The Village Zendo in New York City’s Soho neighborhood has been closed since March 2020, so its members have been attending virtual meditation sessions, chanting over video chat, gathering for remote retreats, and sharing other distanced activities online. Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara says that attendance has been strong despite the lack of face-to-face contact, and in warmer weather some students occasionally met outside to practice together. The zendo will remain closed until the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. These photos were captured last year by A. Jesse Jiryu Davis, a Village Zendo member, as part of a long-term project to photograph the center’s sangha and practice. (Check out “Bodhisattvas Have More Fun” for an excerpt from Roshi Enkyo O’Hara’s latest book.)

village zendo covid

village zendo covid