Archives 2020

During this period of “Intelligent Lockdown” in force in The Netherlands, please feel welcome to participate in our Daily Practice on YouTube. The May Sesshin will also be live-streamed over the internet, and everyone is welcome to register and join from their homes.
In the meantime, please take good care of yourself and your loved ones.

Wintry Night at Zen River

24/12/2020

The most startling example of (something finding its true function) is the roundabout
in front of the main building. As soon as we began doing
daily services there – because of coronavirus regulations –
reciting sutras while standing in a circle around it, the atmosphere
of that whole area shifted and it became sacred
ground. One day, I even had a rather odd, yet inspiring,
fantasy come up when looking at the slight elevation in the
middle. This little hill with the rows of hedges suddenly
gave me the impression of the top of a curly Buddha head
pushing itself up through the surface of the earth. I could
barely resist going over and stroking it.
*-Tenkei Coppens, November 2020*

The Book has Arrived!

18/12/2020

Tenkei Roshis’ new book arrived from the printers on Dec. 18th.

Timeless Calling, Timely Response

by Tenkei Roshi

08/12/2020

We are happy to announce the release of Tenkei Roshi’s new book *Timeless Calling, Timely Response*. This limited hardcover edition is available via the Zen River shop for those living in The Netherlands. Please enquire with the office for delivery outside of The Netherlands.

12/11/2020

The building that Zen River resides in goes back to 1936. Many of those windows are as old as the building itself and are in desperate need of repair. Over the years, Daishin has been diligently repairing those within reach with fibreglass and wood filler, but that can only last for so long. Some of the upstairs windows are too dangerous to open without fear of them falling off their hinges! Any help toward their repair is much appreciated.
The work will replace four or five of the windows and their frames, including replacing the wooden lintels with cement ones.
You can donate via Facebook or bank transfer

IBAN: NL33INGB0009233632;
BIC/SWIFT: INGBNL2A;
Account name: ‘Zen River’
Thank you!

Rohatsu Sesshin Nov 21–28

05/11/2020

Everyone is enjoying the falling leaves and falling light before winter sets in.
In a few weeks, Rohatsu Sesshin will begin. As usual, there are limited places due to COVID secure guidelines, so please register early, or consider attending one of the Gyōji Weeks that take place in-between sesshins. Welcome!

Gyōji Weeks

29/10/2020

Sunrise

05/10/2020

Apples Galore

05/10/2020

After strong pruning two years ago, thanks to Jitei, the apple and pear trees came in with an abundance of beautiful fruit this year.

September Weekend Sesshin

19/09/2020

Woody Woodpecker

18/09/2020

Some of you may have heard the woodpecker pecking around the zendo. This is what he got up to! Taikan is now busy repairing it. We hope Woody Woodpecker will stop soon, but he keeps at it.

A New Season of Practice at Zen River

14/09/2020

Read the latest email update from Zen River here

Daishin Sensei does an Electrical Clean-Up!

12/09/2020

Daishin Sensei says farewell to all the electrical things that he was unable to repair.

Monthly O-Membership Community Program

05/09/2020

The summer vacation has come to a close, and the O-membership community program is in full swing. Besides access to online zazen and services that are part of the daily schedule, members can join the study classes and talks via the Zen River Youtube channel, and Right Speech class via Zoom, as well as requesting dokusan on a weekly basis. Each membership supports the activities of Zen River Temple during these challenging times. We look forward to welcoming you!

Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

12/08/2020

Shoryu and Tenkei Roshi.

Sesshin oryoki during Covid19

12/08/2020

Practising for the Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

08/08/2020

Shoryu practises the Shusohossenshiki ceremony under the expert guidance of Shuho-san. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday evening, outdoors weather permitting, and will be live-streamed for those unable to join in person.

Stone Garden Rejuvenation

01/08/2020

After the drain drama that happened last fall, the back of the stone garden is finally getting back into shape with new bamboo and stone siding.

