MZC provides a place for meditation, study and reflection, leading to inner awakening and mindful, compassionate action through traditional Soto Zen Practice.
Wisconsin Supreme Court
Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, Wisconsin
April 25, 2020
Dear Justices,
As the resident priest and spiritual leader of the Milwaukee Zen Center and member of the Milwaukee Buddhist Peace Fellowship I am urging you to accept Governor Evers's Safer at Home order for this time of a pandemic crisis. It would be a shame to risk my community's health by opening the zendo doors too soon.
For the last weeks, I have offered all our programs online, and we meet every day by zoom teleconferencing for meditation, service, classes, dharma talks, board meetings and personal consultation. We held an Equinox Service in March. On April 8, we celebrated Vesak, the Annual Buddha's Birthday, and we hold a weekly well-being service for those who are in physical or emotional distress.
In addition, regular sangha letters are sent out for information and encouragement, and also healthy entertainment.
In fact, I am reaching more people than usual, because some join in who live too far away than regularly coming in person. Those who do not have internet access at their homes, I call by phone, and I also write letters to prisoners. I have reached and offered comfort to some who are living in anxiety about the widespread disease and deaths. We have conducted three memorial services during the last couple of weeks.
One of my friends, a Zen teacher and climate scientist in Washington D.C., was hospitalized with COVID-19 and almost died. She is at home now but extremely weak. She is in her 40s and had not expected to be susceptible to the virus. If we loosen the restrictions too soon, we risk more people to get sick and die.
We are all looking forward to being together and worship in person again, and I think the Badger Bounce Back, the gradual plan to open businesses and society in phases, sounds right.
Please, rule accordingly; I have trust in your judgment.
Sincerely,
Reirin
Rev. Reirin Gumbel
Milwaukee Zen Center