16 July 2022, 9am-11am and 12.30-2pm.
On Zoom
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.”

This workshop was originally scheduled to be held in person in Nelson. It will now be held online, via Zoom. For more information contact Gwitha Kaido Nash, 021-121-8133, nelson@zen.org.nz
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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: Online only.
If you have questions about this retreat please contact us:
Gwitha Kaido Nash
021-121-8133
nelson@zen.org.nz