Morning Service Outdoors

29/07/2020

On the last day of the first sesshin the sun came out during morning service.

Summer Monthlong Week 1

29/07/2020

Summer Monthlong

20/07/2020

Face masks are worn during serving when the servers can’t maintain physical distance.

Shuso Entering Ceremony

20/07/2020

Summer Monthlong O-sesshin

15/07/2020

The Summer Month-long O-sesshin is the annual silent retreat where members gather from the extended Zen River community. This year, due to current circumstances, we also welcome sesshin participants to join online with the Zen River virtual community.

We are also happy to announce that the Shuso (head monk) will be Peter Shoryu de Rooden during the Summer Ango. Shoryu and his wife Hogetsu were residents at Zen River for several years before moving to Eindhoven. The Shuso-hossen ceremony for Shoryu will be held on August 9th at 11:30 AM, where he will join dharma combat with all the dragons and elephants in the dharma O-hall. The ceremony will be livestreamed for online sesshin participants who can participate in the the Dharma Combat.

We always look forward to this month and look forward to seeing you!

Young Minds Art Project

09/07/2020

Young Minds Seminar

30/06/2020

The annual Young Minds Summer Seminar is underway! Zen River could accept four young adults who joined the community following physical distancing guidelines. With those already practising at Zen River, the Y.M. are together nine participants! In the morning everyone practices samu in the garden, where it is easy to maintain distance, and then joins a study class with Doin Sensei after the coffee break. We’re having a great time! However, we hope next year we can welcome a whole crew again.

In the afternoon, there are painting classes with Tenkei Roshi and zazen and talks in the evening.

The Voice of Raindrops

30/06/2020

A fifteen minute meditation.
This was a beautiful evening as the rain moved in and gently departed.
Zen River online daily practice.
Please feel free to subcribe to the Zen River channel to join us in daily zazen and services.

July 4-9

Young Minds Summer O-Seminar

24/06/2020

The Young Minds Summer O-seminar will be held both as an online event for as many young people who would like to join, and in-person for a limited number of five lucky participants! The seminar will take place at Zen River and on Zoom and a dedicated YouTube live stream. The program will be an interesting mix of zazen meditation and services, study classes with discussion, Dharma talks, and an art project with a Buddhist theme taught by Tenkei Roshi.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Robert at office@zenrivertemple.org

Outdoor Zazen on the Boterdiep

24/06/2020

Spring/Summer

Newsletter 2020

09/06/2020

Spring Summer 2020 Newsletter

The Heart Sutra

03/06/2020

Be Together Sutra Gathering – Heart Sutra.

A video project by The Soto School

“Hello, Dharma Friends Now a days, we are having difficult time due to COVID-19. A number of restrictions such as self-restraint and working from home continue. In such a struggle time, let’s chant a sutra with us at home. In this project, Soto Zen priests from all over the world pray for the well-being and health of all of you, and chant Hannyashingyo sutra remotely for you. In the future, we will add videos of the sutras received from all over the world and post it multiple times. The next post is scheduled for June 13th, Japan time. Anytime, Anyplace, We are Connected. Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra The “Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra,” it was said that a summary of the 600-volume “Prajna Paramita Sutra” (“The Sutra of Great Perfect Wisdom”), expounds the essence of the Mahayana Buddhist teaching. It expounds the idea of “emptiness.” This is the teaching that all phenomena do not have some permanent substance. It teaches that through deep wisdom we can be freed of all worries and suffering by giving up our attachments. It is a sutra that is chanted by various school of Buddhism. In Soto Zen, we chant this sutra every morning at temple and Zen center.

