Ango is a time of renewing and reconnecting to our intentions as we turn towards the support of Sangha for a period of focused practice.

During this practice period we will be studying the practice instructions of Zen Master Hongzhi in the book Cultivating the Empty Field. The weekly sits on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will draw inspiration from this text. We will also offer additional opportunities to gather together and practice, from New Moon Vocal Toning Events, Daylong Retreats, a City Refuge Retreat and practice opportunities at the end of October for working with our inner demons and hungry ghosts.

This is also an opportunity to reflect on your practice intentions and with the support of the sangha to live those intentions whole-heartedly. This could include commitments like practicing the precepts, being kind to ourselves and others, or committing to specific practices like chanting, bowing, or increased meditation, it could also involve studying the text or something else.

We will have copies of Cultivating the Empty Field available to borrow or have. You are also welcome to get your own copy.

Immaculate and dazzling, the field’s limits cannot be seen with the eyes’ strength. Serene and expansive, its directions and corners cannot be found with the mind’s conditioning. People who sincerely meditate and authentically arrive trust that the field has always been with them. Buddhas and demons cannot invade it, pollution cannot poison it. Square or round they just enjoy the center. —excerpt from Cultivating the Empty Field by Hongzhi called Everyone Included in the Field