Yamashita

To the family of Dr. Yamashita,
Dr. Yamashita was my thesis advisor and my academic advisor who helped me create the major of Jewish Studies at MHC. I am saddened by passing. He was a wonderful teacher and adviser to me during formative years. I laughed then, and still to today, when I tell people this Japanese minister was my advisor for my thesis on the Shema, the seminal prayer of Judaism. May his memory be a blessing. I will never forget him. Susan Lowenthal Axelrod, MHC '84

Professor was always kind, and loved his students dearly. He was generous with us, and enjoyed it when we all ate together, or sat and chat. I remember all the times at Zazen, or the time a friend & I cooked dinner for him & Mrs Yamashita at their place - what lovely company. Sometimes, he said strangely funny things that made us pause & wonder if he meant it .. that made him memorable & honest. He had a big heart and was sincere in his emotions. Thank you, Professor.

My deepest sympathies to the family. I met Mr. Yamashita through Zen meditation and saw what a wonderful man he was. I am very sorry that I did not get to see him one last time. I will miss him.

I only just heard of this sad news yesterday. Professor Yamashita was a favorite teacher and mentor and sat on my thesis committee. I always valued his kind and generous spirit. I felt like he really got me. I'm so grateful to have good memories from his classes and meetings with him. I still have my Zen diaries and will cherish them always as a memory of his teachings and mentorship. Peace be with you and your family.

Professor Yamashita introduced me to zen meditation, which has made a huge difference in my life. I practice daily and use the chant and techniques he taught our small group in Wa-Shin-An on Sunday evenings. I can remember so many of his wise sayings and teachings. Always humble and understated, he had a great enthusiasm for world politics which we discussed because I was a politics major. I also had the pleasure of attending a tea ceremony in Wa-Shin-An with Mrs. Yamashita.

For the...

Tho we didn't know each other long, you and your wife found a special place in my heart. It was my honor to be your housekeeper and server. Arigato Tadanori san! Rest in peace.

Sincerely,
Lynn Collins

We have shared many AKP meetings over the years. I vividly remember your singing after dinners. Your voice gave stability to the organization. I haven't been to the AKP meetings for many years. Perhaps we will meet again in the world you have moved to.

As a friend of Professor Yamashita's daughter Miki, I often encountered her parents at Miki's many concerts, plays, and comedy performances. I came to respect Tadinori's unusual intelligence and dry sense of humor. When the Emperor of Japan presented him with a medal for his work promoting Japanese culture, I gave him a silly little medal from my marching band days--asking that he hang it up next to the one from the Emperor and explain to visitors: "This one is from the Emperor and this one...