Winter 2010 Ango
(Practice Period)
January 4 - March 28, 2010
The Atlanta Soto Zen Center
community invites you to join our winter Ango, or practice
period. The tradition of Ango (literally
"peaceful
dwelling") dates to the time of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha, when
the Sangha would retreat to higher ground during monsoon season. In
more modern times, these periods are a time of coming together of the
Sangha with a renewal of our commitment to practice and training.
In a residential practice environment, Ango participants typically
would be cloistered in the center, with little or no contact with the
outside. This withdrawal from outside concerns for an extended period
of
time can be significant, and represents an important part of Zen
training for those with leadership aspirations. Our Shuso (see below)
for the Ango will be in residence at the center for the entire period
and will participate in all events.
As part of the migration of Zen practice into lay environments,
where Sangha members cannot throw off the world for extended periods,
we will be exploring new ways of bringing this enhanced level of
practice and training to the center. At the ASZC, our Sangha is a very
rich tapestry, with all members contributing their different threads to
make a lovely flowing image. Please do your best to help make this
enhanced program a success!
Activities
We will be adding morning zazen every weekday, evening zazen, classes and other extra practice opportunities during the Ango. We will be continuing all regularly scheduled activities. Please click here for the full schedule. Everyone is encouraged to make a commitment to an enhanced practice schedule during the Ango.
Shuso
This year the Shuso (head student) of
the
practice period
will be Zenku Jerry Smyers, in the Matsuoka Roshi, and
Kongo Roshi, Soto Zen Lineage. Zenku became a disciple of Kongo
Roshi,
Abbot of the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago and a dharma heir of
Matsuoka Roshi, in 1976; and was ordained a Zen Priest by Matsuoka
Roshi in 1982. Zenku was a Priest in Chicago assisting Kongo
Roshi
until Kongo Roshi’s passing in 1999. After Kongo Roshi’s death,
Zenku
provided leadership to ensure the
In 2005, Zenku moved to Montana and has established a Zen Group in
his Montana community. He continues to provide stewardship and
guidance to his home
Zenku is a strong advocate for daily zazen practice. “Maintaining enthusiasm for our Zen practice is the most important thing. Everything unfolds from our wholehearted effort”
Everyone is invited to schedule a practice
discussion with the Shuso during this Ango. This discussion typically
lasts an hour, over tea or lunch. This should be used to allow the
Shuso and Sangha to learn about each others' practice experiences,
path, and aspirations. It is also important training for the Shuso.
Please contact secretary@aszc.org
to schedule a practice discussion.
Shuso Teachings
Heart of Practice, The Heart Sutra discussion series will be led by Shuso, Zenku Jerry Smyers, during the Winter Ango on Thursday evenings from 8:30 to 9:30 after 7:30 to 8:30 meditation. Red Pine's 'The Heart Sutra', will be one of the primary sources to aid our discussion. Please join in our collective effort to dive deeper into the Heart of practice.
The Way Seeking Mind dharma
talk is the traditional initial talk given by the Shuso and covers his
history of zen practice. Sunday January 17, 11:00 am.
Reflections of Matsuoka-roshi
dharma talk will discuss the teachings of our founder, Soyu Matsuoka.
Sunday February 21, 11:00 am.
Reflections of Kongo-roshi
dharma talk will discuss the teachings of Shuso's teacher and Sensei's
dharma brother Kongo. Sunday March 14, 11:00 am.
Sangha Service
Along with zazen and training opportunities during this practice period, we recognize that service to the Sangha is practice as well. There are many opportunities such as proving food and assisting the Shuso. Please commit below to participate as you see fit.
Donations
There are suggested donations for retreats and for certain classes, but not for talks or other regular events, other than your usual contributions and annual pledges. Please inquire about work exchange if interested.
Residence
There are limited opportunities for residential
practice
during this Ango. If you are interested in being in residence for any
or all of
this practice period, please contact innkeeper@aszc.org
in advance to let us know your
preferred schedule. Accommodations will be given on a first come first
serve
basis.
Home Practice
Home practice is an important component of Zen training in a lay
Sangha. Please do your best!
Commitment
We encourage everyone to reach beyond yourself and make a commitment
to enhance your practice and life during this Ango. Please contact the
Abbot or Practice Leader in person.
Questions?
Please contact register@aszc.org
to register for events or with any questions.