Update 5. COVID-19 & Monterey Bay Zen Center

FROM:
Jana Clark, President
Monterey Bay Zen Center Board of Directors

August 1, 2020.

Monterey Bay Zen Center made a decision earlier this year to stop any in-person activities due to the risk of exposure and spread of the coronavirus within our community and in compliance with California State guidelines in an effort to slow the spread of the virus in what was quickly declared a pandemic. We shifted as many group activities as possible online through Zoom meetings, teachers began using phone calls and virtual meetings for practice discussions, and we watched and waited.

As more information became known about the virus, and extraordinary efforts to slow the spread seemed to be making headway, it appeared that California was making progress on “flattening the curve”. It seemed that it might be possible to recommence some in-person activities with caution. The Governor's announcement that religious organizations could begin meeting in a limited fashion prompted a Board of Directors and Teaching Council discussion as to what events might be offered in-person.

We had started evaluating information on the risk of in-person activities and recommendations from the California Department of Public Health for any gatherings. The MBZC directors created a subcommittee to propose how MBZC events might be held in person while complying with all guidelines. Chanting, shared tea or other food items, and physical contact, for example would not be possible. Social distancing requirements would necessitate either outside only or significantly restricted participation.

Even as we discussed options and considered the risk to our community if we began offering in-person activities, the situation in California changed again. Case numbers and deaths began to rise both statewide and locally, and more restrictive guidelines were again issued recommending no in-person religious services.

While we all agree virtual practice opportunities do not provide the same level of connection and satisfaction that in-person experiences do, the Board of Directors believes recommencing or holding events at a time when these events could contribute to the spread of COVID-19 would not be consistent with our responsibility to protect and promote Soto Zen Practice; it would endanger members of our community and is inconsistent with our vow to protect all life.

At such time as the state public health authorities announce it is (again) within an acceptable risk level to conduct in-person religious activities, the directors will re-evaluate their position and consider what practice offerings may be held in-person and how to comply with best health and safety recommendations for these activities.

While the lure of seeing you all in-person, sharing personal energy as we practice, not to mention social interaction, is incredibly alluring, now, and for a time, all teaching and practice opportunities will be online only.

Our community's teachers will continue to be available for one-on-one practice discussions via phone, Zoom or other appropriate means. The directors and teachers are exploring additional ways to use Zoom and our web page to expand our online practice opportunities and teaching offerings, as well as sangha building activities. MBZC has obtained a nonprofit Zoom account which will provide greater simplicity in how events are hosted and managed. All official MBZC events will have links on our web pages’ “Online Practice” tab. Please check there regularly.

If you have skills or time to volunteer, please feel free to contact me via email by clicking the link below. Also, please remember, MBZC still needs your financial support. We have continued to pay rent for our practice venues at the Carl Cherry and McGowan House Zendo as those locations face their standard operating expenses and house our supplies and educational materials. Teachers are continuing to be supported for their work leading classes and practice activities.

I wish I had some wise words or practice advice to close with, but instead I will wish all of you good health. I vow to shelter in place as much as possible, to social distance when necessary to go out, wearing a face mask if social distancing is not possible, and to wash or sanitize my hands as much as possible. I ask each of you to join me in this vow as the best step we can take toward the goal of returning to in-person activities.

With deep respect and gratitude,

Jana

Please consider adding Ten-Line Life-Affirming Sutra of Avalokiteshvara and or Wondrous Auspicious Dharani for Removing Hindrance (Averting Calamities) to your hand washing ritual:

延命十句観音経
Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo

Kanzeon.
Namu butsu.
Yo butsu u in.
Yo butsu u en.
Bupposo en
Jo raku ga jo.
Cho nen Kanzeon.
Bo nen Kanzeon.
Nen nen ju shin ki.
Nen nen fu ri shin.

Avalokiteshvara, perceiver of the cries of the world,
takes refuge in Buddha,
will be a buddha,
helps all to be buddhas,
is not separate from Buddha, Dharma, Sangha— 
being eternal, intimate, pure, and joyful.
In the morning, be one with Avalokiteshvara.
In the evening, be one with Avalokiteshvara,
whose heart, moment by moment, arises,
whose heart, moment by moment, remains!
(translated by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Joan Halifax)

消災妙祥吉陀羅尼
Shosai Myo Kichijo Darani

No mo san man da moto nan oha ra chi koto sha sono nan to ji to en gya
gya gya ki gya ki un nun shifu ra shifu ra hara shifu ra hara shifu ra chishu
sa chishu sa chishu ri chishu ri soha ja soha ja sen chi gya shiri ei so mo ko
This mystical chant is usually not translated nor explained.