Copy
The Zen Group of Western Australia Newsletter
View this email in your browser

Newsletter - February 2019

Summer Sesshin 2019
Sit on Country with Michael Wright at Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park) - March 3
Michael Wright invites Sangha members to join him in sitting on Nyoongar country on the first Sunday of each month. Meet at Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park), beneath the mari trees near the main war memorial, at 9.15 am. Zazen and kinhin will be followed by discussion, and those who wish to stay usually adjourn to a nearby coffee shop together. All are welcome.

Dharma talk by Ross Bolleter Roshi - Zen and Meaning in Life - March 7
On  March 7, Ross Bolleter Roshi will give a Dharma talk entitled Zen and Meaning in Life. The talk will follow two rounds of zazen at St Paul's, Beaconsfield, beginning at 7 pm.

Dokusan with Ross Bolleter Roshi - March 14
Ross Bolleter Roshi will offer dokusan at St Paul's dojo on March 14. We will sit in the hall between 7 pm and 9 pm.

Buddhists for the Environment at Strike for Climate Rally - March 15
The Buddhists for the Environment group will  be present to support the school children's Strike for Climate Rally at St George's Cathedral, St George's Terrace, 11 AM to 1PM on Friday 15 March. Any Zen Group members able to attend and stand with our BFE banner would be very welcome.

Extended Zazen - March 21
On March 21, the sangha will sit four rounds of zazen at St Paul's, Beaconsfield, beginning at 7 pm.

Dharma talk by Mari Rhydwen Roshi - Every Day Is A Good Day - March 28
On  March 28, Mari Rhydwen Roshi will open the 2019 Zen Intensive with a public Dharma talk entitled Every Day Is A Good Day. The talk will follow two rounds of zazen at St Paul's, Beaconsfield, beginning at 7 pm.
 
Zen Intensive with Mari Rhydwen Roshi: Every Day Is A Good Day - March 28 - April 6
Mari Rhydwen will be returning to WA in March to lead the ZGWA's fourth annual Zen Intensive. This year, the theme will be 'Every Day Is A Good Day'. This was Yunmen’s response to his own question asking for a phrase about post-enlightenment. Participants will explore how we practice in times of difficulty, on days that may feel anything but good. The Zen Intensive is a unique training opportunity, where participants explore how to carry out their practice amidst their busy daily lives. On weekdays, participants attend to their normal family, work and other commitments, and then come together for zazen, workshops and other activities on evenings and weekends.

Places for this event are currently filled. If you would like to be added to a cancellation list, please contact Parris Trahanas: parristrahanas@gmail.com.


Sacred Ink Writing Workshop with Brigid Lowry - May 5 and 8 September
"The creative life is a spiritual practice."  - Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Writing is a creative path to your depths, to growth and joy. It is a safe tool for the investigation of yourself and your world. It can be a map to your heart, a means of connecting to lost parts of yourself, a gentle road to your creativity and your spirit. The spiritual journey is also a creative path, forged by life events, and these two paths are often interwoven in our lives in mysterious ways.  Sacred Ink is a workshop is designed for people who have both a spiritual practice and a writing practice. It will combine a variety of creative exercises and meditations in a playful yet purposeful way, aimed to enliven your ordinary miraculous life.

Dates:    Sunday May 5th and Sunday September 8th
Time:  1.30 – 5pm
Venue:  Earthwise -  315 Bagot Rd, Subiaco 
Cost for one session: $50 for members, $60 for non-members
Cost for both sessions: $80 for members, $100 for non-members.
Bring: Pen and paper. Afternoon tea provided.
Bookings: Brigid Lowry: inkybuddha@gmail.com. 0404 735 224
 
Brigid Lowry is a widely published writer, a teacher and an editor.  She lived for seven years in a Theravadin Buddhist Community and is a longtime student in both the Zen and Vipassana traditions.
 
ALL PROCEEDS TO ZGWA.


Zazenkai with Ross Bolleter Roshi - May 11
Our next Zazenkai will take place on 11 May. Further details and a form will be available in due course.

Membership
The ZGWA relies on the support of members to conduct all of its activities throughout the year, and to support its teachers. Membership of the ZGWA entitles you to benefits such as discounted and reserved places at Sesshin and Zazenkai, use of the library, and a subscription to The Wobbly Pot. Memberships can be taken out at any point of the year for a pro rata fee. Membership forms and more information can be found on our website.  Please consider becoming a member to help sustain Zen practice in Western Australia.

Out-of-town Membership
Many ZGWA sangha members do not live in the Perth/Fremantle area and cannot attend the dojo regularly, however still maintain a strong connection with the group. These cherished sangha members are able to receive all the benefits of membership, for a discounted rate. Taking out an out-of-town membership provides vital support for the group, while entitling you to discounted and reserved places at Sesshin and Zazenkai. All members also receive a subscription to The Wobbly Pot via post. Membership forms and more information can be found on our website.  

Welcoming Newcomers
Sangha members who come regularly to help set up on Thursday nights are encouraged to warmly welcome newcomers. Please introduce yourself and ensure the person receives an orientation session as well as a free copy of our Orientation Notes to take home (if they wish). Let newcomers know to check out our website (www.zgwa.org.au)  where they can register for the newsletter online so as to receive all the ZGWA newsletters, The Wobbly Pot and occasional announcements. 
 
Summer Sesshin photographs by Paul Wilson.



Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp