News Archive 2008

Jukai & Shukke Tokudo ceremonies, December 2008

At the end of Rohatsu, Josepha Jitoku Vermote received Shukke Tokudo and

Margaret Myoku (wonderous sky) Kirby received Jukai from Tenkei Roshi

Congratulations!

Winter Ango

November 29 08- February 14 09

Winter is approaching fast and we are happy to announce that Wynn Seishin Wright will be Shuso during the coming Winter Ango. Seishin has been studying Zen together with her husband Mike Daijo Wright since 1996, first at Kanzeon Zen Center Utah and since 2001 primarily at Zen River. They both received shukke tokudo from Tenkei Roshi two years ago. Rohatsu, one of the strongest sesshins of the year, will begin on Saturday November 29 at noon with lunch, followed by official Entering Ceremonies for the Shuso and Ango participants. The Winter Ango also includes the ever popular New Years sesshin, which begins on December 27 at noon and ends with a festive New Years Eve celebration followed next day by morning service and brunch. The Ango will close with a seven day sesshin February 7 - 14; the traditional Shuso Hossenshiki for Seishin will take place on February 14 at 11:30 am. Be prepared for a grand party afterwards and have songs ready!

 

Ceremony at Tendo-ji, Ningbo, China (Tianting Temple)

Abbot Chengxin of Tendo-ji officiating the ceremony

Food Offering

Gaijin butai!

 

Short Visit to China

Shanghai the first evening

Hanshan Monastery

Tendo Nyojo Grave at Jingci Temple

Kirigaya-ji Bus tour

Lingyin Temple

Orchid Pavillion: Lanting garden. Drinking sake awaiting a poem to arise.

 

Hannya Dojo

 

Tenkei Roshi, Myoho and Koichi-san paid a short visit to Hannya Dojo, where Koryu Roshi taught.

Maezumi Roshi trained here whilst a student, as did Hojosan and his brothers.

Grave of Koryu Roshi, behind the Dojo

The Dojo

With the caretaker in the Inryo

Sesshin schedule

 

Fujidera Zazenkai

Zazenkai at fujidera

 

A Day out after Zazenkai to Hakone

Iidasan lighting incense

Iida-san with Tenkei Roshi

 

Daiyuzan Saijoji

There was the chance for a short visit to offer some incense

 

Kirigayaji Zazenkai

Fujita Roshi gave a lecture on Dogen Zenji after zazen

 

Welcome party at Kirigaya-ji

It was a lovely party!

 

Surprise Visit to So-ji ji

Tenkei Roshi, Myoho Sensei, Jorge and Koichi-san had some time to visit Soji-ji - and suprised Kyuko-san.

Kyuko-san came to Zen River in August during the family week.

Evening service in So-ji ji. Kyuko-san is jisha, standing in the back third from right. We suprised him!

Kyuko-san had time to give a short guided tour.

 

Sunday at Kirigaya-ji

At a Sunday memorial service in Kirigaya-ji, Pema, a Bhutanese monk, was invited to chant by Hojosan

Lunch at kirigaya-ji with Hojosan

Welcome party at kirigaya-ji.

 

Visit Ryokan's hut, Gogo-an

 

Gogo-an in Niigata prefecture

 

Return to Keisho-in

Jizo Bodhisattva in front of Keisho-in.UnderJizo is a crypt for the ashes of deceased members

Jizo Bodhisattava in the main hatto. A rope is connected from his right hand to a toba outside near the main gate.

Lay people can then touch Jizo indirectly by touching the toba

Koichi-san and Tenkei Roshi together in the hatto at Keisho-in

Jorge is happy to see Mount Fuji for the first time!

 

Shinsanshiki Koichi Isoda-san

Keisho-in, Fuji City

 

Entering through the gate

Offering Dharma Words

Koichi-san ascends the mountain, allowing him to become the next abbot. He wore the green okesa that was a gift from Zen River, handsewn in the Atelier.

With Madoka-san, Masami-san, Koichi-san wife, Hojosan and Yuriko-san, after the ceremony

Hojo-san as Seido-san gives Dharma Talk the evening before Shinsanshiki

After Hojosan gave a Dharma Talk, there was a celebratory meal. Ino Roshi on the right.

After Shinsanshiki, Shusohossenshiki was the next ceremony

Dharma Combat for the shuso

Ohtaki Roshi sits with Koichi-sans father (right) during the final celebratory lunch

Koichi-san just before the ceremony

 

 

October Jukai Ceremony

 

Werner Zengan Stoelzel received Jukai at the end of the October sesshin.

His family and friends travelled from Bavaria & Berlin in East Germany to attend the ceremony. Congratulations!

 

November Schedule

Tenkei Roshi and Myoho Sensei are about to leave for a visit to Japan and China. We wish them a safe and happy journey! The daily schedule will continue as usual, and everyone is welcome to join. During this time, the River of Zen class on Monday evenings will be led by the senior residents in turn. The study classes on Sunday and Tuesday will resume after Rohatsu sesshin.

Since Roshi cannot come to Den Haag this time to give a Teisho at Kanzeon Zen Centrum, he has asked Peter Gakudo den Hollander and Anjo Koren Kasman to substitute for him. Kees van de Bunt is happy to welcome his old-time regulars, who are now senior monks at Zen River. It is a perfect opportunity for the sangha to share experiences on the path of Zen. Their informal evening talk is scheduled on November 20 at 8:00 pm.

Visit Japan & China

On November 8, in Fuji City there will be a Shinsanshiki ceremony (lit. Ascending the Mountain) for Koichi Isoda-san, to which Tenkei Roshi and Myoho Sensei have been invited. During this ceremony Koichi-san will officially be installed as abbot of Keisho-in. Koichi-san has been a close friend since 2000 and often joined us at Zen River. Three
years ago he and his wife Masami-san gave the participants of our group-tour to Japan a wonderful welcome. Junyu
Kuroda Roshi (Hojo-san), who officiated Tenkei Roshi’s Shinsanshiki in 2003, will also officiate the ceremony for Koichisan. Of course we all wish him and his family the very best!

 

Zendo Plans Continue

One of several tentative plans for the front design of the zendo and roof

Plans for the future Zendo keep developing. After looking at it from different angles, the location seems finally settled: in the back garden where the "Buddha Grove" is now situated. Trees will be replanted as carefully as possible around the building, so that the Zendo will have the look and feel of a big garden house. Part of the vision is to create a zone of silence that is only used for meditation. Last Sunday our friend architect Petra Derler came over again to discuss the details of the design. Things can speed up when the sketches are ready to submit to the local government. And although it may take some years before the actual construction can start, we are planning a first fund-raising effort this November.

Tentative location of the zendo to be. (The sketch doesn"t show the current idea for the entrance)

 

Autumn Retreat UK

led by Genshin Sensei

November 13 - 17, 2008

Workshop Sunday November 16, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Click here for the .pdf flyer for the Autumn Retreat

 

Genshin Sensei in her garden, June 2008

At

Dukes Barn

School Lane, Beeley, Matlock 

Derbyshire, DE4 2NU

 

For the past six years, the annual Autumn retreat at Dukes Barn has been led by Tenkei Roshi and the last two retreats he has been assisted by Genshin Sensei. We are happy to announce that in 2008 it will be led by Genshin Sensei on her own. She received shiho from Genpo Roshi in May 2006, and leads Kannon-ji zendo in Bilsborrow, Preston. The retreat will begin Thursday November 13 at 7:00pm with and end Monday November 17 by 12:00 noon. During the retreat there will be time for rest or for walking in the beautiful local surroundings.

The Autumn retreat will be held at Dukes Barn, an 18th century building with modern facilities. Quiet and warm in the winter, it is located in the small village of Beeley, on the Chatsworth estate in the Peak District National Park. Beeley village is close to Sheffield, Chesterfield, Matlock and Buxton. Accommodation will be domitory style and bedding is available.

For more information on the retreat, please download the .pdf flyer here

 

Visit to Kiev

Tenkei Roshi was invited to Kiev by Volodya to lead a zazenkai and conference.

Being a tourist in Kiev!

 

Changes of Schedule in October and November

It turns out that the November Weekend Sesshin will have to be cancelled as Tammy and Roshi go to Japan and China just during that period. After they return, it is almost time for Rohatsu and Winter Ango, so there are plenty of chances to catch up on practice! Of course everybody is very welcome to attend the regular daily schedule with the residents during their absence. Tenkei Roshi and Kees Kongo van de Bunt agreed on asking Peter Gakudo den Hollander and Anjo Koren Kasman to lead the evening talk in Den Haag on November 20. Both started practice with Kees, and have lived and trained full-time at Zen River for over seven years now. This evening event provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about their experiences and discuss different modes of practice. Something similar will happen in the Düsseldorf Zendo on October 3. Manuel Jitsushin Kölker, who has lived at Zen River for five years now, will substitute for Tenkei Roshi during the Zazenkai that he originally was scheduled to lead. The theme is 'Die Vielfalt der Zenpraxis'. Andreas Gikan Schneider and Joachim Fugan Behrendt will be present too and join the discussion.

Zazenkai Dusseldorf

Manuel Jitsushin Kolker was asked by Tenkei Roshi to lead the zazenkai in Dusseldorf this year!

 

Welcome Kando-san

Kando-san, who is currently training in Soji-ji, Japan, pictured here with Tenkei Roshi. Kando-san is staying at Zen River for the month of September.

Everyone is enjoying his visit! He then will travel to France to Kansho-ji.

 

Family Week, August 2008

Painting the stage set for the play "Samsara and Nirvana"

Curtain call for the actors

Flying kites the first evening

Morning service for parents and children

Lunch

Making the costumes with Helma, including many eyes, ears, noses, hands, mouths and thought-balloons

Kim explains the roles of 6 bodhisattva's who bring suffering beings from samsara to nirvana..

Going to Dokusan with Roshi.

Misery Cry being heard...

by Bodhisattva Perfect Ears

Covered Pain seen and helped...

by Bodhisattva Sharp Eyes

Drowning Body rescued...

by Bodhisattva Helping Hands

Bodhisattva Good Thought cures Bad Thought

Fire Disaster...

saved by Bodhisattva Keen Nose

Sad Loneliness cheered up by Bodhisattva Loving Words

Segaki Ceremony

Visit Kyuko-san August 2 - 16

We were happy to welcome Kyuko-san, who is currently training in Sojiji. Kyuko-san stayed for two weeks and participated in the Family Week play as Fire Disaster!

From September 4 Kando Mazati, also from Sojiji, will be joining the practice at Zen River for one month.

Visit to opening of Sambo-in

Tenkei Roshi, Tammy, Hojosan, Shugetsu, Peter and Anjo attended the opening ceremony of Sambo-in temple in Sczeczin, Poland.

Samboin is led by Kanzen (left by altar) and is one of Hojosan's successors.

Gassho, hallo

Some sightseeing was still possible before returning on Friday. Kanzen, Hojosan and Roshi

Festive welcome meal at Samboin, prepared by Kanzens wife, Dorota, and Homyo (front)

Anjo, Peter, Tenkei & Hojosan

Return home to Zen River after a long drive...

Shuso Hossenshiki July 26, 2008

Garden Zazen

And then the sun came out....

Simonszand Outdoor Retreat, July 17th

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Zendo To Be

Bamboo poles mark out the area where the new zendo could be.

The bamboo poles that stake out the back lawn to indicate the future zendo, have been relocated  several times. It has taken some time to find the right spot for the dimensions of the design. It almost feels as if the still imaginary structure has to ask the garden where exactly it can live. But the location seems to be clear now. Joachim's friend, Petra Derler, who is an architect, is working on sketches necessary to apply for a building permit. Going through these bureaucratic procedures (Christel is our navigator here) will involve certain costs not included in the annual budget. Fortunately Kaz Tanahashi conducted a timely first zendo fundraiser during his last calligraphy workshop! He made a whole series of artworks that sold very quickly, and he offered the proceeds (1800 Euro) towards the future zendo. A wonderful inspiration to pursue our vision further.

Rough sketches of the location (above) in relation to existing buildings and possible outline of the zendo (below)

Simonszand Update

The boat to Simonszand on July 17 will depart from Lauwersoog Haven at 9:30am! posted July 9

Shuso Hossen Shiki

July 26, 11:30am

Just to remind everyone that the shuso hossen shiki for Shugetsu Appels begins at 11:30am on Saturday July 26. We are very happy that Hojosan will join the ceremony all the way from Tokyo, Japan! Tea and coffee will be available at 11:00 am for guests and participants. There will be a festive lunch for everyone and a barbecue party in the evening for those staying over till Sunday. Everyone is welcome! Simply contact Robert in the office if you would like to join.

Day of Zen

Introductory Day for Newcomers and Seasoned Practitioners

Saturday June 14, 2008, Uithuizen

 10:00 hrs - 18:00 hrs

Zazenkai in Uithuizen

A Day of Zen provides a great opportunity for  new-comers to acquaint themselves with the style of practice at Zen River and with the teacher Tenkei Roshi, before considering a full time retreat. Participants and members are welcome to bring family and friends along! A Day of Zen is conducted in Dutch, with some English translation if needed. Instruction includes light stretching, in-depth instruction on posture, a guided meditation, a dharma talk on a Buddhist text and lots of time for questions and answers. Vegetarian lunch, tea and coffee included. (Contribution €50,-)

Info: Contact Robert Doin van den Roer T.0595 - 435039 / zenriver@zenriver.nl

Dharma Talk June 12

Kanzeon Zen Centrum, Den Haag

8:00pm

KZC Den Haag

Tenkei Roshi will join zazen and give a Dharma Talk followed by questions and answers at Kanzeon Zen Centrum Den Haag, Frankenslag 342, 2582 JB Den Haag. This is a bi-annual event now in its 8th year! Please contact Kees van de Bunt for more information Tel. (070) 3504601 

June 6 - 8

"Calligraphy in Color"

June 7, 7:30 pm Calligraphy demonstration & benefit

+ June 6, Dogen Day

Calligraphy workshop with Kaz Tanahashi

We feel extremely fortunate to be able to welcome Kazuaki Tanahashi at Zen River. Kaz has won international acclaim as a calligrapher, but is also well-known as a translator of Dogen Zenji's work and as a social activist. This calligraphy weekend workshop includes a fundraising demonstration in the zendo, that everybody is welcome to attend on June 7 at 7:30 pm. Art works made during this demonstration will be offered for sale to those present, the proceeds of which Kaz will give as a donation to Zen River .

The workshop begins on Friday evening with supper at 6:00 pm, followed by an introduction in calligraphy and a first session of actual practice. The schedule on Saturday and Sunday will include zazen, services and a short work period. On Saturday night Kaz will give a fundraising demonstration in the zendo, that everybody is welcome to attend on June 7 at 7:30 pm. Art works made during this demonstration will be offered for sale to those present, the proceeds of which Kaz will give as a donation to Zen River. For anyone still wishing to attend the full workshop, June 6 - 8, there are just 2 places open! On Monday morning June 9, he will give a presentation of his peace-work in Nanking, China.

Visit the Brush Mind Gallery website to view pictures of his work. Everyone is welcome to attend the fundraising demonstration, and space for the workshop is limited.

With a human-size brush, Kaz creates the world's largest one-stroke paintings. He has had solo exhibitions and done painting performances in art galleries, museums, and universities internationally. Trained in Japan as a painter and calligrapher, Kaz has been active in the United States since 1977. He is a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science and is listed in Who's Who In America.

As most of you probably know, Kaz, as well as being renowned for his brushwork, also happens to be a celebrated translator of the works of Dogen Zenji. It turns out that he is happy to share his insights on Dogen Zenji with us on Friday before the workshop starts. The idea is that he will explain the various standard expressions Dogen Zenji uses in the light of the etymological background of the Kanji (Chinese/Japanese characters). This may help us in developing a better understanding of these expressions.

The schedule for this 'Dogen Day' on Friday 6 June will consist of two lectures, one in the late morning and the other one in the afternoon. You are welcome to arrive Thursday night. It is also fine to just come for the day! Contribution by donation.

Summer Ango June 27 - July 26

&

Simonszand Outdoor Retreat, Thursday July 17. 9:30 am - 10:30 pm

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Ingrid Shugetsu Appels will be shuso for the Summer Ango

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We are happy to announce that Ingrid Shugetsu Appels has been appointed Shuso for the July Summer Ango. This month-long is quite intensive as it consists of four consecutive sesshins, including the Outdoor Retreat on Simonszand. The Ango will have a slightly different format than the previous Lay-Ango's, as Ingrid is an ordained monk. Junyu Kuroda Roshi, known to all as Hojo-san, gave her Shukke Tokudo at Kirigaya-ji in 2003. She has been his close student and companion for years, and is also very much connected with Tenkei Roshi and Zen River. All parties are in happy agreement that Ingrid serves her term as Shuso here this summer. Ango Entering Ceremony will be held on Friday June 27 at 8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and support the new Shuso!

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Outdoor Retreat on Simonszand.

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During the Ango, there will be the popular one day retreat on Simonszand, an isolated sandbank in the Waddensea, a few miles off the coast. The boat leaves Noordpolderzijl, (or from Lauwersoog if dredging the Noordpolderzijl canal to the harbor is not yet completed) at around 9:30 am and returns in the evening by 10:30 pm. Non-Ango participants are also welcome to join this wonderful event. Please contact the office for more information. When you come, be on time, as the boat cannot wait! Bring a towel, water bottle, some wading sandels to walk through shallow water, sunscreen and weather-proof clothing as it can be windy! Lunch and supper are provided.

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On the last day of Ango, there will be a beautifully choreographed public ceremony called Shuso Hossen, which reveals and tests the Shuso's understanding with a Dharma talk and Dharma combat. After this rite of passage, they may graduate to become a senior monk. Everyone is welcome to attend! A festive barbeque will conclude this exceptional time. Hojosan will also join the last day for the ceremony. Welcome!

Participation is open for week one, two, three and four or the full month. Arrival time weeks one two and three is Friday evening by 8:00 pm. Departure time is Thursday morning after breakfast. The final week is a seven day sesshin and begins Saturday evening July 19 at 6:00pm with supper and ends after the ceremony on July 26th. Please see the Questions page for contributions.

Summer Ango Dates:

Friday June 27 - Saturday July 26

Friday June 27 - Thursday July 3--------Part one
Friday July 4 - Thursday 10 -------------Part two
Friday July 11 - Thursday 17------------Part three

Thursday July 17 - Outdoor Retreat Simonszand
Saturday July 19 - Saturday 26---------Part four

Saturday July 26, 11:30 am ----Shuso Hossen Ceremony

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Samu at Work

June 25 & July 6, 2008

Simon and Helma's vegetable patch in the back of the garden is flourishing.

Peter, with Jorge assisting, is making a drum from an old wine vat

Mike varnishing the drum

With the fairweather, lots of outdoor jobs can be taken care of. The parking lot is a big undertaking.

The windows of the Inryo have been in dire need of repair for some time now. On this particular day, everyone was free to help!

Some will need to be replaced entirely, like this one on the west side, while others need lots of filler and painting.

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June 6 - 8

"Calligraphy in Color"

June 7, 7:30 pm Calligraphy demonstration & benefit

+ June 6, Dogen Day

Calligraphy workshop with Kaz Tanahashi

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Kaz during the calligraphy benefit. Work was auctioned or requested. All proceeds raised will go towards the new zendo!

The fundraising auction raised much enthusiasm!

Towards the end of the workshop, everyone had a chance to use large brushstrokes on large paper.

Later, everyone presented a favorite piece of their own work.

Dogen Study Day: Kaz went through excerpts of Dogens texts and the translations from the original characters.

Kaz left after service on a Wednesday.

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Party for Myoho Sensei

At the end of the British Week there was a small party for members and residents to come together and celebrate the shiho for Tammy.

The sangha gave a lovely new camera as a celebration gift - the results of which will show on the website in the future!

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New camera, new pictures...

Poppy in the garden

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Visit Salt Lake City

Shiho May 11

Genpo Roshi, his wife Stephanie & Tammy Myoho Sensei with Tenkei Roshi and family.

Her three brothers, Marek and his son Lukas (left) Cyrus (right) Stef, (not shown) and Stephan, Tenkei Roshi's brother

(second from left) flew over for the occassion.

Signing the shiho documents May 9th

On the evening of May 10, Tammy Myoho Gabrysch Sensei received shiho from Genpo Merzel Roshi. Following the shuso hossen ceremony for Christian and Marcella Wolkahof, Roshi did a short re-enactment of the previous evenings private ceremony. (Picture by Stephanie Merzel)

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The public ceremony for Dene (receiving colored Okesa). Liz helped to put on the new Okesa.

Receiving the staff

Genpo Roshi & Myoho Sensei. (Picture by Stephanie Merzel)

A few get-togethers later...

Hank, Jishin, Mugaku Sensei and Anjo at Mary Ellens.

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High Visit Peacocks

May 11

During the exact time of the shiho ceremony for Tammy in Salt Lake City, four peacocks made a suprise visit to Zen River and circumambulated the garden before leaving.

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Spring / Summer 2008 Newsletter

The Zen River Newsletter is now out. Please click here for the online Adobe PDF version.

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Broadcast Documentary on Maezumi Roshi

"Je Leven Waarderen" (Appreciate Your Life)

We are happy to announce that a new documentary on Maezumi Roshi was broadcast on Dutch TV this Sunday. The documentary was made by the same two film makers, Jaap Verhoeven and Jurgen Gude, who filmed Zen River in 2005 and Genpo Roshi's Big Mind Retreat on Ameland in 2004. The programme can be viewed online at www.Buddhistmedia.com under TV Archives, May 18 or 24, 2008 or click here

Big Mind Workshops with Genpo Roshi

Europe, Summer 2008

May 24 & 25 Amsterdam, Netherlands
May 29 Lisbon, Portugal
May 30 & 31 Barcelona, Spain
June 8 Berlin, Germany
June 9 Hamburg, German
June 10 Dusseldorf, Germany
June 11 Frankfurt, Germany
June 12 Paris, France
June 14 & 15 Amsterdam Netherlands
For more information, please visit www.genpo.org

Jukai Ceremony April 30

Nynke Saisho Sopers and Paul Taian Davis received Jukai from Tenkei Roshi at the end of the Sakura Sping sesshin. Congratulations! (photo by Erwin Bauer)

Ryokan Poetry Workshop

Eido Carney Roshi led the Poetry workshop this April. The workshop was well attended and enthusiastic.

Particpants learned to combine haiku and art together.

At the end of the workshop, evenyone displayed a selection of the their work.

A handmade Rakusu was a thank you gift from the Sangha to Eido Roshi.

Visit Madrid, April 10 - 16, 2008

Zen River Madrid zendo, Eye Opening ceremony

Zendo and Eye Opening Ceremony for all the Buddha statues. Friday evening.

At the Estudio Corraza, school for actors, in Madrid, Saturday afternoon

Conference in Madrid Saturday evening

Zazenkai on Sunday

Being tourists in Seville, Monday.

Dharma Talk at the new Zen River Madrid Zendo, Tuesday.

Group photo after Dharma Talk

Final bye bye party

Buddhas Birthday Weekend Sesshin

The group after sesshin, including guests who came for the Jukai ceremony

Tine Chikyo Proper received Jukai at the end of Buddhas Birthday weekend seshin. Congratulations!

Ryokan Poetry Workshop

"Cherry Blossoms"

with Eido Carney Roshi

& Sakura Jukai Sesshin

Spring arrives with "Cherry Blossoms", the theme of the Poetry & Calligraphy workshop with Eido Carney Roshi from Olympia Zen Center in Washington, U.S.A. This year's workshop will include Haibun, a traditional combination of prose and haiku. Going by last year's experience, participants may be surprised to find themselves going home with their own collection of inspired art work!

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The Ryokan workshop will start on Friday April 25 at 6:00 pm with supper and ends on Sunday April 27 at 4:00 pm. The weekend includes zazen early morning on Saturday and Sunday.

The sesshin then continues from Sunday evening April 27 and ends Thursday May 1. There are several ways in which one can join:

Participants may choose to

1. Attend the whole period April 25 - May 1 for both the workshop & sesshin

2. Attend the Ryokan poetry workshop April 25 - 27

3. Attend sesshin April 27 - May 1

Contact the office for more information.

 

Open House

Service during the Open House on March 30. Sushi rolls, quesadilla and plentiful muffins were part of the snacks offered!

Open House

March 30, 14:00 - 20:00

The Annual Open House will open on Sunday March 30 at 14:00 - 20:00 hrs. People from the local community are invited to join and take a tour of Zen River. Complimentary coffee and tea will be served. There will be a short public service at 15:00 and 19:00 hrs that everyone is welcome to attend.

 

Hornbeam Tree & Lanterns

After the chestnut tree was brought down, two lamposts were installed and a young Hornbeam was planted thanks to generous donations of sangha members.

It already looks like it has always been like this!

Ceilings completed

March 29: The new look reception with freshly painted walls and newly laquered floor.

Thanks to the November fund-raiser and the work of many hands, the renovation of the old ceilings in the office building and the zendo hallway has now been completed. It is very visibly a great improvement! As an added bonus, the reception was completely revamped. The ceilings in the Inryo will be taken care of over the summer. Many thanks to all those who contributed.

March 29: The new ceiling outside the zendo.

Plasterwork on the Ceilings

March 29: The new look reception with freshly painted walls and newly laquered floor.

March 12: The ceilings after plastering work in the reception.

March 29: The new ceiling outside the zendo.

Martin, who plastered the ceilings, was assisted by Peter in much of the prep work and more.

Farewell Thee Well, Old Tree

Sadly, the chestnut tree in front of the building was taken down on March 4th.by professionals with a permit.

The tree had been sick for a long time, and was now starting to die.

On a more positive note, there will be more sunlight entering the garden in the front of Zen River.

The main tree trunk shows the pattern of decay.

Shiho Ceremony in Salt Lake City

Buddha had his birthday and spring is in the air! With it comes the happy occasion of Tammy's receiving Shiho from Genpo Roshi in Salt Lake City. It is scheduled to take place on May 10 at the end of Summer Ango that, interestingly enough, will have our friends Christian and Marcella from Duesseldorf as Shuso. Tammy will participate in the programme at Kanzeon Zen Center for three weeks and Tenkei Roshi will join her for the last week leading up to the transmission ceremony. Peter and Anjo fly over for the occasion too, as will several family members. It is going to be a real celebration. Tammy has been studying with Genpo Roshi for some twenty years now, and most of that time has lived with him in a residential setting. Shiho is a confirmation of training that has been accomplished but also the beginning of a new life with fresh perspectives. At Zen River a party is in the making for her return as Sensei.

Google Calendar

New! The calendar of Zen River programme has been rendered to a Google calendar. It is now posted at the top of the programme page & in the FAQ poge.

Ceremony for Simon Senko de Boer

Martijn as Benji chants the poem

Dharma talk revealing the understanding of the head monk.

& Dharma Combat

After the ceremony, Simon was offered a congratulatory gift from the sangha. Given by Robert.

More pictures fo the occasion can be seen on Pascals website

Graphic Mail

As you know, we are trying out a new service for sending the Zen River monthly update using Graphicmail. Please be sure to include zenriver@zenriver.nl on your green list so it can find its way safely into your inbox! The option to forward, subscribe or unsubscribe is at the bottom of each email update. Or you can access your preferences via the Zen River FAQ page and click on the menu.

Jukai Ceremony

Ingrid Ranka (Orchid Blossom) de Hullu, Thea Jikai (Mercy Ocean) and Hans Hozan (Dharma Mountain) Agelink

received jukai at the end of the Ango Closing sesshin. Congratulations!

Eye Opening Ceremony for new Kanzeon statue

Koichi Isoda-san sent a suprise gift following the last newsletter. The image on the front cover had reminded him of this beautiful statue!

Tenkei Roshi officiated an Eye-Opening Ceremony for her during the Weekend Sesshin. (February 08)

Sangha members who wish to have an Eye-opening ceremony performed on their statue for their home altar can bring it when they visit Zen River.

Contact the office for details. During sesshin, the statue will then sit on the altar the rest of the week as if to charge its batteries!

Fundraising Update

Thanks to the success of the 2007 fall fundraiser, work is now underway to replace the ceilings and a few old walls with new material and install central heating in the Reception cottage. Many thanks to all those who contributed to and donated their time during this last weekend sesshin!

February 26: The small chimney hole on the left provided some mysterious notes on yellow post-its.

Each with the one word "goud" handwritten on it

Wednesday feb 20: Robert & Manuel clean up

Sesshin Samu!

Pascal van der Knokke helps with installing the central heating in the Reception cottage

Peter den Hollander and Pascal search for nuts and bolts...

Martin van de Kruk & Pepijn Meerloo work on new panels for old walls in the old wing.

Dharma Talk by Genshin Sensei

Saturday January 26 7:30 pm

Tammy's mother Genshin Gabrysch, joined the Great Sangha Gathering on Ameland, and stayed some days before and after at Zen River. She was invited to give a dharma talk on Saturday January 26. Genshins Sensei runs a small home temple in England and leads a Day of Zen bi-monthly. She also will lead a retreat in the fall in Beeley, UK.

Great Sangha Gathering, 2008

For more pictures, please visit the website of Martijn Mulder

which also includes links to other photographers

Zendo

Preparations for 250 people for 10 days!

Where to start?

The zendo set up

Dining room

Liz in the kitchen

Big Mind session

Jukai ceremony

Panel discussions in the evening

Big Mind session

Teachers meeting

25 anniversary party

Celebration Cake

 

Great Sangha Gathering, Ameland 2008

Genpo Merzel Roshi

For those interested in the Great Sangha Gathering on Ameland this coming January, the venue is filling up fast! Please book soon to reserve your place.

To register click here, or visit www.3treasures.org: click on Products, choose Events from the drop-down menu and select Great Maha Sangha Gathering.

For help with directions, train times etc please see this page

For other information, including directions, click here to download the new .pdf flyer. The flyer opens with Adobe Acrobat 7 and higher. To upgrade to the latest version, please visit adobe.com

Winter Ango December 1, 2007- March 1, 2008

Winter Closing Sesshin February 23 - March 1

Shuso Hossen, Saturday March 1, 16:00hrs

During this Winter Ango Simon Senko de Boer has been appointed Shuso.  Full time as well as part time participation is possible. Special events are Rohatsu, the New Year's sesshin, Ocean of Buddhism seminar, a Weekend sesshin and the Winter Closing sesshin. Shuso Hossen (concluding ceremony during which the Shuso gives a talk and challenges participants in dharma-combat) is scheduled on Saturday March  1 at 16:00 hrs Everybody welcome!  Rohatsu is often considered the most significant sesshin of the year, as it celebrates Buddha's enlightenment on December 8. On that day Buddhist practitioners from all over the world sit in meditation to commemorate this event. It is an interesting feature of Zen River's schedule that we start Ango with this sesshin.