Introspection on death is very important. Do we sometimes act like we are going to live forever, and that we are planning to take it all with us? And do you think that this disconnect from reality might be the cause of our suffering? It was reported today that one of Canada's most recognized business leaders has died. The story of Frank Hasenfratz, founder of auto parts manufacturing giant Linamar, is incredible and should be shared by all. Also, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on this reality: Whether one is a King, a poet, a billionaire, a factory worker, or the owner of the factory - we all have the exact same destiny. In order to reflect on this, we draw your attention to the work of Kabir, and at the same time, we celebrate the life of Frank.
Kabir - 1440–1518 Though little is known of the life of the Indian mystic and poet Kabir, it is believed he was born in or near Benares. He grew up in a family of Muslim weavers before becoming a disciple of the Hindu ascetic Ramananda. Kabir is considered both a Sufi and Brahmin saint. Kabir’s poetry draws on both Hinduism and Islam, though he was critical of certain aspects of both faiths. Some of his verses are included in the compilation of Sikh scriptures known as the Adi Granth. His mystical poems are grounded in the details and earthly particulars of everyday life. Poet Mary Karr, featuring one of Kabir’s poems in the “Poet’s Choice” column in the Washington Post, noted that “Kabir lists ‘birds and animals and the ant’ in a way that draws the eye from the soaring sky to the earth’s crawly, exoskeletal creatures. In doing so he connects a vague, blank heaven and the tiny, miraculous particulars.” Kabir’s poems have been collected in One Hundred Poems of Kabir; Translated by Rabindranath Tagore, Assisted by Evelin Underhill (2005) and Kabir: Ecstatic Poems, versions by Robert Bly (2007). Here is one of his quotes that we should deeply reflect on: “Many have died; you also will die. The drum of death is being beaten. The world has fallen in love with a dream. Only sayings of the wise will remain.” — Kabir
Frank The company announced Hasenfratz died peacefully at his Guelph home Saturday surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. He was 86. Frank Hasenfratz came to Canada from Hungary in 1957 following the Hungarian Revolution. He began Linamar as a one-man operation in the basement of his family home north of Guelph in 1966. Linamar has 26,000 employees in 60 manufacturing locations, 12 research and development centres and 25 sales offices in 17 countries in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. "His toolmaking and machinist experience along with his determination built the foundation for what has become a globally recognized multinational corporation that reflects his image and culture. Frank's journey is the great Canadian success story," Linamar said in its statement. Frank Hasenfratz was honoured as the Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year, inducted into the Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, and was appointed to the Order of Canada. He was a generous supporter of the greater Guelph community that helped grow his company and donated to numerous philanthropic causes including the Guelph General Hospital, Western University, St. Joseph's Foundation and of the local performance arts. Linamar founder Frank Hasenfratz has died | CTV News The Emily Dahl Foundation January 9, 2022
