Ango Intensive (Online) – Turning Words and the Wellspring of Great Peace

What this retreat is about

"Turning words" (gonzo in Japanese) refers to phrases or verses that pivot a practitioner's understanding — teaching statements that reverse perspective or cut through conceptual thinking. This intensive focuses on that practice through the lens of Master Hongzhi, an 11th-century Soto Zen master whose work on silent illumination (mokushogyo) remains central to contemporary Soto practice. Rather than passive study, participants will practice shikantaza (just sitting) alongside close reading of Hongzhi's teaching verses, then generate their own "live words" through writing prose and poetry.

The tradition

Soto Zen emphasizes shikantaza — sitting without a focal object or technique — as complete practice in itself. Hongzhi's approach to silent illumination synthesizes this with deep contemplative attention. The teaching verses you'll study here aren't intellectual exercises; they're tools for pointing directly to insight. Turning them in meditation is a form of investigation, not analysis.

What to expect

Over four days, you'll alternate between sitting periods and study sessions. The retreat maintains noble silence (no extraneous conversation; you communicate only as needed). You'll engage with Hongzhi's language — which can feel dense and poetic on first reading — and write your own responses. This isn't a workshop on creative writing; it's using words as a practice gate, a way to verify understanding through articulation.

Online format

You'll join live video sessions for instruction and sitting periods. The schedule likely includes group sits, talks, and time for individual practice and writing. You'll need a quiet space and reliable internet. Unlike in-person sesshin, you manage your own meals and environment, which requires discipline to maintain the retreat's rhythm.