The virulent spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 presents a global challenge. The ZSS Pandemic Working Group, which includes medical professionals, continues to provide guidance that reflects the latest information from the CDC, federal, state and local authorities. We are committed to maintaining our full schedule of sesshin, special events and daily zazen meetings online and in-person whenever possible, with appropriate precautions. We will update the ZSS website regularly, and there may be significant changes to policy as events unfold, so please check back frequently for the latest information. You may also email the DBZ office or the NYZ office with any questions on our Covid protocols.
In-person participants to all events at Dai Bosatsu Zendo and New York Zendo — including daily zazen, kessei, sesshin, celebrations and ceremonies — must comply with the following Covid-19 protocols.
New York Zendo Shobo-ji
Vaccination
You must provide proof of full vaccination. When you arrive at the temple, you will be asked to show your vaccination card, or a photo of it, or present your New York State Excelsior Pass. If you have received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, you must have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before participating; if you received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you must have been vaccinated at least 40 days before participating. Proof of vaccination need only be supplied once. After your information is entered into our records, the documentation of your vaccination card will be deleted.
Masking
You must wear a mask which fully covers your nose and mouth at all times while inside the temple. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please do not come to the temple.
Dai Bosatsu Zendo
Vaccination
You must provide proof of full vaccination. Kindly email a photo of your CDC vaccination card to office@daibosatsu.org no later than three days before your arrival (if doing so by mail, one week before you arrive). If you have received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, you must have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before coming to DBZ; if you received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you must have been vaccinated at least 40 days before you arrive. Proof of vaccination need only be supplied once. After your information is entered into our records, the documentation of your vaccination cards will be deleted.
PCR Testing and Self-Isolation
A PCR test within 72 hours of your planned arrival date is required. Proof of a negative PCR test must be emailed to office@daibosatsu.org. During the days after a negative test result and before coming to the monastery, we ask that you minimize your exposure to situations conducive to infection, ideally by self-isolating.
Travel to DBZ Events
When traveling to Dai Bosatsu Zendo please abide by the travel recommendations issued by the CDC. Masks are required on public transportation such as bus, airplane, train, and in transportation hubs like stations and airports.
Room Assignments and Common Spaces
Families, households or pods living together may be assigned shared quarters; everyone else will have a room with single occupancy. Common spaces (zendo, Dharma hall, dining room) will have windows open for additional air circulation during group gatherings and events.
Masking
Masks are required indoors for all participants at events where non-residents are present. Our monastery residents are not required to wear masks other than during these specific events, as they are living in a contained, isolated community.
Additional requirements
If you develop symptoms of cold or flu, fever, or any communicable disease or infection before your arrival date, or during travel, please cancel your plans and email the office immediately.
Unvaccinated Individuals
We welcome you to participate in our online teachings, meetings, and sittings.