Speaker: Ryōtoku (In Person, Visiting from the UK via Japan

Wed 5 Nov | 7.00-8.30pm AEDT

Location: In person at Western Sydney University, Parramatta City Campus (Entry at 1 Parramatta Square), Level 5 Room 1.5.82;

or Online (Zoom link below)

Cost: Free

Training the mind is comparable to training the body. In the same way training can be used to cultivate speed, power, endurance, flexibility or mobility the mind may be trained to cultivate qualities such as presence, patience, concentration, clarity and openness. However although the body as a vehicle of practice is easy to perceive and easy to see the results of one's work, the organ of the mind is one people have not much experience in controlling nor cultivating. Understanding how to build the sensitivity to be able to work with one's own mind is the crucial step in working with the mind and once one understands that meditations aren’t actually techniques but skills to acquire, then the meditative journey becomes accessible.

About the Speaker: Ryōtoku

After spending time studying Buddhism himself, Ryōtoku's introduction to Buddhist meditation was through a beginners course with the West London Buddhist Centre in 2011.
In 2013, Ryōtoku began studying Rinzai Zen, practicing kōan and zazen meditations where he undertook jukkai (receiving the precepts ceremony) that same year and later began a Zen junior teacher programme, which provided training in mindfulness and meditation.

In 2015, after continuing his studies, Ryōtoku wished to expand and understand more regarding Buddhism and began studying Tendai, where he also received jukkai and subsequently joined a two year lay leader programme.

This inspired him to begin studying at an academic level and in 2020 Ryōtoku began a Master in Buddhist Studies with the University of South Wales.

After graduating in 2023 Ryōtoku traveled to Japan and received tokudo ordination on Mt. Hiei with the Tendai tradition.

Ryōtoku is currently based in Japan to complete his training and at the same time begin PhD research.

Hybrid event: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive session in person at the Metta Centre or online by clicking on this link to access the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83506489824?pwd=cmpNQ1ljSmFVYURLWVN1dWllYUN1dz09 Alternatively, you can dial in from your telephone (call charges apply): +61 2 8015 6011 | Meeting ID: 835 0648 9824| Passcode: 718905

If you are feeling unwell, please consider staying at home and joining online instead.