Special Thanks from, Rev. Gengo Akiba Director of Soto Zen Buddhism North America -Hawaii Rev. Shuji Komagata from Soto Mission of Aiea, Taiheiji, Aiea Rev. Shinsho Hata from Taishoji Soto Mission, Hilo -North America Rev. Ejo McMullen from Buddha Eye Temple, Oregon Rev. Koun Franz from Zen Nova Scosia from Nova Scotia Rev. Ryoko Miyazaki from Zenshuji Soto Mission, California Rev. Gyokei Yokoyama from Long Beach Buddhist Church, Long Beach, California -South America Rev. Ryoju Tahara from Comunidade Budista Soto Zenshu da América do Sul Templo Busshinji, Brazil Rev. Coen Souza from Comunidade Zen Budista Zendo, Brazil Rev. Mokugen Sobrinho from Templo Zen das Alterosas Kogakuzenji, Brazil Rev. Densho Quintero from Comunidad Soto Zen de Colombia Templo Daishinji,Colombia Rev. Joho Simazaki from Templo buddista Takuonji, Paraguay -Europe Rev. Myoho Gabrysch from Zen River, Zensenji, Netherlands Rev. Tenkei Coppens from Zen River, Zensenji, Netherlands Rev. Hojun Szpunar from Zengakuan, Poland”

Evening Falls during the Falling Flower Sessshin

26/05/2020

New Monthy Membership

05/05/2020

As you may have seen, we’re working hard to live-stream zazen and services via YouTube, and we are now exploring new ways to maintain a closer and more personal sangha connection with you all. Starting May 1st, we would like to offer a monthly subscription of € 45 for attending dharma talks online (the Sunday late morning study class by Tenkei, and the Monday evening class by Myoho and Doin) and a once a week opportunity for dokusan via Skype, Facebook Messenger or phone. The subject of the Wednesday night Right Speech Class will be announced on Monday, and could serve as the subject of your dokusan. Some of you already give monthly donations to support Zen River, which is highly appreciated. Our financial status primarily depends on welcoming you here, and not being able to do so is creating a serious gap in our balance. If enough people would subscribe to a monthly membership, it would, at least to some extent, alleviate the financial shortfall during this critical period.

Hojosan E-Teisho

30/04/2020

During the Sakura Spring E-sesshin Hojosan gave his teisho from Kirigayaji in Tokyo via Zoom. Hojosan was supposed to have been here in person, but due to the coronavirus, had to stay in Japan.

Jukai Ceremony

30/04/2020

Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai to Martijn Tozen 燈禅 de Jong (beacon of light) on the last morning of the Sakura Spring E-sesshin. Congratulations!

Apres-Zazen sunset

28/04/2020

E-Sesshin April 25-30

23/04/2020

We are happy to announce that the Sakura Spring E-sesshin will proceed almost as usual! We will begin with a Zoom conference on Saturday, April 25 at 3:30 pm, and will close on Wednesday, April 29, at 8:10 pm using the same format. Dharma talks, services, and zazen will all be live-streamed on a dedicated sesshin channel while dokusan will be on request. We are very happy to announce that Hojo-san will deliver a dharma talk via Zoom from his home-base in Tokyo on Tuesday, April 28th. For more information, contact the office. (Tip: for e-dokusan please place your camera on a steady surface, preferably at eye level.)

Apres-Zazen Sunset

18/04/2020

Many of those who come to Zen River can often be found watching the sunset after zazen as the days get longer. Here is a photo just in case you miss it!

Spring begins at Zen River

11/04/2020

Duck families enjoy eating under the bird feeders!

Buddhas Birthday Ceremony

08/04/2020

April 8th is recognised as Buddhas birthday in Japan. A small baby Buddha statue stands in a bowl of sweet (herbal) tea and is bathed by everyone during a celebratory service.

