September 11–December 12, 2024

In our Fall 2024 Ango, or Practice Period, we will focus on the relationship between Zen Practice and ways of healing. We will look at readings from Dr. Paula Arai’s books, Bringing Zen Home and The Little Book of Zen Healing. In both texts Dr. Arai puts forth a model of Yudo, or Way of Healing, and explores how can we engage the practices of Yudo in our contemporary Zen Practice. We will also consider together what do we even mean by healing? What are the spheres in our lives, from the personal and familial, to the communal, collective and even global, l that we may liberate through our Dharma practice together?

Calendar: the Fall Ango begins with a Practice Period Opening Ceremony on September 11th and concludes with a Practice Period Closing Ceremony on December 12th at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn (also available via live-stream).

The fall practice period will include making a practice commitment among the following practice offerings:

Opening and Closing ceremonies
Wednesday evening in-person dharma shares
Opportunities for daily zazen
Online classes
One, three and five day retreats
Meetings with practice leaders
Dharma buddies or small practice groups
Weekly offering by email with practices, resources and encouragements for our practice together.

To support each of us to articulate our intentions and commitments for this period, we offer the Practice Period Commitment Form. The form lists all the events, classes, and offerings in the fall so you can select which ones you will commit to attending. You will also have the opportunity to be paired with a practice buddy or to be part of a small group for more support, and you will be able to share any specific intentions or teachings you would like to focus on during the practice period.

If you would like to participate in the practice period, please complete and submit the form by September 8th. Your responses will be shared with the practice council. You will also receive a copy of your responses so that you can check in with your intentions throughout the fall.

Click here for more information on the Practice Period Opening Ceremony.

Thank you all for your practice and mutual support. May this practice period contribute to the awakening, safety, and well-being of all.

Image: Iwasaki Tsuneo, painting detail