Aug 31 – Dec 7

ANGO 2025

A 90-day training period

Registration Deadline: August 27

Commitment is our compass

Message from Roshi Robert Joshin Althouse

In our tradition, we often do what is called Ango training, where we deepen and strengthen our practice together over a 3-month period of time. We ask that people join the training by making a commitment to increase their practice in some way. This usually includes increasing our meditation. 

We invite you to join this Ango period, led by the Shuso (Head Trainee), Christian Baizan Solorzano. To join, you must be a ZLMC member. Register by paying the nominal $285 fee (see bottom of page), which will give you two 7-day retreats, classes, and events taking place during this training.  

This year, Rev. Diane Myogetsu Bejcek will be offering a class on Lojong Mind Training. Baizan will also be offering a class. Practicing in this way, we renew our vows and commitment to living a Zen-inspired life in accordance with the precepts and our Bodhisattva vows.

May you trust your own wisdom and natural generosity.

Roshi Robert Joshin Althouse

Message from Shuso (Head Trainee) Christian Baizan Solorzano

Dear Sangha,

I’m humbled and honored to announce my role as Susho (head trainee) for this year’s Ango–a period of deep practice. This will be an opportunity for all of us to embrace the present moment with clarity and commitment to ourselves and each other, fostering connection and insight in an embodied and dignified way.

During this time, we’ll amplify our meditation, engage with Zen teachings, and structure our lives in such a way that treats our home and community as sacred ground. I encourage you to show up wholeheartedly and embrace a slower, mindful rhythm that meets daily obligations and relationships with renewed awareness and care.

When we practice together, we discover our shared wisdom and natural capacity for presence. We commit to meeting each moment–whether challenging or joyful–with openness and compassion.

So, let’s embrace this opportunity.

I look forward to serving and honoring this moment with enthusiasm and appreciation.

Bowing, 

Baizan

Ango Schedule

Opening Ceremony

Sunday, Aug 31 @ 10:00 AM

Fall 7-day Zen Retreat (Aug 31–Sept. 6)

Morning Meditation: Monday–Friday | 7:00 – 7:45 AM
Evening Meditation: Tuesday | 6:00 – 6:45 PM

Class with Rev. Diane Myogetsu Bejcek

TBA

Study Group with Baizan Solorzano

TBA

Winter 7-Day Zen Retreat

Dec 1–6

Closing Ceremony

Closing Ceremony, Sunday
December 7 • 10 AM

Register

Invest in your spiritual journey today.

This year, we are offering this 3-month training for $285.

This exceptional value includes:

  • Two immersive 7-day retreats (Fall & Winter) - $570 value

  • Exclusive teachings by Rev. Myogetsu Bejcek

  • Intimate study groups guided by Baizan Solorzano

  • Access to the Zen Life Online Community platform with curated resources, books, videos, and articles

  • Private interviews with either Robert Roshi and June Roshi

  • Monthly local participants’ breakfasts

  • Countless opportunities to deepen your practice

Clarify your purpose. Enrich your spirit. Transform your life.

Don’t miss this transformative experience!

Registration closes on August 27

To explore how you might participate in the Ango, please get in touch with Kelly Jumei Good and set a meeting to talk with her about how you want to participate. She’ll help you clarify your commitment.

Register

Invest in your spiritual journey today.

Shusho will lead a study group on the Four Brahmaviharas.

During this Ango training period Robert Roshi will teach on:

Four Brahmaviharas (Four Immeasurables)

There are four Buddhist virtues and meditation practices designed to cultivate them. They are:

  • lovingkindness (metta)

  • compassion (karuna)

  • empathetic joy (mudita

  • equanimity (upekkha)

Roshi Robert talking about using Five Wisdom Mandala as lens through which to view Ango practice.

Five Wisdom Mandala

We will frame our training period with the Five Wisdom Mandala - what we’re calling the Personal Practice Mandala.

Seeing our lives and practice through this lens, can help us grow a more well-rounded spiritual practice in many different areas of our lives, with greater skill, and understanding.

Eight Consciousnesses

According to the Yogacara teachings, our mind has eight aspects or eight consciousnesses. The first five are based on the physical senses of eyes, ears, nose, tongue and touch. The sixth is mind itself. The seventh is part of consciousness that gives rise to support the construction of a self. The eight is the store consciousness which is the ground or base for all the other consciousnesses.