MOUNTAINS & RIVERS ORDER
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One-day Retreat –
The Liberating Path
​Within Life and Death



9am - 3.30pm, Saturday July 11, 2026, Nelson, New Zealand
CLICK TO REGISTER

" "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 vitalising birth-and-death. Such is the thorough practice of the great way." – Undivided Activity by 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, loss and grief. 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 teaching of 13th-century Zen Master Dogen,  entitled "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.

Cost: $100, including a vegetarian lunch with gluten free and vegan options.

Venue: Fairfield House, Nelson.

Health precaution: If you have cold or flu symptoms, please do not attend. A full refund of the retreat fee (but not transport costs) is offered to anyone who needs to cancel for health reasons.
​
CLICK TO REGISTER

 Enquiries: Gwitha Kaido Nash, 021-121-8133, [email protected]

Weekend Zen Buddhist workshop July 2017. Nelson, NZ
Weekend Zen Buddhist workshop July 2017. Nelson, 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. 

MORE ZEN EVENTS

If you have questions about this retreat please contact us:
Gwitha Kaido Nash

021-121-8133
[email protected]

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  • Home
  • NZ Events 2026
    • Strathean Zen Retreat, Otaki (15-17 May)
    • Wangapeka Zen Retreat
    • Evening Talk (July 10, Nelson)
    • One-day Dharma workshop (July 11, Nelson)
    • Sesshin meditation retreat (July 12-18)
  • Zen training
    • Practical Zen
    • Learn how to meditate
    • Teachers
    • The Eight Gates of Zen
    • FAQ on starting Zen practice
  • Dharma Teachings
    • Audio
    • Video
  • Zen Groups
    • Auckland
    • Rotorua
    • Manawatu
    • Wellington
    • Nelson
    • Otautahi-Christchurch
  • Contact Us
  • Media