The winter intensive provides continuous practice that everyone is welcome to join for an evening or a day, a weekend, a week, a month or longer. It includes sesshins and practice weekends. The emphasis is on the regular daily programme with a communal schedule starting each Thursdays and Fridays are free days, allowing time for everyone to follow their own individual schedule of zazen, study and relaxation
Jan 2003
February 14 -16
Weekend Sesshin, de Tiltenberg
This weekend sesshin begins 20:00 on Friday February 14 and concludes 18:30 on Sunday February 16 .
Sadly, De Tiltenberg is closing it's doors in spring, so this will be the last sesshin with Tenkei Sensei at this location. If you would like to join, please contact the Tiltenberg directly
February 2003
In Memoriam
Bruce Kosho Waldrop
7/29/48 ~ 2/23/03
We are very sad to let you know that our dear old friend Bruce Kosho Waldrop suddenly passed away from a heart attack on February 23. He was hiking with friends in the mountains of Salt Lake City. Bruce was an ordained monk and long-time resident of Kanzeon Zen Center Utah. The last few years he headed the Jade Thread Stitchery at the Center and provided many members with zafu's, zabutons, kimono's, robes etc. Known for his warm compassionate personality his presence will be missed by many. The photo shows him on one of the desert retreats in Southern Utah.
Big Mind Retreat with Genpo Roshi
Update
On account of illness, Genpo Roshi will sadly be unable to lead the Big Mind Retreat at the Tiltenberg April 6 -13. The retreat will, nevertheless, take place and be led by senior students of Genpo Roshi. For the most recent information on the retreat, please contact Kanzeon Sangha or call +31 (0)53-4313077
March 03
Open House
March 22, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
It has been an inspiring three months since Zen River moved to Uithuizen. Thanks to so many of you the center is now fully functioning. The residential training programme has taken off to a happy start and sesshins and practice weekends have been well attended. Some have also begun to join the regular schedule for a day, a week, or longer. In the meantime the building itself has gone through a complete transformation. Rooms have been cleaned and some of them painted, lights have been fixed, furniture refinished, leaves raked, fruit trees pruned and gutters cleared; the zendo has new shades, the kitchen has been greatly improved, and last week many hands gave the garden another good clean-up.
After the November inauguration, which was an intimate celebration for members and friends, we are now ready to open our doors to the broader public. We will have an Open House party on March 22, in particular to welcome people from the local area and members of other Buddhist groups in the country. You are all invited to come and mingle with the new faces. In fact, we would love to have some help hosting the Open House party. The plan is to start with a short service at 2:00 PM; during the rest of the afternoon, guests can look around the center and learn about our training programme. As usual, snacks will be served freely. If you are interested in joining us for this occasion, please call or write the office.
For Directions, click here
March 2003
Easter Practice Weekend
April 18 - 21 2003
The atmosphere of the weekend is sociable and informal, yet includes zazen, services, traditional oryoki meals and samu. Whatever can be practiced is practiced, even talking. To that purpose participants receive a copy of a classic Buddhist text that is the subject of a dharma talk. Before the talk starts everyone is given a chance to learn to express his or her understanding of the text. The Practice Weekend starts Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and ends Monday at 6:00 p.m. Those travelling from afar are welcome to arrive Friday and stay overnight. Suitable for newcomers
April 2003
Path of the Bodhisattva
Dharma Talk, Den Haag, May 21
A Dharma Talk will be given by Tenkei Coppens Roshi on Wednesday 21 May, 20:00 - 22:00 in Kanzeon Zen Centrum Den Haag, at Frankenslag 342, 2582 JB Den Haag. Please contact Kees van de Bunt for more information Tel. (070) 3504601 
May 2003
Sesshin May
Sensei gives a Dharma talk in the cottage at the end of sesshin in May and study class on Sunday after a minor operation (with L.C. the cat on his knee!)
