Dear friends,
The Myogenji temple here in Ludington has been closed since last March when the coronavirus pandemic began to shutter schools and many other kinds of institutions and businesses. Now, after more than six months, the rate of new cases is reaching an all-time high in Michigan, diminishing hopes that we can reopen anytime soon for on-site zazen, retreats, or any of our other pre-pandemic activities.
I have decided, therefore, to start a weekly online period of zazen using the Zoom video conferencing platform. Many other temples around the country have been doing this, and I believe it can help us keep up with regular practice and help us feel that we are connected as a sangha.
Our first session will take place on Thursday evening, November 5, from 7:15 – 8:00 PM. I plan to continue these weekly meetings until the danger of the coronavirus pandemic has passed.
To participate, you will need to register here. (We ask for registration to prevent Zoom hijacking.) After you have registered, you will receive an email with the Zoom link that is used to join the meeting.
You will, of course, need to install the free Zoom software on your computer. (You can also download and install the free Zoom mobile app on your smartphone.)
Note that, during these meetings, webcams (or phone cameras) will be off and mics muted. Only mine will be live. You will be able to see me and hear me ring the bell to start and end the zazen sitting period. (I may or may not do walking zazen (kinhin), but you should feel free to walk kinhin whenever you need to.)
Immediately after zazen, I will lead the chanting of the Four Bodhisattva Vows. Though your mics will be muted, please chant along with me (and everyone else in attendance). After our vows, the “meeting” will end.
To ensure that we can all start and end the meeting on time, please plan to join the Zoom meeting no later than 7:10 PM.
Please stay safe.