Of Benefit to All - The Four Immeasurables

A Buddhist workshop led by Geoffrey Shugen Arnold Roshi.

Every great spiritual tradition teaches compassion and kindness, yet most of us are challenged to truly express this in all of our thoughts, words and actions. We want to help alleviate the suffering in the world, but often struggle with how to do so.

Kindness has the power to transform people’s lives and the world, yet we can so easily get entangled in our own and others’ anger, harsh judgements, stinginess and inner turmoil. Having faith in our enlightened nature – Buddha Nature – is to have faith in our own basic kindness, desire for well-being, and generosity.

The Four Immeasurables originated with the Buddha. This is a simple and profound teaching that anyone can practice, and can be developed throughout our lives. In this workshop, we’ll study and practice these teachings as they are intended, to benefit both ourselves and all people, creatures and things.

In this, we can strengthen our faith in our own capacity to be such a person; one who generates such virtues in all directions. At the same time that our faith deepens, the virtues of the Four Immeasurables become embodied within ourselves and our relations with others.

This day of retreat is an excellent opportunity to study with Shugen Roshi and benefit from practising as a community, to deepen one's sitting practice and gain confidence in the Buddhist path. Whether you have been practising Zen meditation for many years or are new to these teachings, this workshop has much to offer.