May 7 03
Summer Intensive June 6 - August 31, 2003
Outdoor zazen in the back garden, Sesshin July 9
The summer intensive provides continuous practice that everyone is welcome to join at anytime, for shorter or longer periods. The programme includes sesshins and practice weekends, but for some the regular daily schedule is just as attractive. When the weather allows, zazen is held outdoors. Click here to see the intensive schedule The summer intensive provides continuous practice that everyone is welcome to join at anytime, for shorter or longer periods. The programme includes sesshins and practice weekends, but for some the regular daily schedule is just as attractive. When the weather allows, zazen is held outdoors. Click here to see the intensive schedule
June 2003
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June 6 -13, 2003
7 day Sesshin, Uithuizen
This 7 day sesshin will open the Summer Training period. As usual, there will be zazen, dharma talks, regular daisan, services, oryoki meals and an opportunity to train zendo positions. When the weather is willing, there will also be zazen outside in the back garden! Sesshin begins Friday at 6:00pm and ends Friday at around 2:30pm. Arrival time on Friday is between 3:00 - 5:30pm. Click here to view a few pictures from inside the building
June 2003
Summer monthlong sesshin July 4 - 30
Zen River's first summer month-long sesshin will be held July 4 - 30. Zazen will be outdoors whenever the weather allows it. The sesshin is divided into 4 parts, and participation is welcome from one week up to one month. Each week begins Friday evening at 18:00, starting July 4 (Arrival time, between 1400 - 16:00) and ends Wednesday evening at 21:15. For those wishing to stay for just one part, please schedule your departure for Thursday morning after a continental style breakfast, or stay over until Friday morning to enjoy the area and relax with the sangha. Accommodation is in double rooms each with its own washbasin, and bedding is provided. The last week will be open for members and practitioners to bring their partner and/or children. Click here to see the sesshin schedule
July 2003
Visit of Chodje Lama Gawan Rinpoche
June 7
On June 7, we were very happy to welcome Lama Gawang from the Tibetan Center, Karma Deleg Cho Phel Ling, in Hantum, Friesland. He came for an informal visit to Zen River along with a group of his sangha members. After making bows and offerings at the zendo altar, Lama Gawang gave dharma words over a cup of tea in the dining room, emphasising the need for harmony between different religions.
June 8, 2003
Summer Retreat, July 4 - 30
Zen River will hold its first summer month-long retreat July 4 - 30. The schedule will include outdoor zazen, regular daisan and dharma talks, with a Heart of Zen meeting on Monday night and a study class on Sunday morning. The retreat is divided into 4 parts, and participation is welcome from one week up to one month. Each week will begin Friday evening, starting July 4 and end on Wednesday evening at 9:15pm. (Please schedule to leave the next morning after breakfast!)
Thursday and Friday will give time to relax and enjoy the location and give new arrivals time to settle in. Accommodation is in double rooms each with its own washbasin and bedding is provided. The last week will be open for members and practitioners to bring their families and partners. N.B. For those wishing to stay for just one part, please schedule your departure for Thursday morning after a continental style breakfast, or stay over until Friday to enjoy the area.
July 2003
Family Week, July 25 - 30, 2003
Practitioners who would like to join the summer programme accompanied by their families are particularly invited to attend the last week of the summer monthlong. (Was previously scheduled the first week of August). Special events for children will be scheduled during this time.
Baby Chicks at Zen River!
July 2003
Four new baby chicks joined the Zen River sangha the second week of July. Here they are on August 12, 2003.
August Practice Weekend and Prep-week
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Getting ready for the shisanshiki!
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A Summer Closing Practice Weekend is now scheduled August 30-31 followed by a Shinsanshiki prep-week, During this week the daily schedule will continue with regular zazen, dharma talks and daisan, but the focus will be on getting things ready for the Ceremony. For those wishing to attend the prep week, there is a special reduced contribution.
A Summer Closing Practice Weekend is now scheduled August 30-31 followed by a Shinsanshiki prep-week, During this week the daily schedule will continue with regular zazen, dharma talks and daisan, but the focus will be on getting things ready for the Ceremony. For those wishing to attend the prep week, there is a special reduced contribution.
August 25, 2003
Saturday, September 6, 2003
Shinsanshiki (lit. Ascending the Mountain) is scheduled for September 6, 2003. During this ceremony Tenkei Coppens Roshi will officially be installed as abbot of Zen River. At the request of Genpo Merzel Roshi, Junyu Kuroda Roshi (Hojo-san) will officiate the ceremony. Other guests from Japan include Rev. Koichi Isoda and his daughters Madoka & Yuriko, who joined us for a City Sesshin in Den Haag last fall, Rev. Gigen Ono. Also coming are Rev. Kanzen (from Szczecin, Poland) and Rev. Kono Shobo, both of whom are Hojo-san's successors. The Shinsan-shiki will be followed by a reception with live music from contributing friends and members! For those coming click here for directions
August 2003
Shinsanshiki
Saturday, September 6, 2003
Waiting to enter the temple
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Group photo taken after the ceremony.
Shinsanshiki (lit. Ascending the Mountain) took place on a drizzly afternoon on September 6, 2003. During the ceremony Tenkei Coppens Roshi was officially installed as abbot of Zen River. At the request of Genpo Merzel Roshi, Junyu Kuroda Roshi (Hojo-san) officiated the ceremony. We were very fortunate that Rev. Koichi Isoda, and his daughters Madoka & Yuriko, and Rev. Gigen Ono, all from Japan, came early to help us in co-ordinating and rehearsing the ceremony!
The ceremony was followed by an out-door reception, along with vegetarian food grilled on the barbecue. The afternoon was accompanied by wonderful live music on the piano, violin and shamisen from contributing friends and members. The evening ended with a session of Karaoke!
Accompanying Hojo-san were Rev. Kanzen (from Szczecin, Poland) Rev. Kono Shobo, both of whom are Hojo-san's successors and Rev. Uchiyama
Fall Training
September 1 - December 11, 2003
The fall training provides continuous practice that everyone is welcome to join at anytime, for shorter or longer periods. The programme includes sesshin and practice weekends, but for some the regular daily schedule is just as attractive. In November Tenkei Sensei will be in Japan for one month to attend a Tokubetsu sesshin. The regular schedule of zazen and samu will quietly continue during this time. Anyone who enjoys to sit Shikantaza may find this a nice time to practice. Click here to see the training schedule
September 2003
More Baby Chicks at Zen River!
September 2003
And now, another hen hatched 11 baby chicks on September 7!
(Sadly, the family of hens suffered at the hands of a predator the second week of October)
September 2003
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September 21-22, 2003
Nederlandstalig Zenweekend
Practice Weekend in Dutch
Dharma toespraken zullen tijdens dit weekend in het Nederlands gegeven worden. Daisan (individueel onderhoud) met Tenkei Sensei kan natuurlijk altijd zowel in het Engels als in het Nederlands. Het programmema volgt het gebruikelijke Practice Weekend schema; het start op zaterdagochtend om 10:00 uur en eindigt op zondag om 18:00 uur. Voor meer informatie en registratie kunt u contact opnemen met het kantoor van Zen River.Dharma talks during this weekend will be spoken in Dutch. Daisan (private interview) with Tenkei Sensei can of course always be in either Dutch or English. The programme follows the usual Practice Weekend schedule, starting Saturday morning at 10:00 am, ending Sunday at 6:00 pm. Please contact Zen River for more information and registration.
.Zazenkai October 3, 2003
Tenkei Sensei will lead a zazenkai at the Zen Zentrum Düsseldorf, Bastionstraße 31, Hofgebäude, Düsseldorf, Germany, on October 3. Begins 10:00 - 17:00. Please bring a pack lunch.For more information contact Kanzeon Sangha Germany, Christian & Marcela Wolkahof Tel. +49 (0)211-627777
7 Day Sesshin
October 17 - 24, 2003
This week-long sesshin begins Friday October 17 at 6:00 pm and ends Friday October 24 at around 2:30 pm. Participants are welcomed on Friday the 17th between 3:00 - 5:30 pm, but those who come from afar may also arrive Thursday evening and depart Saturday morning. Sesshin includes zazen, dharma talks, regular daisan, services, oryoki meals and opportunities to train zendo positions
October 2003
Zazenkai October 3, 2003
Tenkei Sensei will lead a zazenkai at the Zen Zentrum Düsseldorf, Bastionstraße 31, Hofgebäude, Düsseldorf, Germany, on October 3. Begins 10:00 - 17:00. Please bring a pack lunch.For more information contact Kanzeon Sangha Germany, Christian & Marcela Wolkahof Tel. +49 (0)211-627777
November & December schedule change
Sesshin Beeley UK, November 8 - 13
Practice Weekend, November 22 -23
Rohatsu reschedule:December 12 - 17
Tenkei Sensei has been invited to attend a month-long Tokubetsu sesshin in Japan November 8 to December 9. These sesshins are occasionally organized by Soto Head Quarters to qualify Western Zen teachers for the position of Dendokyoshi (official representative of the Soto School working outside Japan). Genpo Roshi has participated in such sesshins a long time ago, and it is a rare chance for Sensei to do the same. One of the consequences is that Zen River will be positioned more clearly within the Japanese Soto tradition and that people ordained by Sensei can be officially registered. Unfortunately the dates of the Tokubetsu sesshin were only announced early July and clash with some of the events that were scheduled already. This means for example that the sesshin in Beeley, England (Nov. 8-13) the Practice Weekend at Zen River (Nov. 22-23) will have to be cancelled. As Sensei returns to Holland December 10, the Rohatsu has also been put forward one week to December 12 - 17. We really apologize for the inconvenience and hope you understand the situation. The regular daily schedule of morning and evening zazen at Zen River will quietly continue throughout November. Tenkei Sensei will be leading a sesshin at Zen River October 17 - 24Right now there is a surprisingly quick and inexpensive way to travel from the UK to Zen River. Ryan Air flies directly from London Stanstead to Groningen Eelde, which is only a short bus-and-train trip (less than one hour) from Uithuizen!
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November 8 - 13, 2003
Sesshin Beeley UK
Tenkei Sensei has been invited to attend a month-long Tokubetsu sesshin in Japan this November. These sesshins are occasionally organized by Soto Head Quarters to qualify Western Zen teachers for the position of Dendokyoshi (official representative of the Soto School working outside Japan). Genpo Roshi has participated in such sesshins a long time ago, and it is a rare chance for Sensei to do the same. One of the consequences is that Zen River will be positioned more clearly within the Japanese Soto tradition and that people ordained by Sensei can be officially registered. Unfortunately the dates of the Tokubetsu sesshin were only announced early July and clash with some of the events that were scheduled already. This means for example that the sesshin in Beeley, England (Nov. 8-13) and the Practice Weekend at Zen River (Nov. 22-23) will have to be cancelled. We really apologize for the inconvenience and hope you understand the situation. The regular daily schedule of morning and evening zazen at Zen River will quietly continue throughout November. Tenkei Sensei will be leading a sesshin at Zen River October 17 - 24 and of course Rohatsu (scheduled December 12 - 17). Right now there is a surprisingly quick and inexpensive way to travel from the UK to Zen River. Ryan Air flies directly from London Stanstead to Groningen Eelde, which is only a short bus-and-train trip (less than one hour) from Uithuizen!
For more information, contact Zen River UK: Steve Hallet or call Bob Bowles Tel. + 44 (0) 114-2582729
News from the Tokubetsu sesshin.
Tenkei Sensei is now halfway through the tokubetsu sesshin in Zuioji Temple, so it seemed a nice time to tell a little about what he is doing. The below information is a short summary of what I have understood from the few phone conversations I have had with him since he arrived. In gassho, TammyThis relatively small training center (Sodo) is located in Niihama-shi, not far from Osaka. The temple is located on a steep mountain slope overlooking the sea. In the temple courtyard, there is a large zen-stone garden made from black volcanic gravel and stone, native to the area.There are six zen teachers from the West attending the tokubetsu sesshin, three from the USA and two from France and one from Holland. In the mornings and evening they train along-side the thirty or so monks living at Zuioji. Each day, wake-up is at 3:40, and begins with 40 minutes of zazen, followed by service, formal oryoki (usually breakfast) in the zendo, and samu. The six then listen to lectures given by Harada Seikei Roshi, Shohaku Okamura Sensei and the abbot of Zuioji in their living-quarters, and occasionally have an opportunity to learn some positions in the Dharma Hall. Late afternoon there is bathtime, supper and zazen for one hour and ten minutes. Evening zazen also includes dokusan and 40 minutes of slowly chanting one of Dogen Zenji's text during the zazen, before retiring for bed around 9:00 pm.One thing that Tenkei Sensei has conveyed over the telephone that this is the closest they could ever get to experiencing Sodo training. He has been very impressed how the monks there work together as a team, with little talking and a lot of heart. If something goes wrong, everyone pitches in to help to quietly take care of the matter with no big fuss. And unlike most of the big training temples, the trainees must also sew their own Okesa, in the same traditional style that monks within Kanzeon sangha sew before ordination, except that they use earth or grey-toned fabrics rather than black. He says he has lots to tell upon his return on December 10!
November 2003
Rohatsu
Sesshin, December 12 - 17
Rohatsu begins with Ango Entering ceremony. Sesshin then commences as usual with zazen, dharma talks, regular daisan, services, oryoki meals and opportunities to train zendo positions.
Participants are welcomed on Friday the 12th between 3:00 - 5:30 pm, but those who come from afar may also arrive Thursday evening, December 11th. Rohatsu ends Wednesday December 17th at 9:15 pm. All participants are requested to schedule their departure for Thursday, December 18th after an 8:00 am breakfast
November 2003
Winter Ango
December 12 - March 13, 2004
Ango is the 90 day training period dating back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. Traditionally held during the rainy season, training monks assembled in the monasteries to practice intensively and take shelter from the constant rain. In this way they were able to avoid hurting the myriads of insects that lived during this time! Ango literally means to 'Dwell in Harmony'During Ango, participants may join for either all or a part of the intensive practice period by first showing respect and commitment to the temple and its training, offering incense and making bows in the Zendo. This is called Ango Entering CeremonyAngo also gives the opportunity for one of the monks/trainees to be shuso (head monk/trainee) Their practice is to then remain on the temple grounds, oversee the atmosphere of the training and hold services three times a day, seven days a week. During this time, the Shuso must train with more than just ordinary diligence. On the last day of Ango, there is a beautifully choreographed public ceremony called Shuso Hossen, which reveals and tests the Susho's understanding with a Dharma talk and Dharma combat. After this rite of passage, they may graduate to become a senior monk. Zen Rivers first official Ango opens with Rohatsu with Liz Seiki Fox as Shuso. The Ango Entering Ceremony, which is open to all those who wish to practice during these 90 days, took place on Friday December 12, 2003. On March 13, the last day of the Winter Closing sesshin and of the Ango, there will be Shuso Hossen. Everyone is welcome to attend!
New Years Sesshin
December 26 '03 - January 1, '04
New years sesshin will begin 6:00 pm on Friday December 26th and include an informal celebration on New Years Eve to welcome the year 2004. On New Year's day there will be a late morning schedule and sesshin will conclude with lunch at 13:00 hrs. As this sesshin is held during the Ango, everyone (except those who already have done one) is requested to participate in an Ango Entering Ceremony the first evening of sesshin.
Visit of Genpo Roshi
January 17 2004
At Zen River the start of the New Year is marked by several important visits. Genpo Roshi, who will be in Ameland for a two week retreat, has scheduled to come over in the early evening of Saturday, January 17th, to give his blessing.
January 2004
New Years Sesshin
December 26 - January 1, 2004
New years sesshin will begin 6:00 pm on Friday December 26th and include an informal celebration on New Years Eve to welcome the year 2004. On New Year's day there will be a late morning schedule and sesshin will conclude with lunch at 13:00 hrs. As this sesshin is held during the Ango, everyone (except those who already have done one) is requested to participate in an Ango Entering Ceremony the first evening of sesshin.
November schedule
Tenkei Sensei has been invited to attend a month-long Tokubetsu sesshin in Japan November 8 to December 9. These sesshins are occasionally organized by Soto Head Quarters to qualify Western Zen teachers for the position of Dendokyoshi (official representative of the Soto School working outside Japan). Genpo Roshi has participated in such sesshins a long time ago, and it is a rare chance for Sensei to do the same. One of the consequences is that Zen River will be positioned more clearly within the Japanese Soto tradition and that people ordained by Sensei can be officially registered. Meanwhile at Zen River, residents and members will still follow the regular daily schedule. The focus of this month will be particularly on making certain improvements on the building and garden, and anyone wishing to join the programme - including Sunday's study group and Monday's Heart of Zen - are most welcome . Introductory meetings on Tuesday and Dharma Talk on Wednesday will recommence on Tenkei Sensei's return
November 2003
Visit of Genpo Roshi
January 17 2004
At Zen River the start of the New Year is marked by several important visits. Genpo Roshi, who will be in Ameland for a two week retreat, has scheduled to come over in the early evening of Saturday, January 17th, to give his blessing.
December 2003
