For Discussion: Separating Ango and Jukai

[Jundo]

Dear All,

I have a question for our members, particularly those folks who have participated in Ango and Jukai in past years.

We are thinking of trying an experiment this year to separate the times for our Treeleaf Ango (90 Day Special Practice Period) and Jukai (Undertaking the Precepts Preparations and Ceremony). Maybe doing both at the same time, as we have for the last dozen years, is a little too much at once for some people, and we should schedule them for different seasons.

Jukai preparations presently consist of weekly Precepts readings and discussions and sewing a Rakusu, beginning in September, and closing with our two day Rohatsu Retreat in early December, and a Jukai Ceremony in January. We could keep that schedule this year, or move Jukai to commence in January and end with a Ceremony in April.

Ango encourages a variety of activities, including additional sitting and other practices ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?17129-ANNOUNCEMENT-Treeleaf-ANGO-%28The-90-Days%29-2019

We could keep Ango during the period of early September through early December, or move it to the Spring from April through July.

Any feelings on this? Should we just keep things as they have been? If we do separate Jukai preparations and Ango, what months are best for each?

Thank you for your input and help.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[Shonin Risa Bear]

I love fall Ango and the way it rolls into Rohatsu with a roar but will be happy to participate in whatever is decided. _()_

gassho

shonin sat today/lah

[Horin]

I found it a very wonderful experience and a great final of the ango to celebrate jukai. It's just my personal opinion but I think it's a very nice way. But anyway, changing something and check out how it works is a fair thing


Gassho

Ben


Stlah

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[Onka]

I found that the discipline of Ango set me up nicely for Jukai study. I would though, like last year, put a pause on book club reading so that Jukai students can focus on their studies exclusively.
In saying the above I can only guess at the workload that it takes Priests and Unsui in preparing and running Ango and Jukai back to back so think this should be a consideration.
Gassho
Onka
st

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[Tairin]

Personally I found it very rewarding to participate in Ango while undergoing the Jukai preparations (reading and seeing). It felt very natural to me. I can certainly understand how some might feel overwhelmed.

I agree with Shonin that Ango leading into Rohatsu makes a lot of sense.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Shoki]

I also think that Ango leading up to Jukai and Rohatsu works as a natural kind of progression. But I can also understand how people with more busy and demanding lives could want to separate it.

Gassho
STlah
James

[Meitou]

I also think that Ango leading up to Jukai and Rohatsu works as a natural kind of progression. But I can also understand how people with more busy and demanding lives could want to separate it.

Gassho
STlah
James

Yes this is much how I feel too and I don't remember it being so challenging, but accept that others with more commitments might.
I would add that I believe it's really important for all of us to revisit the Precepts and the points of the Eightfold Noble Path at least once a year.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

[Kotei]

Hello,
myself, I benefit from intellectual studies, being accompanied with practice.
Reflecting and experiencing in balance.
With the intensified studying during Jukai preparations, IMHO there has to be intensified practice (at least some elements of Ango), too.
But I am viewing this from a perspective of a not too busy life with some time available.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Ryumon]

I think that the separation makes a lot of sense. It's not always easy to have enough time to have practice that intensive. And I say this as someone planning to participate in jukai this year.

Gassho,

Kirk

sat

[Seikan]

For what it's worth, I am looking forward to participating in both Ango and Jukai this year, and I'm fine with either approach. They do seem like they would complement each other well as parts of a single intense practice period, but if separating them would make it easier for more folks to participate, then that certainly has merit too. I'm happy to participate either way.

Gassho,
Rob

st


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[Juki]

I can see the arguments on both sides. I plan on participating in both Jukai and Ango this year and will be happy with whatever decision is made. If I had to state a preference, I would say I like the idea of separating them, because both are intensive, and that would give us two intensive practice periods per year. But I want to let go of my preferences, so whatever happens is fine.

Gassho,
Juki
sat today and lah

[Heitou]

I am looking forward to jukai and have been anxious for it to get here, I look forward to hearing what others think especially the ones that have gone through both at the same time. I am fine with any of it and if I really had to choose anything it would be that Jukai stay the same.


Gassho
John
SatToday

[Yokai]

Treeleaf is so wonderfully accommodating of family/work, I will be honoured to share this first Ango & Jukai with you whatever is decided.
Deep bows Jundo and all for shaping this inclusive, flexible and committed community

Gassho, Chris satlah

[Onkai]

Thank you, Jundo, for putting this up for discussion. I would find it easier to do both ango and a review of the precepts if they were at different times.

Gassho,
Onkai
Sat/LAH

[Nenka]

For me, autumn and ango have become one and the same. I wouldn't want to move it. As for Jukai prep, I don't know. I've had more than one practice partner struggle to keep up and/or drop out, so I could see the argument for separating the two.

Gassho

Nenka
ST