Genpo Merzel Roshi

& assisted by his dharma successors

Genpo Merzel Roshi

Dharma Successors of Genpo Roshi

Big Mind session

This unique annual event presents the Big Mind process within the context of Zen practice. It includes morning and evening zazen and Big Mind sessions with Genpo Merzel Roshi every afternoon. Roshi will be assisted by his successors Genno Pages Roshi (France), Tenkei Coppens Sensei (Holland), Nico Tydeman Sensei (Holland), Doen Silberberg Sensei (USA), Jiho Braunek Sensei ( Poland), Genshin Gabrysch Sensei (UK) Musho Sensei (USA), Mugaku Sensei (USA) Taido Sensei (USA), Genko Sensei ( France) and Myoho Sensei (UK/NL). The retreat also functions as a Maha Sangha Gathering since members from all over the world are expected to attend. The retreat is open for newcomers and practitioners of all levels. If this is your first time you are very welcome to join and will be given special attention. The retreat will take place at the Klein Vaarwater Center on the island of Ameland off the northern coast of Holland:

Zazen meditation

Genpo Roshi facilitating Big Mind

 

Panel discussion with teachers

 

Jukai ceremony

What to Bring and What is Provided

• Warm & weatherproof clothing. Ameland is an island exposed to the elements, so be prepared for wind, and possible rain and snow.
• Loose fitting subdued clothing for meditation. Robes for during ceremonies if you have them. Slip-on shoes are handy for entering and leaving the zendo.
• Slippers for in the bungalows. (Floors are stone tiles)
• Alarm clock
• Flashlight
• Meditation cushion / zafu (optional)
• Bed linen is provided.
• Towels can be rented for €3,50 euros
• Tea & coffee is served at scheduled times
• Breakfast, lunch and supper are included

Approx. Daily Schedule.

• 5:30 Wake up, Coffee and Tea
• 6:00 Zazen
• 8:00 Service
• 8:30 Breakfast
• 9:15 Samu / work period
• 10:30 - 11:00 Exercise
• 11:00 Coffee and Tea
• 11:30 Zazen
• 12:40 Service
• 13:00 Lunch
• 15:00 Coffee & Tea
• 15:30 Big Mind
• 18:00 Supper
• 19:30 Evening programme
• 21:15 Tea

Directions using Public Transport

NOTE: Plan to arrive in Leeuwarden at 12:14 on Tuesday January 13 in order to catch the "Big Mind Bus" to Holwerd. Stripperkart not needed. If you cannot make this time, make sure to purchase a stripperkart before you leave Amsterdam for use on the buses between Leeuwarden - Holwerd - Klein Vaarwater Center (will save you money!)

From Schiphol Amsterdam airport times as of 2008. €27,80 euros one way.

Visit www.ns.nl for alternative times. From Schiphol airport, recommended departure time is on the 9:21am.

V 08:51	Schiphol	1-2	Direction Hilversum
A 09:35	Amersfoort	2
V 09:38	Amersfoort	1	Direction Zwolle
A 10:14	Zwolle	3
V 10:20	Zwolle	5	Direction Leeuwarden
A 11:13	Leeuwarden	4

 

V 09:21	Schiphol	1-2	Direction Hilversum
A 10:44	Zwolle	3
V 10:50	Zwolle	5b	Direction Leeuwarden
A 11:54	Leeuwarden	3

 

V 09:51	Schiphol	1-2	Direction Hilversum
A 10:35	Amersfoort	2
V 10:38	Amersfoort	1	Direction Zwolle
A 11:14	Zwolle	3
V 11:20	Zwolle	5	Direction Leeuwarden
A 12:14	Leeuwarden	4

 

From Amsterdam Centraal: €26,90 euros one way as of 2008.

Visit www.ns.nl for alternative times

D 08:57	Amsterdam Centraal	13b	Direction Hilversum
A 09:32	Amersfoort	5
D 09:34	Amersfoort	4a	Direction Zwolle
A 11:13	Leeuwarden	4

 

D 09:27 Amsterdam Centraal 14b Direction Hilversum A 10:02 Amersfoort 5a D 10:04 Amersfoort 4a Direction Zwolle A 11:54 Leeuwarden 3

 

D 09:57	Amsterdam Centraal	14b	Direction Amersfoort
A 10:32	Amersfoort	5
D 10:34	Amersfoort	4a	Zwolle
A 12:14	Leeuwarden	4

If you miss the Big Mind bus, take Bus 66 from Leeuwarden bus station located outside the train station which leaves 12:37 to Holwerd Veerdam (Cost: 7 strips on a stripperkart. approx 3:17 euros one way)

Take Boat to Ameland departing at 13:30, (Cost: return ticket : €10,15)

From the harbor, take the Big Mind bus that will be waiting or Bus 132 to Klein Vaarwater, Buren.

NOTE! Stripperkaart can be bought ahead of time in postoffices, supermarkets (usually where they sell cigarettes) newsagents etc. (There is kiosk in front of Amsterdam Centraal Station that sells them) They are used on trams, buses and metros within the Netherlands. It is more cost effective to buy two x 15 strippenkaart. The tariff is higher when you buy it on the bus. If you can't get hold of a stripperkaart, make sure to have some small change on you for use on the buses!

For those driving to Ameland, there is a long stay carpark next to the ferry terminal. Cars can be taken on the island provided you reserve a place on the ferry ahead of time at http://www.wpd.nl . Cost: return ticket: €65.80 per car, exclusive of passengers.

Ferry time schedule

http://www.wpd.nl

Saturdays and Sundays
From Holwerd:
09.30 / 13.30 / 17.30 / 19.30
From Ameland:
08.30 / 12.30 / 16.30 / 18.30
Monday through Thursday
From Holwerd:
07.30 / 09.30 / 11.30 / 13.30 / 17.30 / 19.30
From Ameland:
06.30 / 08.30 / 10.30 / 12.30 / 16.30 / 18.30
Additional on Fridays:
From Ameland 14:30, from Holwerd 15:30.

For general questions, please contact Jishin Reef at europemanager@bigmind.org or Zen River tel.+31-(0)595-435039