March 19th, 2020

Dear Sangha members,

May this newsletter find you and your family & friends healthy, safe, and at ease amidst the ongoing uncertainty and upheaval of the CoVID-19 spread and its successive effects on our spiritual, material, social, and community life. We understand the deep impact it may be having on your well-being and are committed to finding ways to be of service, as well as to provide opportunities to be of service for those who are able. Similarly, we are committed to the health and well-being of our residents, staff, and wider community, and are closely monitoring recommendations issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as other local and regional public health and healthcare agencies. Our own mitigation and prevention attempts have led us to keep our doors closed to the public for the time-being, and to encourage the practice of social distancing (of at least 6 feet) for our residents as well as those members and supporters who have continued work in our garden and grounds. That said, we also know how vital it is for us to be able to practice together and to meet one another face-to-face! It is our wish, to the best of our ability, to find ways to continue to offer the Dharma and practices that inspire, encourage, and support us in meeting each moment after moment with wisdom, compassion, and equanimity. To this end, we offer the following opportunities to connect:

• AZC Web Forum – AZC’s website contains a back-end forum open to anyone who wishes to access it. Besides having zen training instructions and board meeting minutes, the forum allows our members, supporters, and visitors to communicate with one another by sharing messages on a variety of different topics. To receive login credentials, contact the AZC Web Manager. Once you have login creds, simply click on the “Member Login” button on the upper right corner of the Home Page. There is no anonymous posting on the AZC web forum. 
• Mutual Circle of Support – Those who would benefit from some extra care & support are encouraged to contact Admin Julie with any requests for running errands, resources, a listening ear, etc. Those who are available, asymptomatic, and interested in volunteering for such services should send an email to: volunteer@austinzencenter. We are looking into ways to streamline this process, and are taking suggestions.
•  Weekly Groups Online – Several of our weekly groups are continuing to meet online via Zoom conferencing. So far this includes the Zen Writing Group and Precept Study Group.
• Dokusan/Practice Discussion Online – AZCs teachers and practice leaders are available for meeting face-to-face through Zoom. To schedule a meeting, send an email directly to:

Head Teacher Rev. Mako Voelkel
Director Tim Kroll
Incoming Tanto Rev. Choro Antonaccio
Practice Leader Pat Yingst

• Weekly Well-Being Ceremony – We are moving our 6:15pm Wednesday eve Well-Being ceremony online. This chanting service of the En Mei Juku Kannon Gyo (10-Verse Compassion Sutra) is dedicated to friends, family members and loved ones who may be in distress, or could otherwise benefit from receiving kindness and compassion. All are welcome to submit names to Bruce Smith, the AZC Ino (Head of the Meditation Hall). Download the text of the chant from the AZC Website HERE.
• Online Zendo – We are committed to find ways to continue to sit together as a community. Check the website for information on how to join us for zazen and Dharma talks. You can find the Online Zendo Forms & Etiquette HERE.
• AZC Chat Room – To participate in our experimental AZC Chat Room you will first need to download the Discord App onto your computer, tablet, or phone. Once you have access to the app, contact AZC Resident Cole Packingham to request the join link. Cole has also volunteered to assist anyone who wants help setting up Zoom.
• Online Community Meetings – times to be determined. Please check the website for updated information.
• Suzuki Roshi on the Buddha’s First Teaching (transcript of Dharma Talk from Saturday, August 2, 1969, on Cuke.com)

During these unprecedented times of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) we each have the opportunity to deepen our practice both individually and collectively – for the great benefit of the whole world and all beings. As one of our residents recently put it, “There is such a fundamental need for Dharma it is unbelievable.” How rare it is to receive a human body and mind in this Sahā world, and yet we cannot avoid the reality of birth and death. That being so, may each of us discover boundless gratitude in the marvelousness of our deeply interconnected, yet fleeting, existence. 

Please take great care in the coming days, weeks, and months, and stay connected!

With warm bows (from a safe distance),

Rev. Doshin Mako Voelkel 

Austin Zen Center Head Teacher