Ango | Peaceful Dwelling
Ango, which translates as "peaceful dwelling,” has been a traditional 90-day practice period in Zen for centuries. We come together to realize our true nature and awaken wisdom and compassion.
We invite all to join in our Fall 2026 Ango intensive practice period Sept 18-Dec 13th.
Programs are available for all levels, beginners and seasoned practitioners, local and remote, in person and online.
Our theme for this Ango Practice Period is Koans of Everyday Life: Waking Up with the Eight Sufferings.
A foundational teaching of Buddhism is that we suffer when the world does not conform to our wishes: when we experience loss, fail in our efforts, are faced with adverse situations or circumstances, and generally decline.
This Ango we will practice working with the challenging situations in our life -- what Shakespeare (in the voice of Hamlet) called "the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to" -- as opportunities to investigate and transform our attachments.
We will apply the deep, directed inquiry of koan practice to these matters, with the goal of living more freely, with greater wisdom and compassion.
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We invite you to engage in this Ango practice period with the Eon Zen Sangha. Join us in intention and practice to awaken in service to all beings.
Together with the sangha, you will deepen your quality of life, develop insight, and cultivate wisdom and compassion by co-creating a generative field for our Bodhisattva vows and good karmic seeds to grow.
Set your intentions for Ango
Below is a list of the many opportunities for practice, study, and service with Eon Zen individually and with sangha during the Ango practice period.
You can use the Ango Commitment form (see below) to clarify your intentions. Each person’s commitment is unique - we encourage you to engage as you are called and able.
Everyone is invited to attend the Ango Entering Ceremony on Saturday, September 19th at 9:00 am MT during the Ango Entering Sesshin in person at Willow Farm or online. See details for the retreat here.
Ango Membership
If you’re not already a member of Eon Zen Center, you can join at a reduced rate for the three months of Ango to support your commitment to practice, receive discounts on retreats, and full access to the Zen Foundations Course.
2026 Ango Practice Period
September 19-December 13th
Set your Intentions
Use the online form below to clarify your intentions for Ango and share them confidentially with Gyodo Sensei. You can also download the pdf version to write down your intentions and Keep them visible as a reminder to help you maintain effort.
Practice with Sangha
Daily Zazen (online) - US Mountain Time
Morning meditation offered online over zoom.
Eon Zen Zoom link
6:00-6:20am Mon-Fri Early Zazen
6:20-7:30am Mon-Fri Zazen (two periods)
8:00-9:00am Sat-Sun Zazen (two periods)
One Body Sangha Zoom link
12:00-12:15pm Mon / Wed / Fri Zazen
7:00-7:30pm Tue / Wed / Thur Zazen
Weekly Sangha Practice and Dharma Talk
Mondays 6:00-7:30pm Dharma Talks exploring the theme of Waking Up with the Eight Sufferings followed by Zazen and Sangha Discussion
Monthly Three Treasures Practice Program
Second Sundays 8:00-9:00am Zazen and 9:00-10:30am Dharma Circle with talks and sangha discussions exploring the Ango theme.
Monthly Retreats
Join in extended meditation retreats:
September 18-20: Ango Entering Sesshin
October 17: Enter Here Zazenkai - ideal for beginners
November 21: Zazenkai
November 30-Dec 4: Rohatsu Week Zazen (extra periods online)
December 11-13*: Rohatsu Sesshin (*dates subject to change to Dec 4-6 due to potential conflict. We will confirm before the start of Ango)
Dokusan and Daisan
During Morning Zazen online (the attendant will announce when the line is open)
Dokusan with Gyodo Sensei: Tues + Thurs 6:30-7:30am
Daisan with Dharma Holder Geoff Shōun: Wed + Fri 6:30-7:30am
Study
Koan Study and Dharma Dialogue with Gyodo Sensei
The study of koans and sutras are a core part of our Zen training lineage. You can discuss your interest in the koan curriculum or in scheduling a regular Dharma Dialogue with Gyodo Sensei in Dokusan.
Precepts Study Series
A 3-class series studying the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts offered online over zoom, open to all, led by Geoff Shōun O’Keeffe, Lisa Gakyo Schaewe, and Charlie Jodo Meerts-Brandsma. Dates to be announced before the start of Ango.
Exploring the Five Conditions: A New Approach to the Five Skandhas
A self-paced 3-hour video seminar with Sean Tetsudo Murphy, Sensei, a teacher and lineage holder in the White Plum Zen Asanga, on on the five skandhas or aggregates. If you’ve ever struggled with finding the next step in shedding unskillful patterns of thought, emotion, and action and opening the heart of wisdom and compassion in a broader way, this seminar is for you.
Available to all with a one time contribution. Included with Eon Zen Student Membership and Ango Memberships. (login and go to your account to access)
Zen Foundations Course (12 online modules)
A self-paced online curriculum that gives a comprehensive and practical grounding in the experience and principles of Zen Buddhism.
Available at a reduced rate for all Eon Zen/White Plum Sangha Members. Included with Eon Zen Student Membership and Ango Memberships. (login and go to account to access)
Service
Serving Dinner at All Roads Shelter
Sept 25, Oct 23, Nov 27, Dec 25
Eon Zen prepares and serves dinner on the fourth Friday of each month from 5:30-7:45pm at All Roads Shelter at 4869 Broadway, Boulder, CO to our neighbors who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Service with the Sangha
Assist with setting up meditation cushions, welcoming attendees or other needs for programs and retreats. Email staff@eonzen.org to discuss options.
Set Your Intentions
You can use this online form to clarify your intentions for Ango and share them confidentially with Gyodo Sensei.
You may also download a pdf version to write down your commitments to keep them visible as a reminder to help you maintain effort.
Ango Practice Period Commitment Form
This Ango, I commit to the following in the areas of Practice, Study & Service: