At this point, we’ve been sitting together in the Virtual Dojo for 500 days. In the US, we’ve sat twice a day, 7 days a week (until this month when we changed our weekend schedule), and the European group leads a third daily sit. Combined with those held during intensive trainings (keishin and online zazenkai), we are probably close to totalling 2,000 sits. Not to say each of us has joined each one, but what an impressive thread of zazen to have maintained as a group, without any gaps.

When we reflect on the last 17 months, one might question whether we had any choice in the matter as we weathered the bleak isolation during the longest winter of our lives. Many people among us used the conditions created by this unique time to train very hard, and we’ve all benefited from their training.

Times continue to change, and we continue to accord these changes. Many people are burnt out from work and the monotony of their daily routines. Folks finally have chances to enjoy the company of loved ones and to take a vacation (or three!). Many of us are probably sick of online Daily Zazen and would rather take a walk outside. As Robins Roshi told me, “I loved playing on the rugby team, but at the end of a long season, I was ready to be done... until the next season.” 

In recognition of this long season, the Virtual Dojo will have a rest period during August 1-31 during which Daily Zazen, classes and other training won’t be held. In-person training at Mifflin St in Madison will continue during this time. Remember: training with a community is only one part of Zen training. You can and should continue training at home by yourself, especially if you plan on participating in fall sesshin or keishin. Online training will reconvene on September 1. 

The idea of a Zen temple taking a rest period is not a new one. Most Zen temples have days off between the two training semesters, which allow monks to rest and travel home to see their families. When I and others lived in at the dojo in Hawaii, we had similar rest periods where the schedule of public zazen and classes stopped, and we had time to work on projects and train on our own. I wound up really appreciating that time and the accompanying quiet.

Please recharge and enjoy the summer we’ve all been patiently waiting for. And please also feel free to reach out to me with any questions about your Zen training.