The Zen Boat is one of the outreach activities of Zen River Temple. Simon Senko de Boer, Helma Jifu Vulink, Robert Doin van de Roer, and Ingrid Ranka de Hullu – dharma successors of Tenkei Roshi – provide a daily programme of meditation and study classes that also run through the summer months. A weekend City Sesshin (retreat) is held once a month. Situated on a houseboat, the zendo (meditation room) is within walking distance of Groningen train station. Classes are held in an informal setting, and the program is based on Four Elements of Training: 1) Zazen, a form of sitting meditation that makes it possible to experience our deepest being and to gain clarity about our function in this life. 2) Zen Ritual, active forms of group meditation that help us develop a mutual connection with others. 3) Study, research of Buddhist scriptures throughout the ages that support the practice of Zen. 4) Bodhisattva Activity, training in living a life of wisdom and compassion based on well-tested Buddhist guidelines. For more detailed information on the Four Elements, please click here.
The Zen Boat is open to anyone interested in Zen practice. Full instruction is given to all newcomers. Questions related to practice can be asked within the group, or individually by appointment with one of the teachers.
Calendar of Events
| Jan. 23 – Feb. 27, 17:30–19:00 | Wednesday; 6 week introductory course |
| January 26–27 | City Sesshin, led by Senko Sensei |
| March 2–3 | City Sesshin, led by Jifu Sensei |
| April 6–7 | City Sesshin, led by Senko Sensei |
| May 11–12 | City Sesshin, led by Jifu Sensei |
| June 8–9 | City Sesshin, led by Senko Sensei |
| July 6–7 | City Sesshin, led by Jifu Sensei |
Programme
- Monday 7:00-8:00 zazen 19:30-21:00 zazen + daisan
- Tuesday 7:00-8:00 zazen 19:30-21:00 zazen + daisan
- Wednesday 7:00-8:00 zazen; 17:30-19:00 series of introductory classes
- Thursday 7:00-8:00 zazen 19:30-21:00 zazen + study class
- Sunday 9:30-10:30 zazen
- City Sesshins Monthly, Saturday 6:30 – Sunday 17:00 hrs
Introduction: Please call or email to make an appointment for a first meeting before the introductory class.
Language: Classes are held in English and Dutch. Contributions for membership includes all classes and private interviews upon request.
Location: Houseboat ” De Grote Gele Kwik”
Winschoterdiep 1027
Groningen 9724 GT
Contact: Tel. +31-50-7503343, email: zenboat@zenrivertemple.org
Contributions
Contributions can be paid by bank transfer (see below) or in cash upon arrival.
Zen Boat Groningen |
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| Monthly membership | €40 | |
| Weekly membership | €10 | |
| Sunday morning | free | |
| Introductory course (6 classes) | €60 | |
| City sesshin (with accommodation) | €70 | |
| City sesshin (without accommodation) | €50 | |
| City sesshins begin on Saturday 6:30 and end Sunday 17:00 | ||
| Weekly/monthly membership for the Zen Boat includes all zazen, classes & interviews |
Payment Information
Bank Transfer
IBAN: NL33INGB0009233632, Acc. name ‘Zen River’; Reference: ‘Zen Boat’