Sutra Study Group 2024

This year, over three sessions, a small group of us (10 people) explored The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng. This was a concentrated opportunity to study and explore this deeply influential sutra, relating it to our own lives and the times we live in.

We look forward to exploring more sutras in the years ahead, so keep an eye out for more details.

Castlemaine Zen Sesshin (22/8/24 - 25/8/24)

This year we gathered at the old Fryerstown School for four days of traditional Zen practice. If you would like to hear talks from this sesshin, please visit our Podcast Page.

Vesak Movie Night (25/5/24)

For Vesak (the Buddha’s Birthday), we invited family and friends to join us for a movie night at the West End Hall. There was hot soup, crusty bed, warm heaters and a fascinating film that prompted lively discussion. A big thank you to everyone who came and helped set up the occasion.

Duty of Care Meditation Action (27/4/24)

In partnership with Central Vic Climate Action, Castlemaine Zen participated in a silent Meditation Action on the steps of the Market Building in Castlemaine. People came and went, occasionally joining in from the street. This was a powerful and peaceful way of drawing attention to our duty of care to young people, and the needs of future generations.

Book Launch with Susan Murphy Roshi (18/3/24)

In collaboration with Localising Leanganook, Castlemaine Zen and members of the widfer community gathered at the Northern Arts Hotel to launch Susan Murphy’s new book, A Fire Runs Through All Things. Susan introduced the book and responded to questions from the audience about Zen and responding to the climate crisis we all face.

Radical Fieldz: Silent Walk, Talk and 108 Bells (16/3/24)

For this year’s Radical Fieldz event Castlemaine Zen was invited to lead a silent walk, dharma talk and 108 bells. As you can see in the remarkable footage captured by sangha member and event organiser Ryan, the event was a great success. As one person remarked afterwards, “As we walked and sat with the bells, I swear I could hear the birds singing louder.”

Sangha Transmission Day with Susan Murphy Roshi (19/11/23)

On Sunday 19th Novemeber Susan Murphy Roshi led a very special zazenkai, culminating in a Sangha Transmission Ceremony for Kynan Sutherland Roshi.

The day began with zazen and flowed into dokusan, shared lunch and teisho. After that, a number of sangha members and friends joined as at 2.30pm for the ceremony, where Susan relayed what took place at the Dharma Transmission Ceremony in September, and invited sangha members to meet Kynan Sutherland Roshi in Shosan, or dharma inquiry.

It was a beautiful day that exemplified all that Castlemaine Zen has nourished and set forth, namely sincerity of practice, deep connections between sangha members, and a natural sense of warmth and joy in the dharma.

Dharma Transmission for Kynan Sutherland (30/10/23)

From Susan Murphy Roshi:

It is a joy for me to let you know that on September 30, at the end of our 7-day Spring sesshin here at Cloud Mountain in Kangaroo Valley, I shall be giving Dharma Transmission to Kynan Sutherland.

Kynan has studied with me for the last two decades, of which the last half decade has been spent toiling in the buddha-fields as apprentice teacher alongside me and under my supervision, in NSW, Victoria and and Tasmania. Kynan puts his heart and soul into the wonderful, terrible work, transforming lives around him.  

He has poured a tireless fund of energy and love of the Dharma into establishing the steadily growing and flourishing Castlemaine Zen sangha in Central Victoria, while also maintaining a weighty timetable of co-teaching with me and leadership within the Zen Open Circle sangha, contributing with both brilliance and complete humility in every possible way, whether in online contexts (especially through the Covid years) or at last once again in person. 

Kynan has, in truth, been fully fledged for a long time, seems never not to have been a true and natural person of the Way, is transparently clear of eye and heart while also being as earthy and direct as a paddock-full of clarifying light, probably one dotted with eucalypts and resting grey kangaroos... His dharma is generous in both humour and warmth, and enlarged by keen talent as artist and writer, and now by his work in hospital and hospice chaplaincy—work to which he brings the gifts and skills of a long Zen practice, and the soul of a poet.   

There are some things that can’t be too highly recommended.  The Dharma is one,  Kynan is another.  I have complete conviction in saying that we are all enlarged by this appointment.

