“Liberation” means that in birth you are liberated from birth, and in death you are liberated from death. Thus, there is detachment from birth-and-death and penetration of birth-and-death. Such is the complete practice of the great way. There is letting go of birth-and-death and vitalizing birth-and-death. Such is the thorough practice of the great way. – Undivided Activity, Eihei Dogen
From a Buddhist perspective, the very fact of our being alive and our inevitable death makes our lives profoundly moral and spiritual in nature. Isn’t it these simple realities that inspire human beings to wonder and question about our lives and the world we live in? Yet, they can also be sources of much fear and anxiety. The Buddha was motivated in his path to enlightenment because of these very truths, and taught that we can only find freedom when we turn towards life and death and see into their deeper meanings, beyond ideas and philosophies.
In the one-day retreat, we’ll study the 13th century Zen Master Dogen’s teaching, "Undivided Activity", and take up the questions, teachings and practices that Buddhism offers us as a path.
We’ll also discuss how to practice into our own aging, sickness and death, as well as how to be with others as they move through their stages of living and dying.
Enquiries: 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.
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If you have questions about this retreat please contact us:
Gwitha Kaido Nash
021-121-8133
nelson@zen.org.nz
Gwitha Kaido Nash
021-121-8133
nelson@zen.org.nz