Expressing the Inexpressible:
An Introduction to Zen Buddhist Liturgy
Sunday 20 September, 9am-11.30am, Rotorua

"Like zazen and all the other areas of our training, [liturgy] functions as a way of uncovering the truth which is the life of each one of us... In Zen liturgy we manifest that which is known to us intuitively and subconsciously in the form of a visible, tangible reality."

–John Daido Loori, Roshi.

In this session, we will begin with a discussion of the practice of Zen liturgy, and offer some pointers on how liturgy relates to Zen meditation and the aspiration for spiritual awakening. As Daido Roshi has noted, "All of Zen's rites and rituals are constantly pointing to the same place, to the realisation of no separation between the self and others". After our discussion, we will enter into the practice of a morning Zen service, chanting two key texts, the Heart Sutra, and Sho Sai Myo Kichijo Dharani. We will then sit a period of meditation, and end with a cup of tea where we'll share our experiences and questions from the morning.

If you are new to Zen practice, we encourage you to take part in a beginner instruction session at Lake Zendo prior to this event; or, please join us for the Zen and Creativity programme on September 19th.

The session leader:
Gwitha Kaido Nash is a senior Zen practitioner in the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen, and is a workshop leader known for her warmth, skill, openness, and sense of humour. Based in Nelson, she has practised Zen since 1990, training for many years with Zen masters John Daido Loori and Geoffrey Shugen Arnold. She has practised both in New Zealand and at Zen Mountain Monastery, and in 2013 completed a period as "shuso", recognising her as a senior practitioner of Zen in the MRO.

Venue:
Upstairs at Yoga Rotorua, Arawa Park Raceway. Entrance to the raceway is next to Rydges Hotel on Fenton Street.

Cost:  By donation.  Prior registration is appreciated.

To register for this event, contact Geoff Moore at rotorua@zen.org.nz or ph 021 23 84618

Gwitha Kaido Nash