ZCO Autumn Ango
October 5th - December 21st, 2025
This Dharma is abundantly present in each human being, but if we do not practice it, it does not manifest itself, and if we do not experience it, it cannot be realized. – Dogen Zenji
Our tradition of Ango comes from a long lineage of ancestors dating back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. Every year as the monsoon rains began (during the Summer months in India), mendicants would seek shelter to study and practice meditation in a concentrated period of “gathering the heart-mind” (the meaning of the word Sesshin). Together with Zen communities all around the world, we continue a modern version of this ancient tradition. Translated as “peaceful dwelling,” Ango is a time of deep engagement with our vow to awaken for the sake of all beings. Intensified training in meditation, contemplation and inquiry clarifies the heart and mind, allowing for deep and sustaining transformation.
At Great Vow Monastery, the schedule supports and prepares the heart/mind for the longer sesshin held within the Ango period. Intensive training in meditation, contemplation and inquiry clarifies the heart and mind, allowing for deep and sustaining transformation.
In a city temple of lay practitioners at Heart of Wisdom, it can be complex to navigate work, family, and life’s many demands. Within this, we also recognize the deeply transformative power of periods of more intensive spiritual practice and hold these periods as vital. Every Sangha member’s practice and life circumstances are different. You know your situation best, and we encourage you to find a meaningful way to nurture the spirit of Ango that makes sense for your own life.
How can I participate?
We begin with Opening Ceremonies, which will take place at all of our regular public programs at Heart of Wisdom temple during the week of October 5. You can also join online from home. Participants will have the opportunity to voice a commitment aloud and place their commitment form on the altar, or they can offer their form in silence. We will supply printed forms.
Great Vow Monastery residents will be entering the cloister of Ango and will hold ceremonies in which they share their Ango vows together.
You’re also encouraged to add your name to our roster of Ango participants, which we will display in the temple and monastery, as a way to further solidify our commitments and support each other. The commitment form lists some practice ideas for ango.
Sign up for the Roster
If you are practicing on Zoom only or if you can’t come to the temple for an Ango opening ceremony the week of Oct. 5th, please share your commitments with the Heart of Wisdom Heads of Ango using the Commitment Form with Kosho (kosho@zendust.org) or Shinku (izilbersteine@gmail.com), and we will put them on the altar for you during the ceremony.
Join our Ango 2025 Mattermost channel for inspirations, updates, and community exploration. For help signing up for Mattermost, read our guide.
Affirming Faith in Mind
This year, we will be studying the awakening poem Affirming Faith in Mind by Jianzhi Sengcan (Sanso Kanchi Zenji), the third Chan ancestor. It can be found on page 30 of the ZCO Chant Book. We will also draw from two commentaries, Faith in Mind by Sheng Yen and Trust in Mind by Mu Soeng (with a forward by Chozen Roshi).
We will follow this schedule, weaving the teachings of the poem throughout the practice period:
October 5 – 11: Ango opening ceremonies
October 12 – December 13: Nine weeks of practice with weekly teachings during the regular programs at HoW
December 14 – 21: Ango Closing Ceremonies