Northern Light Zen Center Zoom Participation Form
A number of questions have occurred about the form we use when attending practice over zoom. I am hopeful that the instructions below will clarify the form and invite any questions you may have.
1. Attending practice by zoom should be considered as attending in person. Please be on time and dressed as if you were in person. Robes and kasas are optional, though encouraged for those who have taken precepts. Keeping silence and minimizing movement is a core part of our practice.
2. Regarding your video, it should be turned on so that everyone can see everyone else’s faces throughout the practice. Practice is a “together action.” You should not be engaged in any other activities when you are on camera. During the practice period please take steps to keep to a minimum others, including pets, from coming on camera. If you need to move away from the camera (e.g. to use the bathroom) or readjust your position, please turn off the video until you have resumed sitting. The camera can be turned off during walking meditation.
3. Once the five minute moktak is struck, practice has begun and we should be silent except for talk that is necessary to the practice, such as finding out who will be taking an interview.
4. If you arrive after practice has begun, you will be admitted to the online practice at the next break in activity, such as after the Four Great Vows and Three Bows, after the altar is lit, or after the then current chant is completed. Depending on when you arrive, this may mean that you can be in the waiting room for a couple of minutes or longer. Please begin sitting meditation while in the waiting room.
Please let us know if there are any questions about this form. Thank you for joining us.