Tangaryo
All day sitting with Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf
(In-person Only)
Saturday, September 6 • 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
(REGISTER BELOW)
RETREAT INFO
Traditionally, Tangaryo is an all-day sitting done by members upon entering the temple. At ZCLA, while Tangaryo is required of new members, it is open to all, and group Tangaryo days are frequently attended by long-time zen students. You may sit on your own, under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
During this day, practice is unstructured: no bells, no teacher. Typically the sitting lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with an hour off for lunch and a tea/discussion to end the day. Silent, informal lunch is provided. The day starts at 8:00 a.m. with orientation and ends around 4:30 p.m. with tea and cookies.*
8:00 AM – Arrive, park and settle.
8:30 AM – Tangaryo orientation for those who are new to this practice: guidelines for the day, and time for any questions.
9 AM – Sitting meditation, with self-determined walking meditation (bathroom breaks as needed)
12 noon – Silent lunch (provided for full-time participants) and break
1 PM – Sitting / walking meditation
4 PM – Four vows, end of sitting, followed by tea and conversation with a teacher or senior practitioner
In-person participation is limited. Please register early to guarantee a seat in the Zendo.
*Non-members and new members: Attending an in-person “Introduction to Zen Meditation Class” is a prerequisite for attending all onsite activities.
The Zen Center policy is to turn no one away for lack of funds. If you have concerns about payments, click here to request Dharma Training Fund. If you wish to participate part time, please let Myoki know your precise attendance, including expected arrival and departure times. Part time consists of at least a half a day, including all scheduled activities. Housing is not guaranteed. First come, first served. Newcomers please also fill out the application online. Both first time* and seasoned practitioners are encouraged and welcome to participate.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
This program is provided without a fee, but please consider making a small donation to ZCLA to support our programs.
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf is a Preceptor and ZCLA member since 1978. She was empowered as a Dharma-Holder by Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission from him in 2025. As Senior Resident, her role is to promote the Residential Training Program and encourage community practice. She has been active in the development of ethics policies and practices at ZCLA, and is the current Steward of the HEAR Circle.