Book Review: Fire Monks, Part II

      At the time, late June, 2007, Tassajara Center was very busy with students, guests, and staff, about 60 adults.  Information was passed to the managers that fires were being observed in the county and locals should be alert and observant.  By the end of the month,  CalFire, the state agency, and the USFS, the Fed. agency, were moving men and equipment into Monterey County to fight the blazes(3).  Shortly thereafter, fire officials advised Tassajara staff they should evacuate guests.  This involves transporting individuals over 15 miles of dirt road that traverses rocky ravines and changes in elevations of 3000' or more, several times.
          Around the 4th of July, fire officials and crews came into Tassajara for an onsite exam of conditions and status of the center.  It was determined that because of its position, lack of access, wood construction without adequate roof protection, that the improvements would not survive a wind driven assault by fire.  Officials recommended that all evacuate the site.
      After several soul-searching meetings and discussions, all staff were going to be evacuated to Carmel Valley for safety and protection.  The Zen Center would be left to fend for itself.
      Prior to the evacuation, the staff monks made good use of the site which has Tassajara Creek running through it by rigging roof top sprinklers, water pumps powered by generators(the sight is off the grid, dependent on solar power and generators). Trees were trimmed, fire breaks were cut, protective wrapping supplied by USFS was placed around key structures, and hoses and equipment were pre-positioned for immediate use.  A number of the monks felt the site could be defended from the flames.
      But all left in a caravan of vehicles on July 10th.  Not quite half way to Carmel Valley, 5 monks decided to stay and return to the center and take their chances against the approaching fire storm.  For the next 72 hours, these 5, at the risk of their lives, saved the center and most of its buildings.
      Author Busch interviewed all 5 and recorded their struggles, their fears, and the aftermath of the blaze that almost won the battle, but for the efforts of these courageous few who, despite a lack of training and skill, were able to withstand the "heat" and survive against the odds.
      In the course of the story, the author explains the basics of Zen philosophy which greatly influenced the minds of the 5 who stayed behind.  Terms used are defined for the readers' benefit and aid in understanding the thoughts of the staff.  It is a well crafted story based on the events of 2 weeks in the summer of 2007 in a remote California mountain setting where temperatures often soar well over 100 degrees F.