Warmly, and with a bow and a very wide smile,
Susan

Upside Down Country - Non Residential Weekend Retreat (21/7/23—23/7/23)

From July 21-23 we met in Fryerstown for a non-residential weekend retreat. The theme of the retreat was Upside Down Country, and we explored the nature of Zen practice in the heart of the goldfields. 22 people took part and we observed traditional Zen form with zazen, kinhin, sutras, oryoki, teisho, dokusan and evening ceremony.

Zen and Uluru Statement from the Heart (16/5/23)

Ahead of the looming referendum on the Voice, we gathered after zazen to discuss the Uluru Statement from the Heart and how it reaches our own hearts.

Zen Movie Night (27/5/23)

On 27th May 2023 we gathered for a Zen Movie Night. With sparkling stars outside and a room jammed full of heaters and cushions, we huddled together for hot soup, crusty bread and fresh fruit and salad. We then settled around the portable projector for a screening of The Velvet Queen, a ravishing documentary about Tibet, photography, snow leopards and so much more. Afterwards we discussed the major themes of the film, including the value of attention, the rewards of patience, and the way wonder can give way to a sense of the sacred.

Autumn Yatra (26/5/23)

On Sunday the 26th March we ventured outside for a morning of silent walking meditation along the historic water race south of Castlemaine, followed by a rambling morning tea. Luckily, we found ourselves thoroughly lost and were able to explore the words of Fayan and his teacher Guichen:

Guichen asked, “Where are you going?”
Fayan replied, “I’m wandering at random.”
Guichen said, “What do you think of wandering?”
Fayan replied, “I don’t know.”
Guichen said, “Not knowing is most intimate.”
At these words Fayan instantly experienced enlightenment.

Launch of Castlemaine Zen Podcast

On April 24 we launched the Castlemaine Zen Podcast, a collection of emerging talks from Kynan Sutherland Sensei and Castlemaine Zen. You can access the growing library of recordings here.

Transmission Ceremony Announced for Kynan Sutherland (31/1/23)

On 31st Jan 2023 Susan Murphy announced that she would be giving full dharma transmission to Kynan Sutherland in September 2023. In her letter to the sangha she says:

It feels timely and ripe in 2023 for Kynan to take the great step on the path of becoming fully authorised as a Zen master and teacher. His dharma eye is exceptionally clear and alive, his dharma is mature, vivid and warm in expression, and he has real depth of experience in building and managing sangha matters in several sangha contexts, led by a heart that is wise and impeccably honest. Luckily, he also has a very good sense of humour. Nothing, or very little, would be possible without that! 

Rohatsu (5/12/22)

On December 5 we gathered on Leanganook (Mount Alexander) for Rohatsu, The Buddha’s Day of Enlightenment. To celebrate we walked silently through the bush before stopping for morning tea. We then shared the story of Shakyamuni’s journey to enlightenment and his impulse to share his experience with others. To end, we rang 108 bells, our way of honouring the mystery of change and the seamlessness of birth and death. A truly magnificent way to end the year!

Castlemaine Spring Sesshin (9/9/22—12/9/22)

From September 9-12, 2022 we had our first Castlemaine Zen Sesshin at the Fyrerstown School. It was a wonderful event with zazen, teisho, sutras, dokusan and oryoki (formal meal ceremony). We sat in the heart of our own country and let the dharma express itself without interference — or at least as little as possible! This was a truly momentous occasion for the sangha and joy to be part of. We look forward to offering more events like this in 2023, so watch this space.

Autumn Yatra at Vaughan Springs (27/5/22)

On Sunday 27th May we met at Vaughan Springs for a silent walk, shared morning tea and informal discussion. It was great to be out with the falling leaves, bright coloured birds and rushing water. On a high rocky outcrop we stopped to share food and enjoy each other’s company. It was a delicious day all round!

Summer Yatra and Ceremony for Thich Nhat Hanh (7/2/23)

On 27th February we met near Eureka Reef and silently made our way to the top of The Monk. Once there, we sat down for morning tea and then conducted a short ritual to remember and celebrate the life of Thich Nhat Hanh. It was a very moving day, with many stories and teachings shared. We walked with the words of Thich Nhat Hanh informing every step: Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.

