Winter 2026 Online Practice Period

What is a Practice Period?

In traditional Zen Buddhism the practice year for monks and nuns would divided into into ango periods and non-ango periods. An ango is a period of increased intensity of practice and often times would include a topic that the ango leader would lecture on. During ango, the number of times one sits zazen a day would be increased and the number of sesshin retreats would increase. In Soto Zen, a shuso or “head student” would be selected to help lead the ango. Being head student is considered an important milestone in a Zen practitioners path towards being a mentor for other students.

Simplicity Zen Winter 2026 Online Practice Period

This will be our first online practice period. It will last from February 7th to March 14th. As part of this practice period we will have multiple online sitting periods where we can sit together as well as two online retreats. During this practice period students are encouraged to increase the amount of time they sit zazen per week and to also select one type of escapism they normal engage in to give up during the practice period. The head student for this retreat will also reach out to each participant to try and find a time to meet with them one-on-one for an informal practice discussion.

Practice Period Monday through Thursday Online Schedule

The following are the times that will be available for group sitting Monday through Thursday. There are three times scheduled per day to try and cover multiple time zones. There is no expectation whatsoever that all participants attended all of these sessions. Attend the sessions that make sense for your schedule. You are also encouraged to sit on your own towards the goal of sitting more often during this practice period than you normally would. The Monday through Thursday sitting periods are:

  • 6:30 AM PST – 25 Minutes Zazen
  • 4:30 PM PST – 25 Minutes Zazen
  • 6:30 PM PST – 25 Minutes Zazen

These sessions will take place on Zoom. You will be sent a Zoon link and password when you sign up.

Friday Online Sitting

There will be one sitting on Fridays during the practice period:

  • 6:30 AM PST – 25 Minutes Zazen

These sessions will take place on Zoom. You will be sent a Zoon link and password when you sign up.

Weekend Practice Period Events

The weekend online events for this practice period will be:

  • Saturday February 7th – See Below for times – One Day Retreat and Opening Ceremony
  • Saturday February 14th – 8 AM to 9:10 AM PST- Group Sitting and Talk
  • Saturday February 21st – 8 AM to 9:10 AM PST- Group Sitting and Head Way Seeing Mind Talk
  • Saturday February 28th – 8 AM to 9:10 AM PST- Group Sitting and Talk
  • Saturday March 7th – 8 AM to 9:10 AM PST- Group Sitting and Head Student Practice Talk
  • Saturday March 14th – See Below for times – Two Day Retreat Day 1 and Jukai / Ordination Ceremonies
  • Sunday March 15th – See Below for times – Two Day Retreat Day 2 and Head Student Dharma Inquiry Ceremony

Retreat Schedule

This will be the daily schedule for February 7th, March 14th and March 15th. You are asked to try and sit at least 8 of these periods. We have a wide range of times to accommodate different time zones. There is no expectation that everyone sits all the periods. You are welcome to use any of the periods for a meal as it makes sense for your schedule. Please have the meal prepared in advance so that it can be quickly eaten during a 30 minutes period. Vegetarian meals are encouraged during retreats. We ask that everyone attend the 9 AM PST session as there will always be a talk or ceremony during that time.

5:00 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
5:30 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
6:00 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
6:30 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
7:00 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
7:30 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
8:00 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
8:30 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
9:00 AM PST – Ceremony or Talk
10:00 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
10:30 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
11:00 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
11:30 AM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
12:00 PM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
12:30 PM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
1:00 PM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom
1:30 PM PST – 25 minutes sitting / 5 minutes stretch, walk or restroom

Jukai and Ordination Opportunity

On March 14th we are setting aside the 9 AM PST to 10 AM PST period of the online retreat for jukai and ordination. If you are already slated to do either of those ceremonies with us you have the option of doing it then.

Giving up an Escapist Acitity

If you plan to patriciate in this practice period, give some thought to what type of escapist activity that you frequently engage in that you want to give up during this time. Examples might be: scrolling on your phone, reading for pleasure, playing games, watching TV or Netflix, social media, etc.

Practice Period Sign Up

There is no cost to participate in this practice period. To sign up for this practice period, please send an email to Qweniden@gmail.com with the following information:

  • Your name
  • Best address to receive emails at regarding the practice period.
  • Best phone number to receive texts at (for last minute announcements of schedule changes)
  • What weekday sittings you hope to regularly attend
  • Which weekend sessions you plan to attend (hopefully all of them)
  • Which escapist activity do you plan to give up for the practice period.
  • If you are slated for jukai or ordination, would you like to do it March 14th?
  • If you are not already practicing with this group, please give a quick description of your practice history.