Introduction to Zen Workshop, Christchurch

Workshop Leader - Senior Zen Student, Gwitha Kaido Nash, MRO.

Kaido went to her first meditation retreat with Daido Loori Roshi in 1990, where she was struck by the teaching that “we are all whole and complete, lacking nothing". For more than 25 years Kaido has been a student of Zen meditation and the Zen creative process through the Mountains and Rivers Order. In 2012 she became a Senior Zen student. She practises at the Southern Sky Zendo in Nelson, and has spent periods in Zen training at Zen Mountain Monastery in the USA. She and her husband, Suido, have four children and five grandchildren.

Saturday 21st May

Introduction to Zen Meditation

9am - noon
What happens when we begin Zen meditation – returning our attention to the breath, and sitting with the present moment? How is it that a process so simple can be a path to liberation from suffering?

In this morning session, Gwitha Kaido Nash will provide instruction in Zen meditation (zazen), and lead us in two 30min periods of sitting. After morning tea, we’ll discuss the fundamentals of the Zen Buddhist tradition, its history, and the power of home practice. A Zen liturgy service will be followed by vegetarian lunch at midday.

The Whole Body: A Somatic Workshop

1.30 - 4pm
With Geoff Gensei Moore, MRO
Meditation can give us access to a new way of being with the mind and body. This workshop uses restorative movement, body awareness and visualisation exercises to harmonise our physical energy, and develop stability in our sitting posture. The class is suitable for all levels of experience and mobility.

Sunday 22nd May

Dawn Zazen and Oryoki Breakfast

Loving the Earth: An Art Workshop

5.30 - 8.45am
Attention to what is ordinary can reveal the profundity of every moment. Oryoki is a classical Zen practice of using a meal to reflect on the opportunity to give and receive life. For the concluding day of this workshop, we begin early with two periods of Zen meditation and an oryoki breakfast together. There will be a short period of work before getting ready for the Sunday morning programme, starting at 9am. This early morning session is free to workshop participants. Please book in advance, as oryoki requires some training.

Zen Meditation, Liturgy and Senior’s Talk

9am - noon
Join us for our Sunday morning program of Zen practice, including a Zen liturgy service, seated and walking meditation, and a Senior’s Talk on the Dharma and Zen practice. A vegetarian lunch will be served at noon.

1.30 - 4pm
I swear there is no greatness or power that does not emulate
Those of the earth,
There can be no theory of any account unless it corroborate
The theory of the earth,
No politics, song, religion, behavior, or what not, is of account,
Unless it compare with the amplitude of the earth.
Unless it face the exactness, vitality, impartiality, rectitude of the earth.
'A Song of the Rolling Earth’ – Walt Whitman

The whole of our being, everything that we call the self, every sensation and thought, all that we touch is nothing other than the Earth. – Shugen Sensei

This art practice session is a time to feel and express our relationship with the natural world. Inspired by Daido Roshi’s teachings on art and nature, the workshop offers an entry point into the deep intimacy that occurs when we are present to the Earth. After a series of guided exercises and time outside, we’ll complete the workshop with a sample of art presentations. All materials provided. Please bring clothing suitable for indoors and out.

The Opawa Zendo
4 Kennedy Place, Hillsborough, Christchurch

Registration required for all sessions.
$20 / half day. Vegetarian lunch $5.
Early-bird discount: register by 15 May, $15 / half day
christchurch@zen.org.nz or call Geoff on 021 23 84 618