Rohatsu Yatra (5/12/21).

To celebrate Rohatsu (The Buddha’s Enlightenment Day) we met on Leanganook for a yatra, picnic, retelling of the Buddha’s life and 108 bells.

Seventeen people took part and we were finally serenaded by David de Hugard on his piano accordion before heading back into Castlemaine.

A New Home—The West End Hall (1/10/21)

Today we met for the first time in our new home, The West End Hall in Castlemaine. It’s a wonderful community space that supports dancers, camera enthusiasts, fisherman and even a Bonsai group.

The atmosphere is perfectly suited to our practice, with birds, children, cyclists and stray dogs all contributing to the mix.

We’re delighted to have found such a warm place of practice in the heart of Castlemaine.

Autumn Yatra at Vaughn Springs

For our Autumn Yatra we chose to go to Vaughn Springs. We gathered in the carpark and then took off silently across the causeway and over the hill overlooking the river. We broke our silence for morning tea on a roadside log, sharing everything from lemon slice to brownies to challah. It was wonderful to hear about everyone’s family background - we certainly come from all corners of the globe! Before leaving a few of us stayed on to hear Dave’s version of Waltzing Matilda on the accordian. Even the little wrens flew down for a listen, hopping along with the old, original melody!

Summer Yatra at Eureka Reef (28/2/21)

On the 28th February 2021 we met up at Eureka Reef for a silent walk through the box-ironbark forest. It was moving to feel the history and action of early miners mingling with the birdsong and regrowth in and around the old ruins. We had morning tea on the crest of a hill beneath a stand of ironbarks, and Dave sang us a wonderful old song about sheep shearing that ricocheted down the valley. Once again, there were too many treats to go around, and we all returned silently and happily to our cars before bowing to each other and retuning home.

Practice at The Forge Begins! (7/2/21)

On the 7th February we had our very first sit at The Forge in Castlemaine. It was a great event, with around 20 people, all carefully distributed around the dojo with masks to comply with the latest covid-safe regulations. We had three rounds of zazen then tumbled down to Cream Town Cafe for a coffee and discussion. An auspicious start to the year of practice. A deep bow to Jenny and Bill for making the space available.

Rohatsu Yatra (6/12/20)

On 6th December we finished our Zazenkai and met up again on Leanganook (Mount Alexander) for a Rohatsu Yatra. It was a beautiful day, and the bush was aglow with St John’s Wort. We walked from the carpark around the mountain towards Dog Rocks, then shared morning tea in a stand of granite boulders. We then sat quietly in zazen and rang 108 bells, enjoying each one dissolve into the shimmering air around us. When we re-grouped we shared everything we could remember about the Buddha’s story beneath the Bodhi tree, passing around cake and coffee as we did so! It was a marvellous way to celebrate this important date on the Zen calendar.

Online Practice during Lockdown (2020)

Throughout 2020 we met for Zazenkai once a month online. We sat for two rounds of zazen, followed by a dharma talk and shared discussion. It was wonderful to see everyone together and share our experiences of the pandemic. Given the enthusiasm expressed by newcomers and regulars alike, it’s possible we’ll keep the online format open in some way. Watch this space!

Zazen in the Park (22/3/20)

With Covid-19 making indoor gatherings impossible, we decided to meet and sit together in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens instead. We looped our little sign over a branch, then settled into open sitting and walking for two hours. It felt like a beautiful way to gather safely in a difficult time. In our discussion period immediately afterwards people expressed how invigorating it was to share the silence with joggers, cyclists, prams and yapping dogs. A very memorable event from the beginning of 2020.

Silent Meditation Vigil for Climate Crisis (7/10/19)

On Monday 7th October 2019 a few members of Castlemaine Zen joined the Melbourne Zen Group on the steps of parliament House to stage a silent meditation Vigil for Climate Crisis. The event kicked-off a week of activity inspired and led by Extinction Rebellion. We were by turns heckled, encouraged, applauded and ignored. A number of pedestrians stopped to ask questions, and others joined in. It was an incredible day of bearing witness to the crisis at our doorstep.