To watch the service online, please visit the Zen River channel dedicated to daily practice on YouTube

Live-Stream Zazen and Services

24/03/2020

After some technical wizardry, Zen River is now sharing daily zazen and services online. Already, quite a few people joined us from their homes and expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity to connect. Of course, we are still in the process of finding out how this works. To join in please visit the playlist of past and upcoming events that are open to everyone

E-Sesshin March 28-30

29/03/2020

During the first E-sesshin at Zen River many people joined the live-stream programme, and it really created a sense of togetherness. Everyone’s presence was felt in the Zendo during zazen and in the Hatto during services. Online participants were able to type in their lines of interest during dharma talks, which added to the atmosphere as well. Many people had their first e-dokusan w ith Tenkei Roshi. Minds connected with other minds, in fact, from all over the world.
We decided to follow the same format for the April 25-30 sesshin. If you would like to attend, just contact the office to register, and the link will be sent to you just before sesshin starts. Contribution is €108.

There are three cameras set up to record live zazen and services. All together we are over 40 participants for this E-sesshin!

Meanwhile, the tenzo will be busy in the kitchen

Live Stream Zazen and Services

24/03/2020

After some technical wizardry, Zen River is now sharing daily zazen and services online. Already, quite a few people joined us from their homes and expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity to connect. Of course, we are still in the process of finding out how this works. If you like to join please visit theplaylist of past and upcoming events that are open to everyone

Weekend Sesshin March 27-29

Live Stream

19/03/2020

As of last Saturday, we had to decide to close our doors for non-resident members. (One reason for this is the Dutch government requires everyone to observe social distancing until at least April 6th.) Nevertheless, the steady crew of resident monastics & lay-people (presently twelve) will follow the usual sesshin schedule during that weekend, and we plan to live-stream zazen, services, and dharma talks to the best of our ability. This way we can practice together. If you like to participate, please contact the office to register, and after receiving your contribution (€30), the link will be sent to you on Friday night. Besides live zazen and services, there will be an opportunity to tune into the Dharma talks and a (group) dokusan period with participants using Zoom. We may even include a few shots of samu!

Corona Virus

16/03/2020

As the coronavirus is spreading rapidly and globally, we would like to express our deep empathy to all those who are affected by it one way or another. We are clearly all in this together. Besides anxiety and sadness, love and compassion seem to arise naturally and it is heartening to see how many people are willing to help out those in need. And although in many cases we are physically separated, our minds seem to be more connected than usual. After an intense and inspiring Ango, we entered our spring interim period. This means that the training programme is a little less intense and allows us to focus more on urgent maintenance jobs. Yet, while the daily practice continues with the steady crew of residents, upcoming events have become uncertain due to the pandemic. For this reason, we will start live-streaming services and zazen online so that you can participate in our practice while staying at home. Please contact the office if you would like to join.

Damp-proofing the New Wing

03/03/2020

De Boer construction company have begun damp-proofing the south wall in the new wing. The debris that had fallen between the inner and outer walls during original construction was difficult to remove, so coating the inside of the walls with special sealant was the simplest solution. Holes are first drilled into the wall, then the sealant is squirted in. Meanwhile, when Zen’etsu and Taikan lifted the carpet in the adjoining rooms, they discovered the floorboards were rotten. (The beams underneath were fine, thank goodness.) Still, quite some work to do! This is a project also realized through last years fundraiser, so thank you to everyone who donated.

Shuso Hossenshiki Ceremony

22/02/2020

The Winter Ango concluded with the Hossenshiki ceremony for Shuso Wayne Taikan Gregoire. Congratulations!

Rev. Dosho Saikawa (third from left) came over to serve as Jokeshi (official witness of the Soto school) for the ceremony. He was accompanied by Rev. Keishu Kataoka from the European office in Paris. It turned out to be a happy meeting of minds. Rev. Saikawa and Tenkei Roshi know each other from some forty years ago when they both studied at ZCLA.

Zen River Cookbook on

Amazon Kindle

15/02/2020

The Zen River Cookbook [Print Replica] is now available in digital format at Amazon storefronts for 25 US dollars or the equivalent. (No postage required!) The cover was enhanced for visibity but the content remains the same as the hardcover version.

Young Minds Weekend

04/02/2020

The theme of the painting project was The Hands of Kanzeon

Zen River Madrid Visit

04/02/2020

Myoho Roshi was invited by Emyo-san to give a talk at the Zen River Madrid Zendo.

