Ango, literally “peaceful dwelling”, is a period of concentrated and committed Zen practice, usually lasting three-months in the Soto Zen tradition. The roots of Ango arise from the earliest days of the Buddhist monastic community in India, when monks and nuns would cease their wandering and settle together in one place for the rainy season. Even today in Zen monasteries of Japan, Ango is a time of intense and rigorous training, typically including long hours of Zazen, short hours for sleep, formal meals taken in the Zendo (meditation hall), and a structured schedule for the rest of the day comprising periods for work, liturgy, study, rest, and personal needs. In the West, most Zen groups have adapted the form of the three-month practice period to the needs and demands of life in their communities.
and so I sit, 3 times a day.. I do samu (working without need for any renumeration). I speak mindfully.
Here I will “try” to chronicle my 100 days in a daily blog post.
Meditation Wednesday night was incredible… peace, quiet and a horrible ringing in my ears… I sat in 20 minute stints.. then did walking meditation.. following the nice lady that sat beside me. (she had a real familiar look) We went thru this for almost 2 hours.. alternating sitting and walking. at the end we all chanted the Verse of Atonement in Japanese and English… and fell back to meditation … as I was counting my breaths the bell started ringing.. it’s resonance vibrated thru my body… it was the most incredible thing I have ever felt..
When it ended.. 108 chimes later… Roshi spoke..
we all filed out of the zendo… pausing to wish Roshi Joan a HNY… then we went to River house. circled around the table and said a little blessing for our meal.. then we each in turn stated our name.. and our affirmation for the year.. it was then that I learned who I had sat next to for 2 hours.. it was Jane….. Henry Fonda’s daughter 
Maybe you can tell me.
When I left Oregon and moved to Santa Fe it was to bring a sense of peace and calmness ot my life. It was also to reduce attachments to “things” that were unnecessary in my life. I did a good job of this, and I arrived with clothes, cameras, computers and my cat, Albie.
I was fortunate to find a place to go to up front, and have a destination when I was driving. The arrival has been a real eye opener for me. When I got here I paid my month’s rent.. minus the cost of a ticket to see Ottmar Liebert + Luna Negra in December for my roommate. Pretty straightforward stuff. ok.. I thought that this was gonna be perfect.
However, it seems roomie has a few health issues.. so she is on morphine and oxycontin. She also smokes pot constantly and sells Rx drugs. This puts me in a strange place as I do not do these things, and cant really say I am comfortable with the thought that I could be included in any bust that came down the pike.
I guess that the fact I need to get a job and work to pay rent isn’t an issue as she seems to think I should do everything with her.. and that I need rides to all of my interviews. I have a bus pass, I know how to take the bus. Its also a great way to learn my way around.
This all came to full realization today when we had planned to visit Dixon NM.. for a festival and wine tasting. This is around 60 miles of mountainous driving each way. My roomie couldnt “not smoke” her dope first. When she asked me if I was ready to go I politely told her that I had changed my mind, that I was not comfortable driving with someone that was not in full control. It is way beyond my comfort zone.
Instead I will study my precepts today.. start preparing my fabric for my Rakusu, and sit zazen.
Intensifying job search is very important as I really need to find my own place ASAP. While I appreciate all she has done for me.. Albie and I need to breathe and be comfortable in knowing that all is safe in our home..
maybe a little casita on the east side of town.. closer to the things that are now a part of my life.