“Medicine and disease subdue each other. The whole earth is medicine. What is your self?”
Zoom link: (for registrants only): Click here
Meeting ID: 892 2627 7891 Passcode: 925760
When the young man Siddhartha Gautama, left the protected confines of his father's palace, he encountered the Four Messengers: a ill person, an elderly person, a corpse, and finally a sage sitting in serene meditation. Seeing the reality of sickness, old age and death set him on the path of spiritual practice, seeking a way to live in a world of suffering with freedom and equanimity, wisdom and compassion.
Each of us meets sickness, old age and death, sometimes in childhood, sometimes not until well into adulthood. The truth of impermanence is hard for us, as creatures of attachment, to accept. During this retreat we will look at the ancient Zen teaching dialogues and stories called koans and see what they have to teach us in our own encounters with the Four Messengers, at personal, familial, societal and global levels.
This seminar open to registrants only, and participants should be prepared to attend every session, if possible. This is so that we can build a sense of community, trust and depth over the course our time together. You will be invited to share from the heart of your life and practice, in a space of safety, respect and confidentiality.
The seminar is open to new and experienced meditators, those from other spiritual traditions, and those dealing directly with sickness, old age and death. It will include meditation, talks by the teacher, small and large group talking circles, and writing exercises.
Readings
Week one: Book of Serenity, Case 94 Dongshan is Unwell. For a PDF click here.
Week two: Blue Cliff Record, Case 87 Medicine and Disease Subdue Each Other. p. 477 Link to online PDF: Click here
Week three: Koans from The Hidden Lamp: Click here. The Five Remebrances: Click here
Fees
Seminar fee: $120
Reduced fee for those on a limited income $80 or $40
Dana (Donations to the teacher)
Seminar fees go to support Mountain Rain Zen’s operating costs. There will be an opportunity to give a donation/dana to the teacher at the retreat.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the registrar at registrar@mountainrainzen.org.
