A Zen retreat is an opportunity to reconnect with our lives.
As we meditate, we let our busy thoughts subside.
We discover the stillness of our mind,
and move more deeply into harmony with the world.
|
Weekend Zen Retreat
This weekend of concentrated Zen practice is hosted by the Wellington-Manawatu Mountains and Rivers Order students. Held at Strathean, Otaki, the retreat schedule includes zazen (Zen meditation), liturgy, interview with Zen teacher Hogen Sensei via Zoom ('daisan'), a Dharma talk and discussion with Hogen, and oryoki meals: all precious opportunities to restore and sharpen our focus on our lives.
As with all Zen retreats, participants are required to have received beginner's instruction in zazen and have some experience sitting with our group or another like it. So please feel free to join us before the retreat at one of our weekly evening sits in Wellington or Palmerston North. Please check our Wellington and Manawatu webpages. We would love to have you join us. Please indicate when registering whether you need transport to or from the retreat or whether you can assist with transport. The travel time between Otaki and Wellington is about an hour and a half. Covid-19 In these pandemic days, we are concerned to protect retreatants' health. One way you can assist is by endeavouring to get double vaccinated before November 19th. We require that, regardless of vaccination status, participants (a) undertake a Covid test three days before the retreat and (b) use contact tracing with care in the week beforehand. Anyone who has cold or flu symptoms on 19 November should cancel their retreat attendance for a full refund. Costs $150 includes all meals, which are vegetarian. Let us know of any special dietary requirements you may have when you register. Please don't let financial issues prevent you from attending this retreat. There are some funds available to assist those who cannot meet the full retreat cost. Please ask about subsidies in your registration email What should I bring? • sleeping bag • pillow (earplugs optional) • towel • toiletries • torch • raincoat • woollen hat • outdoor clothing and footwear for work practice • loose-fitting clothing for meditation, dark or muted in colour. Registration Email zenznational@gmail.com to register. Remember to specify your dietary needs, if any, and your transport requirements or possible contribution. We shall get back to you with banking details regarding payment. The teacher Ron Hogen Green Sensei is a lay teacher in the Mountains and Rivers Order. Hogen Sensei will join us from Zen Mountain Monastery via Zoom for individual interviews (daisan), a discussion on Zen practice, and a dharma talk. Hogen Sensei began his Zen practice in the 1970s with Roshi Kapleau of the Rochester Zen Center. Hogen later studied at Zen Mountain Monastery with John Daido Loori Roshi and Daido's successor Geoffrey Shugen Arnold Roshi, the head of the Mountains and Rivers Order. Hogen practised as a monastic resident for 10 years. He returned to lay life in 2008, completing his training and receiving dharma transmission from Shugen Roshi in 2016. Hogen served for many years as the director of Dharma Communications, and for several years as the co-director of the Zen Center of NYC. He currently divides his time between Pennsylvania and Florida. More about Hogen. |
Location
|
|
© 2020. ZEN INSTITUTE OF NEW ZEALAND.