Two Opportunities

Ango Practice Period

We invite our Sophia Zen Sangha members into an Ango Practice Period from now, through our national elections, up till Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025. 

An ango is a Japanese term for a period of intense training or practice for students of Zen Buddhism. The practice during ango consists of meditation, study, work and/or any intention you create for this time. The word ango literally translates as “dwelling in peace.” Certainly, we all share that intention for our nation, our world, our families, and ourselves.

During this time, our Zoom Zendo is available for community zazen every Sunday from 7PM to 7:30 PM CT – a way for us to hold our intention together. Nyokai Pat will lead members in a lovingkindness chant at the end. There are a few Sundays when Pat will not available at that time. You are still welcome to join together online.

Please, participate as you are able.

Election Refuge Online Gathering

Instead of gluing our eyes to the returns, we can enjoy an evening of Music, Poetry, Wisdom, and Teachings – An Island of Sanity. This evening features:

•Visions of the Great Turning and living in Deep Time

•Stirring and inspiring poetry and songs

•Wisdom from Buddhist and other spiritual traditions

•Humor, music with heart, Asian Bells, poetry, silence, and more

Led by a wonderful team of singers, poets, and wisdom teachers,

to stir and strengthen our souls!

Guests include:

Ofosu Jones-Quartey- Hip-hop artist and Buddhist teacher

Renee Benmeleh- Vocal improv, embodied sound

Reggie Harris- Folk/Blues/Gospel Singer

Ayya Santacitta -Buddhist teacher (Aloka Dharma Earth Room)

and more

For more information and to register (it’s free if you can’t afford or donation through PayPal!), please use this link: https://mailchi.mp/betsyrosemusic.org/no-better-time-to-sing-21543705?e=[UNIQID]

Anne, one of our sangha members, said good bye to her dear and faithful friend, Sylvie – the Silver Maple. She was joined by her sangha sisters who blessed and anointed both Sylvie’s transition into the Great Emptiness and her memorial seat.

When Zen students request to make a formal and public their intention to follow and embody the Buddha Way, they receive Jukai. Jukai means to receive (ju) the precepts (kai). The precepts, which we repeat every month at our Full Moon Ceremony, are the ethical teachings of the Buddha.

On July 14, 2023 Seiko Kathleen Cairns and Kikō Julie Berkopec received their Buddha robes (rakasus) and dharma names, and formalized their intention to practice Zazen.

On April 26, 2024, at Holy Wisdom Monastery, Pat Farrell received transmission as a lay dharma teacher (sensei) from Prajnatara Paula Hirshcboeck. She also received the dharma teacher name of Nyokai.

On April 25, 2022, the members of Sophia Zen Sangha welcomed guests to the launch of Prajnatara Paula’s book, Turning and Being Turned: A Zen Circle of Practice Realization. This celebration was held at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, Wisconsin. Below are some pictures from the celebration.

On April 25 Pat Teikō Farrell exited the Shuso Gate. This ceremony marks the end of a period of time – usually a year – in which the sangha member serves as shuso or head student. During the ceremony, the shuso undergoes a public question-and-answer ceremony, kind of like a graduation, called shuso hossen, which involves a public questioning of the shuso on a teaching verse of his/her choice. Teikō chose the text, “Mahapajapati Opens the Door,” from The Hidden Lamp. This was an in-person ceremony that was also shared online: https://vimeo.com/704631358/3e1c3a3109

Meet the author, Prajnatara Paula Hirschboeck
Monday, April 25, 2022, 3-6 PM
Holy Wisdom Monastery
4200 Co Hwy M, Middleton, WI 53562
Garden Room and Patio
Refreshments served. 

Program:

3:00 – Welcome
3:15 – Conversation with Prajnatara Paula
5:00 – Social time and book signing
5:45 – Closing meditation and dedication

Registration opens March 15 and closes April 15.

To learn more or order go to our Publications Page. https://sophiazensangha.org/publications/