The Shambhala Board asks all center leaders and members to follow the guidance from your local public health organizations.
To the International Shambhala Community –
The Shambhala Board, in consultation with sangha medical advisors, is closely tracking the course and impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. We extend compassion towards all who are affected directly by the pandemic through sickness, quarantine, scarcity, fear, and stress.
We ask all center leaders and members to follow the guidance from your local public health organizations. Public health organizations in different parts of the world have different advice based on the progress of the virus. Following the guidance of local public health officials is the best way to protect people in your community. We want to emphasize the importance of canceling public gatherings if recommended by your local, regional or national health department.
On Sunday, March 8, we sent a communication to all centers and group leaders worldwide with web links to best practices for protecting yourself and your community. This website contains helpful information for best practices within your center, such as proper ways to disinfect surfaces and eliminating food handling. For those centers who must cancel or postpone large gatherings, we recommend that all classes, meetings, and programs be held virtually.
We have also created a resource webpage where we will continue to share best practices and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as they become available:
- Please click here to access Shambhala’s Community Health resource page
- Please click here to access the WHO best practices
- Please click here to access the CDC’s best practices
If you are a center leader or program coordinator and have additional help or questions, please contact Cynthia MacKay by email at cynthiamackay@mac.com.
We will continue to be in touch with you in the weeks and months ahead to share what we know and do our best to support your community in its own response.
The Shambhala Board
Veronika Bauer
Mark Blumenfeld
John Cobb
Jen Crow
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas