- published: 18 Jul 2012
- views: 431132
An ango (安居?), or kessei, is a Japanese term for a three-month period of intense training for students of Zen Buddhism, lasting anywhere from 90 to 100 days. The practice during ango consists of meditation (zazen), study, and work (samu).
Ango is typically held twice a year, the first period from spring to summer and the second period from fall to winter. The word ango literally translates as "dwelling in peace"; the summer ango is referred to as ge-ango and the winter period is u-ango. Additionally, some monasteries and Zen centers hold just one ango per year.
Concerning Zen practice in the United States, author Ellen Birx writes,
You tell me that you need to spend sometime alone
You tell me that you think it's best if I'd go home now
I get my coat from off the floor, I'm out the door
Walking home alone, my love has left
My head, my heart all torn apart
My mind's exploding
Crying my eyes out over you
It must be hard for you to believe that I might love you
Just try to understand I just want you to want me too
You made me fall in love again, you angel
How you take my breath away, I live for you
It must be hard for you to believe that I might love you anyway
Just try to understand I just wanted you to want me too