When was the last time you gazed into the marvel of a human face,
with no other goal than wonder?


We live in a society starved for authentic connection yet buried in screens and cubicles, rushing from one destination to the next. What happens when we stop and look? And how can we “capture” the essence of what we see, setting aside critiques and superficial observations? Can we shift and learn to look upon self and other with an unconditioned eye? If opened up to it, there is a joy and amazement in entering the mystery of who we are.

In this retreat, we will be working with various materials as we allow ourselves to fall in love with the crevasses, wrinkles and creases that life has etched into our skin. Relishing  the bumps, scars, and varied textures of this terrain to feel how our living flesh reveals our desires, joys, sorrows, anger and doubts. The more we see, the more we will discover how little we know about our faces, how much there is to explore—and in this nearness perhaps awaken the great heart of compassion.

This is a courageous practice! Whether we are studying our own face, carefully scrutinising another, or whether we are the one being studied, we will find challenges.
But just as zazen gives us a way to take an unadorned, raw look at our mind, this practice of seeing and drawing offers us the chance to make direct contact with appearance.

This is an especially good retreat for those wishing to develop an art practice or a deeper understanding of portraiture. No art or drawing experience is necessary. Art materials will be provided.

Arrival
The retreat opens with registration at 5pm on Friday, and a shared meal at 6pm. Those new to Zen practice will be given instruction in Zen meditation (zazen). All participants are asked to stay through to the conclusion of the programme at Sunday lunchtime. For those travelling from Nelson or Christchurch, assistance with transport to and from Staveley Camp is available through the registration form.

Fees

​$190 early-bird rate (last day 22 December 2018)
$210 standard rate applies after this date.
Early-bird rates apply to those who completed registration and paid their $100 deposit by December 22, 2018. 
Registrations and deposits received after this date will be charged at the standard rate.
​
The fee includes all meals (vegetarian), dorm accommodation (single sex) and art-making materials.

Subsidies
Please don't let financial issues prevent you from attending this retreat. There are funds available to assist those who cannot meet the full retreat cost. Please contact Geoff at secretary@zen.org.nz or phone ​021 23 846 18 by January 10.

​What should I bring?

• warm sleeping bag, pillow, (earplugs optional).
• towel
• toiletries
• torch
• raincoat
• woollen hat
​• outdoor clothing and footwear for work practice
​• loose-fitting clothing for meditation, muted in colour. 
Picture
Hojin Sensei is a Zen teacher and priest in the Mountains and Rivers Order. Before entering monastic training in 1990 she studied fine arts and pottery, and ran her own studio. She has been facilitating workshops on creative expression for more than three decades. This is her fourth teaching visit to New Zealand.  Learn more about Hojin Sensei.

Location

Staveley Camp, Sawmill Road, Canterbury, New Zealand
90 mins drive from Christchurch - ride sharing available.
Get directions.
If you have questions about this retreat please contact us
christchurch@zen.org.nz
​021 238 4618