The Opawa Zendo Zen Meditation

The Opawa Zendo, Ōtautahi Christchurch The Ōtautahi MRO Zen group holds two Zen Buddhist meditation sessions each week at the Opawa Zendo: on Sunday morning and Tuesday evening. We are open to people of all cultural, ethnic, gender and religious backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing Zen Buddhist meditation. It is necessary to have received beginning instruction in Zen meditation (zazen) before taking part in the regular weekly schedule of practice at the zendo. Instruction in zazen is available by appointment – call or email us to arrange. This session provides guidance in the practice of seated and walking Zen meditation, and to the resources and retreats of the MRO in New Zealand. Beginning instruction includes two periods of meditation and opportunities to ask questions. There is no charge for beginning instruction, but any donation would be welcome. When attending the zendo, a $5 weekly donation towards the upkeep of the building is suggested. However we don't wish finances to be a barrier to practice for anyone. Regular events Along with the weekly meditation schedule, the Opawa Zendo holds a range of events and activities providing rich opportunities to practice and connect with others. Ōtautahi MRO Zen practitioners take part in regular half-days or full-days of meditation (zazenkai). Held on Saturdays or Sundays, zazenkai typically include a caretaking practice, liturgy, a dharma talk, or an on-line discussion with one of our Zen teachers. These discussions allow practitioners to clarify their understanding of Zen. During intensive training periods in spring, practitioners meet at the Zendo for art-practice, and discussions of Zen Buddhist practice, often stimulated by studying a particular Buddhist text. Contact Us To learn more about the Ōtautahi MRO Zen group, or schedule a time for beginner instruction (offered Tues evenings) in zen meditation (zazen) please contact us via email or phone. Zen practice meetings Nau mai, haere mai! Our New Zealand Zen groups meet in person in sitting groups around the country, and online via Zoom.