Christchurch Zen group
The Christchurch Diamond Sangha Zen Group meets on Mondays at 7 pm at Shona's home, 53 Heathcote Street, Woolston.
It is on the Sumner bus route, only a short walk from the Woolston shopping area in Ferry Road. Please walk round to the back of Shona's house, and come in from the timber patio.
Contacts: Shona 027 387 2347 or Arthur (03) 348 4656
The group is led by Arthur Wells Sensei, who was authorised as a Diamond Sangha teacher in February 2008. Except for Study Night, Arthur offers "dokusan" or individual interview, the purpose of which is to give personal guidance for sitting practice, to answer questions about Zen and to work closely with those people studying koans or practicing shikantaza.
All are welcome to the evening meetings, public talks, workshops and retreats that we run. Basic instruction in Zen meditation is given each time there are any newcomers. People may choose to sit in chairs or on the cushions supplied. Cushions are available to purchase for home practice. We ask for a gold coin donation to support the group's activities and our NZ teachers.
Each Monday evening, after words of welcome and introduction, there are two 25 minute sitting rounds, with slow walking meditation for about five minutes after each round. This is followed by chanting the Heart Sutra or one of the other chants commonly used in Zen. After this there is a short talk from Arthur or one of the experienced members of the group, then discussion over tea and biscuits about the theme of the talk and any questions people wish to raise. The evening concludes with chanting "Great Vows for All" and three full bows.
Some prefer just to observe these ritual aspects of Zen, without participating, which is fine. You can catch the spirit of it just by watching. The Diamond Sangha is a lay lineage of Zen (i.e. non-monastic) that retains some traditional elements of Zen, not for the sake of being formally correct but because these practices powerfully alter the way our mind separates from experience. For example, in chanting we join our voice to others and become part of the great assembly of all beings, and in bowing we practice dropping separate ego and entering the vast, compassionate mind of a buddha.
It is on the Sumner bus route, only a short walk from the Woolston shopping area in Ferry Road. Please walk round to the back of Shona's house, and come in from the timber patio.
Contacts: Shona 027 387 2347 or Arthur (03) 348 4656
The group is led by Arthur Wells Sensei, who was authorised as a Diamond Sangha teacher in February 2008. Except for Study Night, Arthur offers "dokusan" or individual interview, the purpose of which is to give personal guidance for sitting practice, to answer questions about Zen and to work closely with those people studying koans or practicing shikantaza.
All are welcome to the evening meetings, public talks, workshops and retreats that we run. Basic instruction in Zen meditation is given each time there are any newcomers. People may choose to sit in chairs or on the cushions supplied. Cushions are available to purchase for home practice. We ask for a gold coin donation to support the group's activities and our NZ teachers.
Each Monday evening, after words of welcome and introduction, there are two 25 minute sitting rounds, with slow walking meditation for about five minutes after each round. This is followed by chanting the Heart Sutra or one of the other chants commonly used in Zen. After this there is a short talk from Arthur or one of the experienced members of the group, then discussion over tea and biscuits about the theme of the talk and any questions people wish to raise. The evening concludes with chanting "Great Vows for All" and three full bows.
Some prefer just to observe these ritual aspects of Zen, without participating, which is fine. You can catch the spirit of it just by watching. The Diamond Sangha is a lay lineage of Zen (i.e. non-monastic) that retains some traditional elements of Zen, not for the sake of being formally correct but because these practices powerfully alter the way our mind separates from experience. For example, in chanting we join our voice to others and become part of the great assembly of all beings, and in bowing we practice dropping separate ego and entering the vast, compassionate mind of a buddha.