16 July 2022, 9am-3.30pm
Fairfield House, Nelson
Kannon Bodhisattva perceives the cries of the world
And so compassion is shown in all its many forms,
She liberates all suffering sentient beings and brings them to great joy.
She realises mind, that all beings are one essence.
She awakens the heart, and nothing is forsaken.
– MRO dedication to the Sutra of Great Compassion

Courage – of the heart. As Buddhist practitioners, we courageously turn towards the suffering in our world; to study, practice and bring forth enlightened compassion for the well-being of others. Suffering and liberation, wisdom and compassion are non-dual; indivisible and mutually arising. And so it is the challenges in our lives that help us raise our aspiration for liberation and selfless service.

We live in a time of immense challenge and suffering across the world. Sickness and death, authoritarianism and oppression, war and destruction⎯the symptoms of greed, anger and delusion⎯are ever present. Yet, so too are compassion, kindness, patience, perseverance and faith; the virtues of our awakened nature.

In this daylong retreat, we will study some of the essential Buddhist teachings and practices of compassion: the profound teaching of causes and conditions, the Perfections of the bodhisattva path, loving kindness practices, and the important role that the moral teachings of the Buddha, and Buddhist meditation, play in helping to bring forth compassion “in all its many forms,” so that we may be more effective in bringing others and ourselves “to great joy.”

Covid precautions
In order to safeguard as much as possible the health of participants, the requirements for attendance at this workshop have been set by the Zen Institute of New Zealand. Participation requires:
- Prior registration
- Three Covid-19 vaccinations
- A negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT test) the day before the workshop, and a second negative test on the day of the workshop (before travelling to Fairfield House).
- Beginning the workshop without cold or flu symptoms is also essential. Anyone who cancels their attendance for health reasons (including a cold or flu) will be given a full refund.
- Please bring a facemask with you.

Workshop cost: $100
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Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order, abbot and resident teacher of Zen Mountain Monastery. Shugen 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. 
Venue: Fairfield House, 48 Van Diemen St, Nelson, New Zealand

If you have questions about this retreat please contact us:
Gwitha Kaido Nash
021-121-8133
nelson@zen.org.nz