Tahoma 2021 Covid-19 Guidance Phase 3 update

Washington State has embarked on our “Healthy Washington” reopening roadmap which, for our region, has reached Phase 3.  This allows for more or less the same limited public options that we had been operating under at the close of last year. As the infection rates fall and vaccinations increase we will be able to increasingly allow greater attendance at our events.   We hope to resume most of our regular events by the summer, but be prepared to be masked and distanced even if you are vaccinated. If you have an opportunity to get vaccinated do take it. For any of our offerings this year and for the foreseeable future that will be required.

We currently are open to the public for Choka (chant service) and evening Zazen and daylong retreats for a maximum of fifteen (15) people in the zendo. This is the maximum we can accommodate and maintain six (6) feet of physical distancing.  Sunday Zazenkai remains closed to the public.  Zazenkai will continue to be held virtually.

Tahoma Guidance

  1. Masks are required at all times when in the zendo, even if you are vaccinated. These are required for chanting, but note that the chant leader does not have to wear a mask but will be 15 feet separated.
  2. DO NOT come if you feeling sick.
  3. We are allowed to have a maximum of fifteen (15) practitioners in the zendo. If your party would exceed that number please come another time
  4. Stay Six (6) feet apart from other practitioners at all times. Allow for additional time for entering and exiting the zendo.
  5. Do not move cushions, chairs or other items from where they are. You can change or add cushions from the cabinet in the gaitan.
  6. Do not close the windows.
  7. If you start to feel sick, depart at a stretch break or during kinhin (walking meditation).
  8. Sanitize your hands before opening the zendo door.
  9. Thoroughly wash your hands.
  10. Cover your mouth/nose with your elbow or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. 
  11. Do not shake hands or hug. A gassho (bow) is sufficient.
  12. If you are in a High Risk Population only come if vaccinated.

Visiting Tahoma

We have been allowing people to visit and walk the trails and grounds. This continues into Phase 3 with no changes to our general policy. If visiting please follow these general rules.

  1. Please stay out of all buildings, except for the zendo during designated public zazen. 
  2. Do not congregate into groups. 
  3. Maintain physical distancing.
  4. Wear a mask.