Message from the Spiritual Council of the AZI

Press release from the International Zen Association:

Dear friends of the AZI,

I hope you are doing well in this unexpected and unique period. While, for the past fortnight, all the temples and Dojos of the AZI have closed their doors, I hope that you have the possibility of continuing to practice in good conditions at home and that the virus does not create situation too difficult for you and those around you.

Multiple initiatives are taken in the different Sanghas to enable everyone to maintain links and common and shared practices. Thus the spiritual council of the AZI will regularly offer you the message of one of its members.

We also ask you to send us the names of your relatives or members of your Dojos, who are in difficulty, in order to dedicate to them the Kito ceremonies organized in the temples and Zen Centers of the AZI several times a week. You can also send us the names of deceased persons to whom you wish to pay tribute. For this we thank you for sending your messages with the names to .

Furthermore, I am contacted daily by the State services who wish to be informed of the difficulties encountered by the Buddhist communities. Do not hesitate to send me any information concerning support for the sick, human problems of all kinds, funeral ceremonies or more material questions such as financial losses in your centres.

In this period when many people are busy filling their days with activities and information of all kinds, allow me to share with you this beautiful phrase from the poet Marianne Williamson:

"It's the light that scares us the most, not our shadow."

In these moments of confinement and reduced activity, it is undoubtedly by turning to this light, silence and contemplation that we will find the most comfort.

Wishing you a good retirement, a little constrained, it is true, all my best wishes for you and your loved ones,

brotherly friendships,

Olivier WANG-GENH