Photo by Robert Reese

The thought of enlightenment is the mind which sees into impermanence.

— Eihei Dogen Zenji, Gakudo Yojinshu (Guidelines for Studying the Way)

What is Practice Period?

Practice Period (known traditionally as Ango, or “Peaceful Dwelling”) is an intensive training period common to many schools of Buddhism. Tracing its history back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, Ango was originally a time for the early Sangha to gather during the rainy season to deepen their practice and polish their understanding of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

One of the Buddha’s foundational teachings is that by renewing our purpose and intensifying our commitment for a set interval of time, we enliven our practice and clarify our intention. While we offer several formal events during this time, the true Ango occurs within—exactly where you are. Practice Period is designed to sustain your efforts amidst the circumstances of your everyday life and work.

Living Skillfully: The Heart of Zen

As Shunryu Suzuki Roshi taught, living ethically is an expression of our original nature rather than a set of abstract rules. By studying the Precepts, Paramitas, and Brahmaviharas we heighten our awareness of how skillful action can inform our daily words, assist our professional lives, and soften our interactions with the world. In meeting the challenges of modern life, this path shows us what the heart and mind of Zen look like when fully immersed in the world.

Practice Period Offerings
presented by the MBZC Teaching Council and our resident priests
led by Robert Reese and Shogen Danielson

To support your endeavor, we have created several pathways for you to cultivate a deeper connection to your life:

• Study & Dharma:

  • Sunday morning classes

    Study theme: Dogen’s Blueprint. Exploring Gien Inoue’s commentary on Dogen’s Gakudo Yojinshu, translated by Daigaku Rummé and Keiko Ohmae. As Gien Roshi writes:
    “Enlightenment is the most important work in each one’s life... The Bodhi-mind means the mind that seeks the Way. This Way is how you are right now. First, you need to ask: What is my essential nature? What is the true nature of my mind?”

  • Tuesday night lectures. Just added! We have a guest teacher for Tuesday March 10 — Daigaku Rummé Roshi — who, together with Keiko Ohmae, translated Gien Inoue’s commentary on Dogen’s Guidelines for Studying the Way.

• Zazen: Support for creating a personal home schedule and attending half-day sittings (Zazenkai)

• Community & Connection: Practice Period tea before the Sunday morning class, which will include "Way-Seeking Mind" talks, tea, and check-ins with companions on the Way

• Guidance: Individual meetings with practice leaders to discuss

  • the precepts (i.e., prohibitions or that which we discourage)

  • the paramitas (i.e., that which we promote or encourage)

  • the brahmaviharas (i.e., the four wholesome boundless states of mind that we cultivate: loving-kindness; compassion; sympathetic joy; and equanimity)

• The Sunday tea/discussion/class dates confirmed are March 8 ➡️ April 26 for 7 or 8 meetings, with Easter TBD. This is the initial commitment.

• More Practice Period activities may be announced within, or outside of, the initial 7 weeks.

Please NOTE: For those unable to participate full time this year, planning is in flux for some stand alone activities, not all details are fully confirmed, and may yet change. Please check back here toward the end of the week of March 1 for live links to those listed below, or go to Featured Activities in the navigation panel at the top of any page on the website. Thank you for your patience!

☸️ Class & Zazen: Dogen’s Blueprint (tentative plan)

Sundays, 9:50 AM, March 8 - April 26 (Easter TBD). In-person only. McGowan.

• 9:50 AM - Zazen

• 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM Class

☸️ Zazenkai: Half-day sittings March 15 & April 19 TBD In-person only. McGowan.