Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery,
and the head of the Mountains and Rivers Order.
Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By compassion alone is hatred appeased.
This is an eternal law. – The Dhammapada
Everyone experiences difficult people, circumstances, times and lives. It’s easy to feel irritated, impatient, angry or hateful towards those that bring pain to our doorsteps. The Buddha taught that our habitual responses are to avoid, suppress, distract or in some way deny the reality we are facing, or to lash out with anger towards others. Yet, these only lead to more difficulties that become hardened over time.
In this evening discussion, we’ll explore how our meditation practice – mindfulness, compassion and clear seeing – help us develop our natural capacity to meet adversity with patience and equanimity, kindness and compassion. Yet, although these are important virtues in Buddhist practice, if not practiced honestly, they can be used as “blankets” that we cast over our thoughts and emotions in another attempt to avoid what is painful. Therefore, dharma practice must be sincere and courageous if we are to truly free ourselves and bring benefit into our world.
This is an eternal law. – The Dhammapada
Everyone experiences difficult people, circumstances, times and lives. It’s easy to feel irritated, impatient, angry or hateful towards those that bring pain to our doorsteps. The Buddha taught that our habitual responses are to avoid, suppress, distract or in some way deny the reality we are facing, or to lash out with anger towards others. Yet, these only lead to more difficulties that become hardened over time.
In this evening discussion, we’ll explore how our meditation practice – mindfulness, compassion and clear seeing – help us develop our natural capacity to meet adversity with patience and equanimity, kindness and compassion. Yet, although these are important virtues in Buddhist practice, if not practiced honestly, they can be used as “blankets” that we cast over our thoughts and emotions in another attempt to avoid what is painful. Therefore, dharma practice must be sincere and courageous if we are to truly free ourselves and bring benefit into our world.
Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order, and 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
[email protected]
If you have questions about this retreat please contact us:
Gwitha Kaido Nash
021-121-8133
[email protected]
