The Virtual Dojo marks its 21st month during a most challenging period in our collective time.  

Reflecting upon the bright notes of 2021, I treasure our continued online Daily Zazen, intensive training done during our four seasonal keishin, the many online students starting formal Zen training with teachers, and watching how some of our shakuhachi students have developed their breath. I’m also looking forward to our new focus on training jikijitsus – likely one of the most effective tools we have to help students develop clear kiai and progress in their training.

But, as we close this tough year, waiting not so patiently for the jikijitsu to ring the freaking bell on this pandemic already, this is my message for you:

We’re here for you during this lonely and topsy-turvy time — from Alpha, to Omicron and beyond. Even as we confront all these existential crises, bear in mind that no thing is out of place.

And, the kind of comfort that satisfies doesn't come from a dojo, or from all the many things that you miss right now ... but from within oneself. We're here for that.

Be safe out there.