Precepts & Refuge: Living the Zen Path in Modern Times

A 6-Month Online Journey | Monthly 2-Hour Sessions + Optional Refuge Ceremony

September through March, 2025/26

In the Rinzai Zen tradition, to take refuge is not to escape the world—but to return to what is most true. 

This intimate, monthly course offers a deep exploration of the Zen precepts as living koans: dynamic ethical and philosophical inquiries that illuminate the heart of awakened life.

Together we’ll engage 2–3 precepts each month, not as rigid rules, but as doorways to awareness, integrity, and compassionate action in our modern world. Teachings, reflection, dialogue, and guided practice will support your personal and spiritual growth.

This journey culminates in an optional refuge ceremony for those who feel called to formally take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Open to sincere practitioners from all backgrounds. Beginners welcome.

Attendance at all sessions is required to honor the integrity of the group.

Will meet the 2nd Saturday of each month

To Register: Refuge Registration 

Transform Your Life

Spiritual Guidance & Soulful Transformation Through the Wisdom of Nature

You’re not broken. You’re ripening.

I work with those who are no longer seeking “fixes,” but depth.
Those who have lived, lost, loved, and longed — and now hunger for meaning, myth, and embodied spiritual wisdom.

I am a Zen Roshi, pipe carrier, grandmother, and scholar of indigenous wisdom.

With over 25 years ...

The Spirituality of Aging

The Spirituality of Aging invites you to see aging beyond decline—as a profound spiritual journey filled with wisdom, reflection, and divine connection. 

Rather than focusing on loss or fading youth, this sacred phase offers a chance to deepen your spiritual practice, awaken to your true self, and strengthen your ...

Services

Spiritual Guidance

Spiritual Guidance

1:1 Spiritual Guidance

1:1 Spiritual Guidance Sessions offer personalized, heart-centered support for those navigating transformation, aging, grief, creative …
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$175.00 hour

The Spirituality of Aging

The Spirituality of Aging is a series of one-hour mentoring session for those seeking meaning, peace, and purpose in later life. Through …
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$175.00 hour

Elderhood as Initiation | Online Circle

This transformative 6-week online gathering is for individuals 60 and older who are ready to explore spiritual elderhood as a sacred rite …
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$295.00 6 weeks circle
First Session Discount
Special discount on 1:1 w/ Illana for new clients

Highlights

  • Free consultation
  • By appointment only
  • Female-owned
  • Venmo accepted
  • Personal growth
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Self-awareness
  • Life transitions support
  • Personal counselor

Testimonials

Reviews

For the past several years, I have been seeking someone with Illana's experience to offer a group process for women as we enter these later years of...  Read more
Dec 26, 2024
Meara Joy Norice
Illana has the amazing capacity to hold space for very challenging and delicate conversations. She taught me (and my husband) some incredible skills...  Read more
Apr 24, 2024
Vanessa Woog

Payments

Venmo or Zelle

Please feel free to make your payments through Venmo or Zelle. I offer a 10% discount for all services if you prepay for 10 sessions. 


Email me for the details for payment

Contact Me