|
Ekodo Sesshin
2-6 June 2023 at the Shambhala Retreat Centre, Golden Bay Led by Sean Weaver Sensei and Shona Pierce Sensei
Ekodo - an ecological way. Our deepest ecology of intimate interconnectedness, experienced in profound stillness. This is the wellspring of great compassion - compassion for the Earth, for each other, for healing the climate and biodiversity crisis, of community vast and wide.
THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL Fees: $280 per person (residential); $150 per person (non-residential) |
About Sesshin
Introduction: This Diamond Sangha Ekodo Sesshin is to be held in the beautiful coastal setting of the Shambhala Retreat Centre, at Onekaka in Golden Bay. The accommodation is a combination of rooms and cabins.
The retreat begins with a light meal at 6.30 pm Friday 2nd June and finishes at 2 pm on Tuesday 6th June.
Sesshin: The word shin in Japanese means “mind,” in a sense that combines both thinking and feeling so we call it “heart-mind”. Sesshin literally means to “touch,” “express” or “reveal” this heart-mind. In other words, Sesshin is about the awakening of insight and compassion. It’s the foundational retreat that Zen practitioners everywhere attend if possible once or twice a year in order to keep our practice strong. The form of Sesshin is much the same everywhere around the world, consisting of a full programme of silent meditation, chanting, bowing, walking, eating, resting, hearing talks, face-to-face interview with the teachers, cleaning and food preparation. Everything we do in Sesshin is designed to plunge us increasingly, throughout the four days, into deep, reflective stillness. To enter wholeheartedly into Sesshin enables us to see into our own deepest motives and discover a new freedom from fears and compulsions. People leave Sesshin feeling refreshed, more emotionally stable and more joyfully alive.
Registration Deadline: We would appreciate registration as soon as possible to help facilitate easier organisation of Sesshin, roles and food. At the latest your registration must be in by Monday 22nd May.
Fees: Fees include accommodation, food, the teachers’ accommodation and food, and minimal teaching fees.
If you are flying: Please arrive in Nelson by noon on Friday 2nd June in time for a 2.5 hr car journey to Onekaka. We recommend a flexible ticket in case symptoms arise or you test positive for Covid.
Dana: You are encouraged to offer Dana/Koha for Sean and Shona in the form of cash or a personal gift.
* * *
Things to bring:
Everyone is asked to complete a negative Covid RAT test before arrival.
Bedding is provided but if you think you will need a backup then bring a sleeping bag or blanket. Other things to bring: pillow slip, hot water bottle, torch, raincoat and warm clothes, sturdy footwear/boots, ear plugs, eye covers (for better sleep in shared rooms) & personal items. Please bring warm, comfortable black or dark clothes to wear in the zendo.
Food and allergies: The food is vegetarian. Where we can accommodate your food allergies we will. Should this not be possible and to reduce stress in the kitchen, you may need to adapt a meal to suit you. You can provide food requirements on the registration form.
The retreat begins with a light meal at 6.30 pm Friday 2nd June and finishes at 2 pm on Tuesday 6th June.
Sesshin: The word shin in Japanese means “mind,” in a sense that combines both thinking and feeling so we call it “heart-mind”. Sesshin literally means to “touch,” “express” or “reveal” this heart-mind. In other words, Sesshin is about the awakening of insight and compassion. It’s the foundational retreat that Zen practitioners everywhere attend if possible once or twice a year in order to keep our practice strong. The form of Sesshin is much the same everywhere around the world, consisting of a full programme of silent meditation, chanting, bowing, walking, eating, resting, hearing talks, face-to-face interview with the teachers, cleaning and food preparation. Everything we do in Sesshin is designed to plunge us increasingly, throughout the four days, into deep, reflective stillness. To enter wholeheartedly into Sesshin enables us to see into our own deepest motives and discover a new freedom from fears and compulsions. People leave Sesshin feeling refreshed, more emotionally stable and more joyfully alive.
Registration Deadline: We would appreciate registration as soon as possible to help facilitate easier organisation of Sesshin, roles and food. At the latest your registration must be in by Monday 22nd May.
Fees: Fees include accommodation, food, the teachers’ accommodation and food, and minimal teaching fees.
If you are flying: Please arrive in Nelson by noon on Friday 2nd June in time for a 2.5 hr car journey to Onekaka. We recommend a flexible ticket in case symptoms arise or you test positive for Covid.
Dana: You are encouraged to offer Dana/Koha for Sean and Shona in the form of cash or a personal gift.
* * *
Things to bring:
Everyone is asked to complete a negative Covid RAT test before arrival.
Bedding is provided but if you think you will need a backup then bring a sleeping bag or blanket. Other things to bring: pillow slip, hot water bottle, torch, raincoat and warm clothes, sturdy footwear/boots, ear plugs, eye covers (for better sleep in shared rooms) & personal items. Please bring warm, comfortable black or dark clothes to wear in the zendo.
Food and allergies: The food is vegetarian. Where we can accommodate your food allergies we will. Should this not be possible and to reduce stress in the kitchen, you may need to adapt a meal to suit you. You can provide food requirements on the registration form.
About Ekodo
Eko (ecological); dō (way) - care for the interconnected world of people and planet as sacred practice.
Harnessing the power of compassion, we bear witness to ecological and human suffering, and act skilfully to alleviate it. Ekodo links with the original intention of the Zen martial arts, as the skilful minimisation of harm based on the realisation that the whole world is our truest self. Therefore, defending ecosystems, communities and climate action is ultimately self defence.
The three pillars of Ekodo:
Harnessing the power of compassion, we bear witness to ecological and human suffering, and act skilfully to alleviate it. Ekodo links with the original intention of the Zen martial arts, as the skilful minimisation of harm based on the realisation that the whole world is our truest self. Therefore, defending ecosystems, communities and climate action is ultimately self defence.
The three pillars of Ekodo:
- Just As I Am: Deep self confidence.
- Practice: Refining skills through regular practice and training.
- Community: Listening deeply, shared connections, mutual support.