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 six times per year. 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
| Zazenkai | Saturday September 5, October 3 and 31, December 5 |
| Introductory course | Thursday September 24, October 1, 8 and 15 Thursday November 19 and 26, December 3 and 10 |
Programme
- Monday 7:00-8:00 zazen + morning service; 19:30-21:00 zazen + daisan
- Tuesday 7:00-8:00 zazen + morning service; 19:30-21:00 zazen + daisan
- Wednesday 7:00-8:00 zazen + morning service
- Thursday 7:00-8:00 zazen + morning service; 17:30-18:30 Introduction Hour;
19:30-21:00 zazen + daisan or dharma talk - Saturday 10:30-12:00 various monthly study classes
- Sunday 9:30-10:30 zazen
City Sesshins Every six weeks, Saturday 6:30 – Sunday 17:00 hrs
Introduction: Please call or email to make an appointment for a first meeting at the Introduction Hour on Thursday.
Language: Classes and private interviews are held in English and, if needed, in Dutch.
Contributions
Contributions can be paid by bank transfer (see below) or in cash upon arrival.
| Membership per month (incl. study class & online) | €40 | |
| Eenmalige kennismaking | dana | |
| Sunday morning | dana | |
| Introductory course (4 classes) | €50 | |
| Zazenkai (non-overnight) | €30 | |
| City sesshin (incl. 2 nights) | €90 | |
| City sesshin (non-overnight) | €50 | |
| Online subscription per half year | €50 | |
| Membership includes study classes, personal guidance, and participation in zazen. Contributions and donations are tax-deductible. |
Payment Information
IBAN: NL33INGB0009233632; account name ‘Zen River’; reference: ‘Zen Boat’
Contact
Tel. +31-50-7503343, email: zenboat@zenrivertemple.org
Zen Boat, Winschoterdiep 1027, 9724 GT Groningen
