Wish List

Spring 2009

Scholarship Fund

Zen River would love to be able to provide scholarships for those who have a strong  commitment to both the practice and the centre, but cannot afford to pay for training over a long-term period. If you would be interested in helping support someone through a scholarship, please feel free to contact us. Many residents have already been here for a number of years and could soon use some help. Their work here to maintain Zen River and its day to day upkeep is invaluable.

 

Please remember that all donations and contributions are tax-deductable.

First of all many thanks not only to all of those who have been supporting Zen River financially, but also to all of those who have contributed to the center with a great variety of goods. Zen River is really an assembly of donations; from Buddha and Kanzeon statues to calligraphy scrolls, mokugyo, bells, densho, inkins, han, altar sets, incense boxes, sambo's, oryoki tables, zafu's and zabutons; from artwork to paint, furniture, bedding, curtains and shades; from books, plants and flower bulbs to tools, bikes, bar bells and the Zen River sign. But of course there are still plenty of things great & small that are needed and there have been several requests to publish such a list of items. So, here it is... We will update it as things arise!

 

Wish List

Athough the building is in incredibly good shape, there are some maintenance projects that always need to be taken care of. Some are big, some are small, some are imminent and some will need to be completed within the next two to three years. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Bedroom Chests: Zen River would like to eventually replace the old desks in the bedroom of the new wing with chest of drawers. One that would fit and has enough space has been spotted in Ikea. (Check out Leksvik four drawer chest. Perfect for two persons, and the size just fits the space between the beds and the window)

Bedroom Carpet: Those who come regularly may have noticed that the carpets in the bedrooms are not so pretty anymore... terracotta carpet tiles may work well.

Duvet Covers: To help the housekeepers keep up with the laundry and the ever growing number of guests, we need a second set of duvets for all 24 beds. Professional sets can cost up to 30 euros per bed. More if they are iron-free!

Paint: to undertake the decorating of 12 small bedrooms, the library, kanzeon room and hallways. A 10 litre bucket of paint will cover several small rooms. 

Outdoor Paint: to undertake the maintenance of outdoor woodwork - primer and gloss in the two traditional Groningen colors.

Blinds for in the dining room & kaisando: The sunshine comes in very strongly at certain times of the day and year. In the kaisando it it better to maintain a low light to preserve the statues.

Gardening tools: As a growing amount of garden work continues, any gardening tools, especially for weeding, would be greatly appreciated.

Non-perishable foods: such as white & brown rice, pasta, cooking and salad oil, soy sauce, cans of tomatoes, corn, coconut milk etc. are always welcome.

Non-stick fry pans: For general use. The shelf life is quite short, as they get used intensively.

Electric water kettle: For the tea service. One is old and leaking. (Suggestion: automatic switch off are better for the way they are used)

Books for the library. Subjects on Buddhist related subjects, gardening and cookbooks are welcome. In both English and Dutch. To prevent too many doubles and find out what books are needed for the library, please contact Robert Doin van de Roer in the office, who will be happy to assist you!

Bedding plants: always welcome!

Overalls for gardening work

Wellington boots (more are very welcome! There are now 2 pairs in a large and medium size)

.

.

Realised Wishes

 

Over the years, through the generosity of members, the following wishes have been realised, some big, some small. Here are some of them:

Office chair 2008

Beech Tree 2008

Garlic knife 2008

Camelia flower 2008

Bicycles: 2008, 2007 & 2004.

Printer 2008

Computer screens 2008 & 2006

Computers 2008, 2006 & 2001

Stone Garden 2007 & 2006

Sand: to level the stone pathways and driveway on the property. 2007 - 08

Window repair: Window frame replacements & broken windows need replacing throughout the building. (ongoing!)

Ceilings: Office building May 2008, Inryo September 2008

Connect main heating system to the reception cottage. Completed March 2008

Ipod 2008

Septic Tank The local government may hook the building up to the main sewage system. Completed March 2007

Weeping silver birch tree 2007

The Ko bai yan hut 2007

Tatami Mats 2007

Blinds Hatto / Yoga room 2007

Piano 2006

Kitchen knife 2006

Fridge 2005

Large Le Creuset pan 2005

Duvet & Pillows 2005

Roof Repair: The flat roofs of the kitchen and hallway need repair/replacing, as both are leaking. Repaired 2005.

Blinds in the Zendo and Inryo 2005

Shades outside the zendo windows 2005

Butsudan 2005

Doors: Completed May 2004. Fire permit received.

Heating system: 

Main building: Internal pipes and old radiators need cleaning and repairing. Completed June 2004

New wing: New boiler, on account of its age, and a different system to separate the heating from hot running water.  Completed June 2004

The timer to regulate day and night temperatures needs repair and thermostat valves need replacing. Completed June 2004

Floor Yoga & Kanzeon Room: Thanks to a generous donation, the yoga room has now are nice new laminate floor! (2003) The floor under the carpet in the Kanzeon room turned out to be a nice wooden floor that has now been waxed! (2004)

Art Work: Most of the pieces of beautiful artwork that are in the building have been donated by various members over the years

Bell, Umpan, Mokugyo, Inkins, Densho, Small Drum, Oryoki tables 2000 - 2003 all gifts from sangha members, including the Dusseldorf and Amsterdam Zendos.

Buddha-head Statues 2004

Outdoor stone Buddha statue 2003

Jizo statue 2003

Kanzeon statue 2002

Buddha Statue on main altar 2000