​Visiting us from the USA, Zen teacher Ron Hogen Green is offering a series of stimulating Zen events in Christchurch before leading two residential retreats in Staveley (near Methven): A weekend retreat on the Six Paramitas (perfections), and a week-long Zen meditation intensive (sesshin).
All are invited and welcome to attend any of these events. If you do not currently have a Zen practice please arrange to receive beginners instruction in Zen meditation with us by contacting Michael on 021 0264 7594  or christchurch@zen.org.nz 

Public Talk
Anxiety and Equanimity: a Zen perspective on living a life of wholeness 
Saturday 13 Jan, 7pm ​

Life is full of obvious and subtle forms of anxiety. We tend to consider these feelings as the opposite of equanimity... and then try to avoid our discomfort. In this evening talk, Hogen Sensei suggests the possibility of a fresh perspective on our suffering, through the willingness to experience all mental states with an open heart. Letting go of our avoidance of anxiety, we discover that equanimity co-exists with the complete spectrum of our feelings. This is the realisation of countless spiritual practitioners. Hogen Sensei’s talk is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners, and includes time for questions and discussion. Entry by donation/koha.

Morning Meditation
Daily Tues, Wed and Thurs 7.30-8.30 (Jan 16-18, 2018)

Join Hogen Sensei and the Christchurch MRO sangha for two 25-min periods of Zen meditation (zazen), as well as walking meditation. This is a wonderful way to start your day, practising stillness, acceptance and clarity of mind. There may be an opportunity for a one-on-one dharma interview with Hogen Sensei. Open to all those who have received instruction in Zen meditation.

Introduction to Zen practice 
Sunday 14 Jan, 10am-12.30pm ​

This two-hour programme is a perfect entry-point for those new to Zen meditation (“zazen”). Hogen Sensei will offer instruction in how to do zazen, then lead a period of seated and walking meditation. The morning closes with an opportunity to ask questions about cultivating a home practice, and Zen training in the Mountains and Rivers Order. Cost: $20 or by donation/koha.

Evening Mondo (Dharma Discussions)
Tues and Wed, 7-8.45pm (Jan 16 and 17, 2018)

Tuesday: Sangha – Deepening Community
Tonight's discussion will cover the vast topic of sangha, covering such questions as: How does a Buddhist community grow in inclusion and connection? How do today’s perspectives on gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation express themselves on the Buddhist path? How are sanghas reframing the value of caring for the Earth in spiritual practice? Can we choose a culture in which all practitioners find confidence that the Buddha Way is a vessel for them? In this discussion of Buddhist community, Hogen Sensei and participants will share experiences of how the MRO sangha is evolving new levels of engagement and inclusivity. Please bring along your questions, challenges and perspectives. We will begin the evening with a period of meditation. All are invited and welcome, entry by donation/koha.
Wednesday: Sangha – Learning Together
The sangha is spoken of both as the community of practitioners and, in a wider sense, as all people, and all beings. Sangha is about relationship, and wherever we go, there are always some relationships which are more challenging than others. This discussion period focuses on what helps us participate skillfully in sangha life. This is a practical session in which Hogen Sensei, drawing on many years of sangha practice, will share skillful means to help us find freedom and appreciation – in all relationships. We will begin the evening with a period of meditation. All are invited and welcome, entry by donation/koha.
Hogen Sensei has been engaged in formal Zen practice since 1978, and was in residential training at Zen Mountain Monastery for 12 years as a lay student and senior monastic. He currently divides his time between living with his family in Pennsylvania on a farm and as a Zen teacher at the Zen Center of New York City. Hogen Sensei has visited New Zealand three times to offer talks, workshops and retreats.

Location

The Opawa Zendo, 4 Kennedy Place, Hillsborough, Christchurch.
If you have questions about any upcoming local Zen events please contact us
christchurch@zen.org.nz
​021 0264 7594

Residential Zen Retreats, January 2018

Silent Zen Meditation Retreat 

Mon, Jan 22 - Sun, Jan 28 2018.
Staveley, Canterbury region.