Fall Practice Period in Upaya

Oct 02, 2024 — Oct 27, 2024

Practice Period (Ango or “peaceful dwelling”) is a traditional intensive training period common to many schools of Buddhism. Ango traces its history to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha and the early sangha. Each year, the community would gather together enabling everyone to deepen their practice and polish their understanding through the indispensable teachings of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

The Fall Practice Period is supported by sitting practice, Dharma Talks, seminars, and book study. This is a great opportunity for beginners and seasoned practitioners. During a Practice Period, we intensify our daily practice by sitting zazen more frequently, studying in classes, training in the temple, having private interviews with the teachers, engaging in council practice and weekly Zazenkais, and sitting a Sesshin (7 full days of intensive meditation retreat) at the end of Practice Period. All will participate daily in Samu (work practice), zazen, physical practice (yoga or walking outdoors) and periods of rest; in essence, following the traditional monastic schedule. On rest days guests and residents will be offered a bag lunch.

We are so grateful for the wonderful group of teachers leading this Fall Practice Period: Sensei Sokaku Kathie Fischer, Sensei Jose Shinzan Palma, Sensei Monshin Nannette Overley, and Sensei Matthew Kozan Palevsky.