The Opawa Zendo, ChristchurchThe Christchurch MRO Zen group holds five Zen Buddhist meditation (zazen) sessions each week at the Opawa Zendo: on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and on Tuesday evening.
Instruction in Zen meditation (zazen) is available each Tuesday from 6.15pm by appointment – call or email us to arrange. This session provides newcomers to Zen practice with an orientation to the practice of seated and walking Zen meditation, and to the resources and retreats offered within the MRO and at the Opawa zendo. Beginner instruction includes two periods of meditation and a chance to ask questions. It is necessary to have received beginner instruction in zazen before taking part in the regular weekly schedule of practice at the zendo. When you attend the zendo, a gold-coin donation towards the upkeep of the building is much appreciated, however we don't wish finances to be a barrier to practice for anyone. We are open to people of all cultural, ethnic, gender and religious backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing Zen Buddhist meditation. Regular events Along with the weekly meditation schedule, the Opawa Zendo holds a range of events and activities providing rich opportunities to practice and connect with others. Christchurch MRO Zen practitioners take part in monthly half-days or full-days of meditation (zazenkai). Held on Sundays, zazenkai typically include a caretaking, liturgy, a dharma talk or skype discussion with one of our Zen teachers. These discussions allow practitioners of all levels of experience to clarify their understanding of Zen. During intensive training periods in spring, practitioners meet at the Zendo for art-practice, and discussions of Zen Buddhist practice, often stimulated by studying a particular Buddhist text. For our full calendar of events click here. To add our calendar to your personal calendar click here (copy and paste into any calendar product that supports the ical format). National MRO Zen Events Each January, the Christchurch MRO Zen group holds a programme of Zen events led by an MRO Zen teacher or senior student of the MRO. This is a valuable opportunity for Zen practitioners to share in discussions, workshops and retreats, and thereby deepen their study and practice of the Buddha way. In 2017, these Zen events will be led by Jody Hojin Kimmel, a Zen priest in the MRO. Each July, the Nelson MRO group hosts the head of the MRO, Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Sensei. His visit includes a public talk, discussion periods, face-to-face teaching, and a weekend retreat. The culmination of these events is a week-long silent meditation intensive, known as sesshin. Please see NZ Events for upcoming events. In addition to this rich schedule of Zen practice, the Opawa Zendo hosts regular classes in Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, yoga and Insight Meditation. Contact Form |
Zen Meditation TimesSunday mornings: 10am - 1pm
Regular schedule of liturgy, zazen (2x 30mins), kinhin, followed by rotating schedule option as below. Often we'll end by having a shared lunch at the zendo or nearby cafe. 1st Sunday of every month: Dharma talk 2nd Sunday: Caretaking (gardening, cleaning, etc) 3rd Sunday: Dharma talk 4th Sunday: Informal practice discussion group Monday mornings: 10.00 - 11.20am Zen meditation - Zazen (2x 30mins) interspersed with 10mins of kinhin (walking meditation), liturgy (boddhisattva vows). Tuesday mornings: 7.30 - 8.30am Liturgy (verse of the kesa), zazen (2x 25min), kinhin, liturgy (boddhisattva vows). Followed by breakfast at nearby cafe. Tuesday evenings: 7.00 - 8.20pm zazen (2x 30min), kinhin, liturgy (boddhisattva vows) Beginners instruction in zazen is available by appointment from 6.15 - 7.00pm. Wednesday mornings: 7.30 - 8.30am Liturgy (verse of the kesa), zazen (2x 25min), kinhin, liturgy (boddhisattva vows). Followed by breakfast at nearby cafe. Contact UsTo learn more about the Christchurch MRO Zen group, or schedule a time for beginners instruction (offered Tues evenings) in zen meditation (zazen) please contact us via email or phone.
LocationVenue HireThe Opawa Zendo is a peaceful and affordable venue available for hire for ongoing or one-off events.
Please contact us to find out more. |
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© 2016-17. ZEN INSTITUTE OF NEW ZEALAND.
