​A Zen Buddhist retreat ​led by visiting Zen Buddhist teacher
and head of the Mountains and Rivers Order - Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

​​Saturday 14 July, 9am-3pm
Fairfield House, Nelson, New Zealand
The Buddha, in his enlightenment, directly experienced the essential, free and unhindered nature of every person. Buddha nature is the limitless reality that is the body and mind of each of us. Yet, because of false views and fearful attachments, we perceive ourselves as separate and estranged from people, our world, and even ourselves. We can so easily experience our lives as confined and hemmed in, while living in the midst of the boundless possibilities of an awakened life. In the poem 'Song of Zazen', the great Zen master Hakuin Enkaku (1685-1768), one of the most influential and prolific Japanese Zen teachers, offers us teachings to guide and illuminate that which is hidden.

In this retreat, we’ll closely study and practice this powerful teaching – through careful reading, chanting and zazen itself – and allow it to help us see more clearly into that which we truly are. We’ll discuss some of the more subtle aspects of zazen through both koan introspection and shikantaza (just sitting) and how our meditation is both an expression of buddha nature and the path to its realization. We’ll also discuss those karmic obstructions that hold us back: self-doubt, regret and fear. This retreat is open to everyone; prior experience with Buddhist practice is not required.  
This day of retreat is an excellent opportunity to study with Shugen Roshi and benefit from the sangha, to deepen your sitting practice and gain confidence in the Buddhist path.  Whether you have been practising Zen meditation for many years or are new to these teachings, this workshop has much to offer.

All beings by nature are Buddha,
As ice by nature is water.
Apart from water there is no ice;
Apart from beings, there is no Buddha.
How near the truth, yet how far we seek.
(Master Hakuin, from 'Song of Zazen')

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Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order, abbot and resident teacher of Zen Mountain Monastery, and abbot of the Zen Center of New York City. Shugen has been in full-time residential zen training since 1986; he received dharma transmission from Daido Roshi in 1997. He has visited New Zealand to lead Zen Buddhist retreats and workshops for many years, and currently offers a programme in Nelson each July. 

Cost

Early-bird rates are for those who have completed registration and payment by 9pm Monday, June 19, 2018.
Registrations and deposits received after this date will be charged at the standard rate.
$70 Early-bird discount
$85 Standard rate
(cost includes refreshments and lunch)
Venue: Fairfield House, 48 Van Diemen St, Nelson, New Zealand

If you have questions about this retreat please contact us:
Gwitha Kaido Nash
​03 548 9969
nelson@zen.org.nz

​​Banner image: "Moonlight Bay" by Hartwig HKD is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ​