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

​​Saturday, July 15, 9am-4pm & Sunday, July 16, 9am-1.30pm
Fairfield House, Nelson, New Zealand

Cease from harm;  Do all that is good;  Study and realize Mind

Skillful means is one of the great wisdom teachings of Mahayana Buddhism and Zen. It is the merging of compassion with deep wisdom which allows us to receive the teachings and practice skillfully, so that we can free ourselves of binding attachments and false views. It is also how we manifest compassion towards others.

Skillful means are neither abstract nor conceptual, but are earthy in their direct and immediate application. They allow us to more effectively practice and free ourselves on the path of practice-realization, and to help others in their own lives without arrogance or disempowerment. The moral Precepts – shila – are some of the most accessible and profound teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. They help guide us in the path of awakening to selfless wisdom and compassion, and teach us how to be more generous in our thoughts, words and actions towards every being and the world.  

The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts

The Three Treasures
I take refuge in the Buddha
I take refuge in the Dharma
I take refuge in the Sangha

The Three Pure Precepts
Not Creating Evil
Practicing Good
Actualizing Good For Others

The Ten Grave Precepts
Affirm life; Do not kill
Be giving; Do not steal
Honor the body; Do not misuse sexuality
Manifest truth; Do not lie
Proceed clearly; Do not cloud the mind
See the perfection; Do not speak of others errors and faults
Realize self and other as one; Do not elevate the self and blame others
Give generously; Do not be withholding
Actualize harmony; Do not be angry
Experience the intimacy of things; Do not defile the Three Treasures

In this retreat, we’ll blend periods of zazen and discussions to help us understand the essential teachings of arousing aspiration, taking refuge, atonement, karma, and compassionate action. We’ll concentrate on how these teachings support and motivate our meditation practice, and how supremely relevant and timely they are in our everyday lives of relationships, work, social action and spiritual practice.

This is an excellent opportunity to study with Shugen Sensei and benefit from the sangha, to deepen your practice and gain strength for your everyday practice at home and in the 'field'.  Whether you have been practicing the Precepts for many years or are new to these teachings, this workshop will help us to gain fresh perspectives so that the Precepts can help us to live more freely, rather than confine us.
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Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Sensei 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 Sensei 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, 2017.
Registrations and deposits received after this date will be charged at the standard rate.
$150 Early-bird discount
$170 Standard rate
(cost includes refreshments and lunch each day)
If you have questions about this retreat please contact us:
nelson@zen.org.nz

Phone Peter Lawless 021-894-363


​​Banner image: “Meadow” by Samuel John is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ​