Practice period is a tradition going back to the time of the Buddha, when the monks would cease their wandering in the forests and gather during the rainy season to practice together as a community. In the tradition of Japanese Zen, they tend to be three-month periods of time and are known as “ango,” which is often translated as “Peaceful abiding.” Ours is not so long, but it still offers an excellent opportunity for deeper study and practice.

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This practice period is supported by Guiding Teacher Zenshin Greg Fain who will be joining us in person for the second and final two weekends of the practice period. We'll be joined by Jisan Tova Green for the closing weekend retreat and lay ordination ceremony.The practice period will feature dharma talks every Sunday at 11am.  ​We will also be having a 5 part class that helps inform our teaching and practice for the duration, co-led by novice priest Gikai Jon Voss, and senior students Gido Tilde Carbia and Ryugin David Olivier. Mushin Ereeni Roulakis will serve as head monk, or shuso.

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We will be reflecting on Eihei Dogen's Instructions for the Cook (Tenzokyōkun). Written in 1237 by the founder of the Sōtō branch of Japanese Zen, this short essay details specific duties of the tenzo or chief cook in a Zen monastery. While many aspects of it are practical and specific to a monastic setting, we also find instructions for living, for being present in every moment, and an invitation to explore what Dogen called joyful mind, parenting mind, and big mind. Throughout the practice period, we'll be exploring the implications of this essay for our everyday life.

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Our Mid City Zen spring practice period will begin on March 1 and end on April 5. We look forward to coming together as a community in peaceful abiding.

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We are asking each participant to commit to intensify your practice in whatever way you can. This might mean sitting zazen at home each day, or more study. Visiting Teachers Greg Fain and Tova Green will also be available for Dokusan (one-on-one practice discussions) during their visits. 

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You are invited to commit to as much of the practice period as you can. Please fill out this registration to express your intention and your availability. Attendance is available via Zoom and in-person. If you are not able to attend some of the events.

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Here are some questions we've had that may be helpful for all:

• Can I attend just some of the practice period? Yes! We are making this offering for you to participate to the best of your ability and availability, whatever that may be. You can take part in everything for a very rich experience, or if your circumstances don't allow, you can participate in a 1 day or 3 day sesshin (retreat), for just one or more of the classes, or even just come for the dharma talks that will be offered every Sunday.

• Can I attend if I can't pay the suggested donation amount? Yes! All of our offerings are offered with no expectation of a donation--any donation of money or time is always welcome and helps sustain our sangha, but no donation or particular amount is required, ever.

• What if I don't feel like I have enough experience for a full practice period? The practice period is open to anyone who wants to dive a bit deeper in their meditation and spiritual practice, no matter how much experience you have. Senior teachers and novice priests will be available for one-on-one support, and there will be many opportunities to meet with other fellow students throughout.

• Is it too late to sign up? No, you can still sign up for any of the practice period, and you can find out more below.

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