Jikoji Zen Center

Our "Last Sundays" Science & Buddhism discussion is again going online this month to discuss the Coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic and its affect on our lives and our practice. More below.

Science and medicine are addressing Covid-19; Buddhism pays attention and cooperates in the investigation, particularly for sociological and psychological factors as well as our supportive practices.

Tomas Pueyo's latest installment of Hammer and Dance emphasizes that masks are by far the most cost-effective counter measure to spreading the virus.

In this South Bay Area, the number of active cases is roughly 1 in 1000. In small groups the risk of an individual being infected increases roughly linearly with the size of the group, e.g., for a group of 10 say 1 in 100, and perhaps only 1 in 200 - 300 if no one has symptoms. The CDC says 35% of coronavirus infections are asymptomatic. See also the NYTimes free Corona Virus Coverage, which includes many articles daily discussing various aspects of the crisis.

The Price of a Virus Lockdown: Economic ‘Free Fall’ in California
CA is hard hit with a 54 billion budget shortfall, unemployment above 20%, and many key industries down by 40% or more. Recovery is uncertain, and will not be uniform across industries or regions.

Scientific American magazine June 2020 includes 6 perspective articles on this pandemic: Origin, Drugs, Trauma/treatment, Healers, Vaccine, and What’s Next. Already somewhat dated, and still a bit dazed.

Our stat source of preference is still Worldometers.

At the Guardian: Belgium experiments with 'corona bubbles' to ease social restrictions

At STAT: Watch: Antibodies, immunity, and what they mean for Covid-19, explained

Video: Doctor Who Predicted Covid-19 Answers All

Video: The Dalai Lama releases coronavirus “Call to Unite,” read by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The Bodhisattva Response to Coronavirus - (Jack Kornfield, May 27)

It’s okay to be doing okay during the pandemic
As I’ve spoken to mindfulness teachers during the pandemic, there’s one Buddhist teaching I’ve found particularly helpful. It’s found in a discourse called the Sallatha Sutta, also known as “The Arrow.”

How the Coronavirus Helps Us Understand the Buddhist View of Our Interdependence

5 Buddhist teachings that can help you deal with coronavirus anxiety

Thinking like a Buddhist about coronavirus can calm the mind and help us focus

An "unrelated" TED Talk, a positive slant on stress, adrenaline, oxytocin -- and longevity.

Also: A Brief History of Slavery and the Origins of American Policing

___________________________________

As always, our “Last Sundays” Science & Buddhism discussions are quite open and informal with all invited to participate.

All are welcome. No prior experience with science, Buddhism, or meditation is necessary. Hope to see you there!