Ango Opening Ceremonies and Hearthstones 2026

An ango is a traditional Zen practice period — a defined stretch of time in which a community takes up intensified training rather than its ordinary rhythm. These October dates are the opening: ceremonies marking the start of Great Vow's autumn ango, described as a period of intensified training in meditation, contemplation, and inquiry. Participants don't only attend the ceremonies; they make a practice commitment for the period and join a Hearthstone group, one of the small groups that meet throughout the ango to explore teachings together.

The listing leaves a lot unspecified. It doesn't name a teacher for the ceremonies, describe a daily schedule, list pricing, or say whether participants stay overnight or attend by day — in-person is the only format detail given. The retreat runs October 4–9, 2026; contact Great Vow Zen Monastery for registration and for details about the practice commitments and Hearthstone groups.