Fall Ango 2021: The Four Noble Truths
September 5 - November 21
Photo by Mattia Faloretti on Unsplash
More about this Ango
Dear Ones -
For the past several Ango, the Sangha has focused on important issues of social engagement, including racism in America, food insecurity, and the climate crisis. As we write these words of guidance, the pandemic is raging anew as our children go back to school. Politics around the world are dangerously polarized, armed conflict is everywhere, trust in institutions, expertise and science are eroding, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared July 2021 the world’s hottest month in 142 years of records. Clearly there is more work to be done in the world.
It is important to note, however, that as all of these crises pile on top of each other, the Sangha has also quietly been building its new Temple, we have seen the ordination of our first priest, we have welcomed 23 new Jukai members into the refuge of Sangha, and we’ve found a way to skillfully hold in person services again.
In future Ango, we will take up important areas of social engagement again, but this Fall in particular is a perfect time for us to turn our focus towards an in depth study of the timeless core teaching of the Buddha himself - the Four Noble Truths. These universal truths of suffering, the causes of suffering and the path to the alleviation of suffering through awakening for the benefit of all beings form the essential insight shared by all Sanghas throughout space and time. Together we will unpack the guidance of our original teacher and apply it to our daily lives, our homes and families, our Sangha, our work in the world and the ever widening circle of our interconnection with all beings.
May it be so!
Rinsen & Do’on
Ango Texts
Each Ango, Our Teachers hold up relevant texts for independent reading and as source material for Dharma Talks. You may participate in Ango as much as you are able, even if you do not purchase or read these books.
Optional Independent Reading
The Dalai Lama’s The Four Noble Truths
Check for the Book at Your Local Library
Amazon (purchase with Amazon Smile to benefit the Temple)
Walpola Rahula’s What the Buddha Taught
Check for the Book at Your Local Library
Amazon (purchase with Amazon Smile to benefit the Temple)
Chogyan Trungpa’s Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
Check for the Book at Your Local Library
Amazon (purchase with Amazon Smile to benefit the Temple)
Thich Nhat Hanh’s Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching
Check for the Book at Your Local Library
Amazon (purchase with Amazon Smile to benefit the Temple)
Source Material for Dharma Talks
The Four Noble Truths
Ango Events
Ango Zazenkai
Due to COVID Safety Measures, the Temple will host 3 one-day commuter zazenkai in place of sesshin for vaccinated members. The zazenkai will be held in Noble Silence, sesshin-style, and will be formal with registration, formal practice periods, dokusan and oryoki. Forms will be adapted for COVID safety as needed.
Zazenkai will be in-person and open to vaccinated members. Details of how to register are coming soon.
Saturday, September 18 at hours TBD
Saturday, October 23 at hours TBD
Saturday, November 20 at hours TBD
Ango Workshops
Workshops are Members Only and will be hybrid in-person and interactive virtual through Zoom.
Saturday, September 25 at 2 - 5 PM
Topic TBD
Saturday, October 30 - 5 PM
Topic TBD
Saturday, November 13 - 5PM
Topic TBD
Sangha Circles
Sign-up for Sangha Circles will be open soon! In-person options may be available depending on host preferences. (What’s a Sangha Circle?)
