Zen Intensive Practice

Ango

Ango or “tranquil shelter”, is a traditional period of intensified Zen practice. Ango periods go back to early Indian Buddhism, when monks took shelter at a monastery during the monsoon season. While monastic Zen ango retreats last three months, we offer a "Mini Ango” that lasts for four weeks.

Ango periods provide a supportive structure to commit to an additional level of practice for a set period of time. The primary purpose is to deepen your practice, renew your commitment to the Dharma, and if you like, make a commitment to other aspects that can help make positive changes in your life.

Participants typically commit to increased zazen during the duration of the ango. For example, participants can pledge to sit one extra day per week or increase their sitting time. In addition, participants may commit to other beneficial activities such as volunteer work, chanting, mindfulness, or starting a Zen 108 (see below). Alternatively participants can commit to cutting back on activities that hamper practice like doomscrolling or staying up too late.

During the ango, we hold a weekly online Way of Council meeting. The meetings provide registrants with an opportunity to share their experiences with each other and a teacher/practice leader, and to learn from each other.

The Zen 108 Days of Practice

The “Zen 108” is a practice of taking up the commitment of sitting zazen (for one hour preferably) for 108 days consecutively, in any increments. This is a wonderful way to re-commit to Zazen, to deepen your Zen practice, and to build a habit of daily sitting.

For students who commit to 60 minutes a day, we recommend no more than 3 sitting periods throughout the day. If you are taking up the Zen 108, please work with one of our teachers.

One Heart Sangha celebrates the completion of 108 days with a bead ceremony.