People meditating in a bright sunlit room with large windows, sitting on mats and cushions, while a person in robes leads the session. Additional participants are seated in overlapping circles, with some observing and others participating.

ANGO 2023 @ One River Zen

A group of people celebrating on the steps of a house, some wearing graduation robes, others holding a staff with a snake, and all smiling and raising their hands in celebration.
A circular logo for an event called 'One River Zen' hosted by ANGO in 2023. The logo features stylized blue waves and a mountain range in the background with a beige sky.

From September 30th to December 9th, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey that will intensify your path of Zen practice, cultivating deep connections with the Sangha. Join us for a time of profound introspection, dedicated meditation, and insightful exploration!

Five people meditating in a room with large windows, plants, and an American flag outside.

During Ango, we’ll intensify our meditation practice, generally doubling our daily sits. This is a catalyst for deepening our realization and clarifying our path. There is a retreat that begins Ango, as well as one that ends it (Rohatsu Sesshin). These are a great way to get the most out of the period. We will work with your schedule to customize a training path for the period.

Book cover titled 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind' by Shunryu Suzuki, with a black and white ink illustration of a person meditating.

We’ll study and reflect on Shunryu Suzuki’s Zen Mind, Beginners Mind with thoughtful commentaries, engaging discussion groups, and bi-weekly talks with Sensei Michael. When we meet for our discussion group we’ll begin with a group meal.

Group of people participating in a yoga or meditation class indoors with yoga mats, a gong, and spiritual texts, one person holding a drumstick and smiling at the camera.

Together, we’ll learn additional practice forms and conduct service more often. We’ll do Fusatsu service monthly during Ango, renewing our vows of compassion and wisdom.

A woman in glasses and a light blue shirt arranging flowers on a kitchen counter, with various floral supplies and a window in the background.

During Ango, we’ll all take on additional Temple duties, volunteering our talents as we are able to revitalize our practice center. Whether you are online or in-person, there are plenty of things you can do to make One River Zen a special place to practice!

ANGO 2023
September 30th - December 9th


(see the ANGO COMMUNITY EVENTS calendar at the bottom of the page)

To Participate:

  1. Use the form to the right to register. A donation is requested of all participants to support the Temple. We incur a significant expense to sponsor Ango, so please give us a hand! Reach out to outreach@oneriverzen.org if you need assistance to participate.

  2. You will receive a registration email with a link to fill out a commitment form. Please click on this link and submit the form. We will work with your schedule to customize a training path for the period.

  3. There is a link at the bottom of the form to schedule time to review your commitments with Sensei and begin your formal intake into Ango.

Make a Deeper Commitment to your Training and Practice

Ango is a traditional rite of passage for Zen Students, where they take on additional responsibility each year until serving as Shuso or head trainee. As this is our first year, we will install all the temple roles except Shuso to acquaint everyone with the practice.

Participants will receive a certificate of training for their successful completion of the practice period, several of which are required for full empowerment as a Teacher or Priest, or eligibility to perform as Shuso in subsequent Ango periods.

All participants will have a transformational experience, and will forge a deep connection with the Sangha as well as the many generations of ancestors that came before us and were stewards of this wonderful Ango tradition.

A house with gothic architecture, light blue siding, and a turret, surrounded by lush green lawn and blooming tulips in front. A wooden sign reads 'One River Zen Meditation Center' and features a QR code. An American flag flies on a flagpole to the l
Group of people celebrating on the front porch of a house, some dressed in graduation robes, posing with smiles and raised hands.
A woman being ordained or consecrated by another woman in a living room during a ceremony, with others sitting on the floor. The woman being ordained is standing on a cushion, and both are wearing black robes.
People seated on chairs and cushions in a meditation or prayer room, facing a person sitting on a raised platform at the front near windows with sunlight.
Sensei Michael Brunner of Ottawa, IL is performing a Jukai ceremony for a woman kneeling at a table, with a small bouquet of flowers on the table. Three other people are seated in the background, looking at the scene inside a room with large windows.
Group of people seated in a circle on chairs in a room with large windows, a Buddhist statue and plants, participating in a meditation or discussion session.

ANGO COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

(Events start in September, so toggle forward to see events by month…)