"To be attached to things is illusion.
To encounter the absolute is not yet enlightenment" – Shitou Xiqian

 Nau mai, haere mai!
​
In this workshop on Zen practice, Hogen Sensei invites us to consider the insights of The Identity of Relative and Absolute, or Sandōkai, a key text of the Sōtō Zen school. Written by the 8th-century Zen master Shitou Xiqian, and recited in Zen temples around the world, the Sandōkai's rich metaphors point us towards the essence of Mahayana Buddhism.

Unpacking the implications of the text together, we'll consider how the principles of the Sandōkai apply to meditation, relationships and work.

Through discussion and collaborative work, we'll explore a direct, experiential appreciation of this pivotal teaching.

The workshop is open to anyone with an interest; bearing in mind that beginners are likely to find the material  challenging. Newcomers will be offered Zen meditation instruction in the first part of the day.

Workshop programme:
Please arrive a few minutes before 9am. The day includes a vegetarian lunch (GF and vegan options available) from 12.30-1.15pm. The workshop finishes at 3.00pm.

The teacher:
Hogen Sensei is a teacher in the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism, and a former co-director of the Zen Center of New York City. He 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 received dharma transmission from Shugen Roshi. This will be Hogen Sensei's sixth teaching visit to New Zealand.

Cost:
$50.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Subsidies:
Whatever your level of experience with Zen practice, we wish to make these retreats accessible. If you are unable to meet the listed workshop cost, please indicate this in the registration form.

Hogen Sensei will also be presenting a public talk in Christchurch, and leading a week-long meditation retreat in Canterbury.

Location:
The Opawa Zendo, 4 Kennedy Place, Hillsborough, Christchurch

If you have questions about this retreat, please contact the Christchurch MRO Zen group at:
christchurch@zen.org.nz
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