Practicing with Covid-19: Zendo closure

Dear sangha friends,

After much deliberation, having consulted the best information sources possible, we have decided to close the zendo for public events, starting immediately. The next few weeks will be crucial in preventing further community spread of the Covid-19 virus, and we want to do our part as a sangha to minimize risk, particularly to those who are most vulnerable. Closure will include our regular Wednesday and Sunday practice sessions, the half-day retreat Sunday, March 15, ZenYU on Monday evenings, Wednesday and Friday morning zazen, as well as the book group and engaged Buddhist practice group meetings. 

We're sorry to say we will also have to cancel the March 28-29 weekend retreat and jukai ceremony. Those who have registered will receive a separate email from the registrar and a full refund. We want everyone who wishes to be able to attend the retreat and celebrate the jukai without anxiety. We hope to be able to reschedule the retreat in the near future. 

Over the next few days we will work to create ways to support sangha practice through electronic media. We're hoping to livestream Wednesday dharma seminars, and Sunday dharma talks, so that you can join us from your home. We will reopen the zendo as soon as we assess it to be safe and practicable. Please stay tuned for further announcements.

In these precarious and uncertain times we are fortunate to have our practice of the Buddha Way to support us to meet what comes day by day, with wise and compassionate presence. 

Practicing together, with our wishes for your well-being and appreciation for your support.

Mountain Rain teachers, council and practice committee