Spring Practice Period

2023 ADZG Nine-Week Spring Practice Commitment Period

Bodhisattva Teachings from the Vimalakirti Sutra

Focused periods of community practice originated at the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. During these periods practitioners join together to deepen and support each other’s practice of the Buddha way. In Japanese Zen these practice periods are residential monastic retreats known as ango (peaceful abiding). In modern American context, our non-residential Practice Commitment Period (PCP) is an opportunity to integrate and develop sustainable practice in our everyday lives in intentional community practice. In our post-pandemic, non-residential situation, all are welcome to join in-person or online, or in some combination.  Ancient Dragon Zen Gate’s community or Sangha lives, works, and practices as householders in an urban environment, enacting our responsibilities to nourish our connections with our loved ones, work situations, and our own bodies and minds. To support deepening practice, participants in the PCP design individualized programs including three key aspects of Zen training: meditation, study, and community life. Participants will practice with selected chapters of the Vimalakirti Sutra. 

This year’s Practice Commitment Period will be led by Guiding Teacher Taigen Dan Leighton.

All practitioners are welcome to register. Participants in the practice commitment period are required to make a commitment to meditation, study, and community. A commitment sheet will be available by early March for outlining your practice commitment for the eight weeks of the PCP. 

Personal commitments can include some flexibility or modification, in consultation with Taigen. Distant members may also participate, and Online practitioners are welcome.  

Meditation – A commitment to zazen

• A commitment to four days of weekly home sitting (or at least six days/week including ADZG).
• A defined commitment to at least two weekly sittings at ADZG [in person or online].
• Participation in two all-day sittings (April 2, May 19, 20, or 21).

Study – Exploring and integrating the Dharma

We will consider selected chapters from the illuminating and colorful Vimalakirti Sutra, which describes the bodhisattvic practice of the great, highly awakened layman Vimalakirti, said to have been a contemporary of Shakyamuni. His example may be an inspiration to our non-residential lay sangha. Seven chapters from the sutra will be highlighted as focal points for our practice. See below for readings to be made available.

• Students may commit to selecting during the first few weeks one of the seven chapters to focus on, with the study informing daily life. Selections can be chosen in consultation with Taigen. Appropriate chapters will be available digitally for PCP participants.
• Meeting two times individually (Dokusan) with Dharma Teacher Taigen Leighton, or may include once with another ADZG Teacher.

Community – Sharing and Supporting

• Participation in Dharma discussion groups with Taigen:  ONLINE: Sunday Afternoons, April 23, and May 7, 2023, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm CST.
• Meet informally to discuss practice experiences with a PCP “Dharma companion.”
• Volunteer in an ADZG sangha service activity (such as greeter, serving tea, etc.) to be arranged in consultation with Taigen and other temple leaders.

This may include our Sangha Spring Cleaning Day, Saturday April 29, 1–3 pm. Sangha support options for Online participants to be explored.

Registration and Information

To register for the Practice Commitment Period, please speak to Taigen or e-mail info@ancientdragon.org. Please register by Monday, March 27, 2023.

Registration for the four all-day sittings during the PCP is handled separately. Click the links below to register for each sesshin you wish to attend.
April 2
May 19
May 20
May 21

Suggested Donation: $125.00 for the Practice Commitment Period; $75 for each all-day sitting. Sliding scale is available to everyone for all events.