Acknowledgement
Many thanks to all those who helped with the move from Holwierde to Uithuizen! There was a lot to do, and a lot was done in the short space of a few weeks. The building is a work in progress for everyone and looks better each day; the windows are clean, the gutters free of leaves, the garden winter-ready, the kitchen scrubbed and the zendo painted. All rooms are functioning and the programme is running. There is still much to do over time, but heartfelt thanks to all those who helped Zen River get this far!
December 16 2002
Winter Intensive
Group photo after the completion of the first Rohatsu in Uithuizen
The Rohatsu sesshin in December marked the beginning of the first three-month winter intensive at Zen River. Everyone is welcome to join, from one hour to a day, a week, a month or longer! The regular schedule runs from Saturday through Wednesday, with early morning, late afternoon and evening zazen. The Sunday schedule also includes a late morning block of zazen which gives the day the atmosphere of a Zazenkai and makes it extra attractive for weekend participation.
December 8 2002
November 24, 11:00
We are happy to announce the Inauguration Ceremony for our new centre in Uithuizen. The ceremony will be held on Sunday November 24 and will be followed by a buffet lunch. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Zen River moves into the property on Saturday November 16, and after the initial clean up a Fusatsu (atonement ceremony) will be held on Wednesday November 20 at 7:30 pm. A new life begins.
If you are planning to join us,
or wish to stay overnight,
please let us know.
+31 (0)595 435039
For directions, click here
November 2002
Introductory evening, Groningen
October 24, 19:30
Held at the nicest teashop in Groningen, "de Santekraam", at Folkingestraat 12c. Everyone welcome and admission is free.
October 2002
Zen River Training programme
Starting November 29
T he Zen River programme, starting November 29, includes introductory courses, practice weekends, sesshins, study classes, solo-retreats and social outreach activities, but the main emphasis is on continuous daily practice that students of all levels can join for any length of time. Zazen is scheduled Saturday through Wednesday every day, with daisan daily and weekly talks. Click here to see a schedule
I ntensive three-month training periods are scheduled in winter and summer, three-month periods of lighter practice in spring and fall. A detailed calendar of events is now posted on the website programme. The first dates are listed below.
October 2002
Sandokai
The sangha is now practicing chanting the Sandokai during morning service. The Sandokai is the Japanese version of the Identity of Relative and Absolute. To take a look at the text please follow this link!
August 2002
Kanzeon at Zen River
This beautiful wooden Kanzeon statue (height 60 cm) was recently donated to Zen River. She originates from Bali and sat for three years in a shop in Groningen, waiting for a new home. In Holwierde we arranged a special altar for her, which perfectly complements the Buddha altar in the Zendo. Kanzeon is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who is invoked during morning service when we chant the "Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo", requesting her guidance for all beings. Kanzeon Sangha is named after her and Genpo Roshi has already agreed to perform an Eye-opening ceremony whenever his schedule allows it.
June 2002
On May 19 Tenkei Sensei had the honour of receiving the White Plum equivalent of Zuisse during an Acknowledgement Ceremony, along with Genno Pages Sensei and Mui Barragato Sensei. This ceremony, held at the end of the White Plum meeting in Salt Lake City and attended by twelve other successors of our lineage, will allow Tenkei Sensei to officially become abbot of Zen River in Uithuizen. Although the ritual he did in Japan two years ago will be upgraded to Zuisse status, this White Plum acknowledgement serves as an extra empowerment from the Asangha.
February Update 2002
Dear Friends,
We are very happy to give you the latest news on the purchase of the Uithuizen property. On February 8 the board of Zen River officially signed the contract with the current owner! This leap became possible because we cleared two hurdles. The financial arrangement with the bank has come to a fortunate conclusion and the local government has given its approval for Zen River to use the building as a zen centre. Thanks to the support and patience of everyone, this new centre is really going to be established. Only the date of the actual transfer has still to be confirmed. We can definitely move in by November 15 of this year, yet possibly in August. For sure we will plan a traditional Rohatsu sesshin at the beginning of December! We will keep you posted.
In the meantime, our programme is enjoying strong attendance. Sangha members are coming up for the practice weekends and also to participate in the weekday schedule. It seems that Zen River naturally finds its direction as a place for continuous practice. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Zen River office.
Greetings and gassho,
Tenkei Coppens
February 2002
Oryoki at Practice Weekends
We are happy to announce the introduction of oryoki into practice weekends--the traditional style of eating formally in the Zendo. Oryoki sets and, of course, instruction, are provided. If you happen to have your own set of oryoki bowls, then please bring them with you. For more detailed information on oryoki, visit this page.
For new dates for Practice Weekends see the programme.
May 2002
Tenkei Sensei Travel plans. May 2002
Tenkei Sensei will be going to Salt Lake City this month to visit Kanzeon Zen Centre, meet with Genpo Roshi and join the annual White Plum meeting. He and Tammy will depart May 11 and return May 24. Following the trip to the U.S. he will be in the UK for the sesshin in Haworth, June 5-12 . During these times, the weekly schedule and Sunday morning schedule will continue as usual with Zazen and Service.
Practice Weekends in Holwierde
Holwierde
Zen River has now moved to Holwierde, close to the picturesque village of Appingedam, in the North of Holland. The house has room for a small zendo and a separate living area. A regular sitting schedule suited to all levels of practitioners now runs through most weekends. If you are interested in joining, please contact us by phone or Email. Overnight accommodation is available for a limited number of guests.
September 15 2001
Eyes Open!
Junpu Kuroda Roshi officiating the Eye Opening Ceremony of the Buddha Statue September 13 2001, Zen River Dojo, Zoetermeer
The Eye of the Buddha has been opened. This inspiring ceremony led by Hojosan included a special dedication for all those involved in the tragic disaster in America. The ceremony was followed by a moving talk given by Genpo Roshi, who also reflected upon the sad passing of recent events in the U.S.
We would like to thank everyone who made this wonderful evening possible. Both Genpo Roshi and Hojosan appreciated it very much.
September 13 2001
Meeting
October 20th, 19:30hrs
There will be a meeting held at the Wonnebald vrije school, Den Haag, on Otober 20th at 19:30 hrs. This meeting will focus on the ways that the Sangha can help Stichting Zen River purchase the property in Uithuizen, by way of donations and guarantees. Michel Oltheten will be there to explain in detail the different ways you can help and answer any questions. Everyone is welcome! Click here for directions
September 2001
City Sesshin
October 20-21, Den Haag.
This will be the first City Sesshin led by Tenkei Sensei, replacing the previous format of a weekend-workshop. This particular weekend will be very special for Tenkei Sensei as he will be also hosting a great friend and guest from Japan, Rev. Koichi Isoda, whom he and Tammy met during their 6 month stay there last year. Rev Isoda is the Abbot of a small temple in Fujinomiya and would like to become acquainted with Western style Zen! It is a great pleasure to have him join us for this weekend.
September 2001
