Practice is sometimes referred to as a “perfection of character.” In this retreat, we’ll study what this might mean for us personally with the help of the paramitas—the “perfections” of generosity, morality, patience, vigour, concentration and wisdom. 

​Friday, January 19, 2018, 5pm - Sunday, January 21, 2pm. 

Simply put, the paramitas are a gateway, and the path itself. They show us how we can practice within the specifics of our confusion, greed and self-centered focus, to liberate those states and live out the wholehearted embodiment of our innate perfection.
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Held at Staveley Camp at the foot of the Southern Alps, “Perfect from Now On” is a study of what it means to bring the connection and selflessness of Zen meditation into the world we share with all others. Using the six paramitas, we will investigate the cultivation of specific qualities that encourage our walking the bodhisattva path with wisdom, skillfulness, equanimity, and the grace that arises in the midst of spiritual work. At points, we will engage contemplative awareness to visualise ourselves as the manifestation of the six virtues, a powerful experience which can reshape perspectives and actions. Please join us for this exciting, inspiring, and transformational retreat.

The venue for this retreat is Staveley Camp in Canterbury, about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Transport assistance to and from the retreat is available; this is included in the registration form. Accommodation and meals are included in the retreat fees. Accommodation is in shared, single sex dorm rooms of various sizes, all meals are vegetarian with special diets (i.e. gluten free) available. Please let us know your requirements on the registration form. 

Arrival: registration will be at 5pm, Friday 19 Jan. There will be a light dinner served at 6pm. To preserve the harmony of the retreat, participants are asked to stay until the conclusion on Sunday lunchtime.

Hogen Sensei has been engaged in formal Zen practice since 1978, and was in residential training at Zen Mountain Monastery for 12 years as a lay student and senior monastic. He currently divides his time between living with his family in Pennsylvania on a farm and as a Zen teacher at the Zen Center of New York City. This will be Hogen Sensei's fourth teaching visit to New Zealand.

Location

Staveley Camp, Canterbury, New Zealand.
90 mins drive from Christchurch - ride sharing available. Get directions.

Cost

We are offering an early-bird price for this event – to be eligible for this discounted rate we need to have received your completed registration and $100 deposit by 9pm Monday, December 18, 2017. Registrations and deposits received after this date will be charged at the standard rate.

$190 – Early bird tickets close 18/12/17 at 9pm.
$210 – Standard rate after 9pm, 18/12/17

Subsidies
Whatever your level of experience with Zen practice, we wish to make these retreats accessible. We understand that those who travel from afar face expenses in addition to the costs of the retreats, and understand that people who want to participate may also face other financial constraints. If you are unable to meet the listed retreat costs, please indicate this in the registration form.

What to bring to this retreat
• warm sleeping bag, pillow, (earplugs optional)
• towel
• toiletries
• torch
• raincoat
• woollen hat and gloves
• outdoor clothing and footwear for work practice
• loose-fitting clothing for meditation, dark or muted in colour. Shirts should cover the shoulders (e.g. T-shirt and shirts). Please wear long trousers rather than shorts.
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Please note that Staveley Camp is in a sub-alpine region and can get cold, especially overnight. Bring extra layers to ensure you are warm enough for indoor and outdoor work.
If you have questions about this retreat, please contact the Christchurch MRO Zen group at:
christchurch@zen.org.nz