New Pagoda

21/01/2020

Shinyu-san and Tenkei Roshi preparing the ground for the new granite pagoda in the Buddha grove.

Visit Rev. Fujo Asai

15/01/2020

Zen River was happy to welcome Rev. Fujo Asai from Sojiji. He spent one month in training at Zen River before travelling to Kanshoji in France.

New Years Sesshin & Jukai Ceremony

01/01/2020

Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai for Christiane Shokei 祥形 (Auspicious Appearance) Franz, from Germany, and Karina Shigen 至源 (Attending to the Source) Vanhoucke, from Belgium, on New Year’s Eve. Congratulations!

The Young Minds of Zen River got to together to sing a song at the New Year’s Eve party!

Tutti Cantano Sings at Zen River

22/12/2019

One of our Zen River members, Pieter Fumon Bosma, is a professional music director. He conducts various ensembles, most notably top fanfare orchestra Oranje in Grootegast. In 2016 Pieter began working with chamber choir Tutti Cantano in Zuidwolde, and invited both Tammy (Myoho Roshi) and Robert (Doin Sensei) to join their ranks. So for the last three and a half years, they have been members of the choir. Last month the choir performed their 20-year anniversary concert, with Renaissance music and contemporary music, therefore titled “Klanken van Toen en Nu”. On December 18th the choir came to Zen River to perform the very same program with a small surprise at the end. The highlight of the concert consisted of two new pieces, written for Tutti Cantano by composer Chris Fictoor, who was joined the evening.

Rohatsu Sesshin 2019

02/12/2019

Group photo at the end of Rohatsu sesshin with Taikan as Shuso for this Winter Ango Training period

During samu (work period) the damage done to the trim on the stone garden was repaired by Hakugyu

Shuso Taikan arranged all the cleaning jobs

22/11/2019

Visit to Zen River Lima Group

Roshis Tenkei and Myoho were invited by the Zen Rive Lima group, led by Ryusho Sensei, to share the Dharma.

Ryusho Sensei is involved with supporting a project, funded by the company he works for, to protect endangered turtles (taricaya) from extinction in the Amazon! The Festival de Tortugas de Agua Dulce was covered widely in the press. Click on the photo to watch.

18/11/2019

Rakusu Sewing Sesshin

04/11/2019

Newsletter Winter 2019-20

21/10/2019

Jukai Ceremony for Koto Ishiwa

Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai to Koto Kinsen (琴線 Harp String) Ishigawa on October 15 2019. Congratulations! Kinsen is practicing at Keiryuji with Gakudo Sensei in the Pyrenees

Drain Drama

01/10/2019

The tree adjoining the building had grown into the septic tank and up the drains into the building. After taking down the tree, the cranes moved in to dig out the tree stump and break down the old septic tanks.

Tenkei Roshi surveying the damage

Drain & Tree Crew

07/10/2019

Calligraphy Workshop with Kaz Tanahashi

07/10/2019

Madrid Conference

03/10/2019

Open talk in El Escorial at Hotel Sercotel Los Lanceros

Eva translating for Tenkei Roshi

At the location of the new zendo in El Escorial, Madrid. Marisa Emyo Gonzalez will begin giving classes there and at Zen River Madrid. Emyo received Hoshi from Tenkei Roshi during the Summer Ango. Paul Taian Davies and Eva Borreguero, who live in El Escorial, will organize activities.

Drain Drama

03/10/2019

On the last day of the September weekend sesshin all the drains in the new wing toilets and showers were suddenly blocked. The local drain company quickly came in to help fix it. Unfortunately, when the high-pressure water hose was turned on, some water backed up an old drain hole concealed under the living room carpet, and up a few sinks. Other problems followed soon.

Vist of Inter-religious Christian Monastics

24/09/2019

A group of inter-religious Christian monastics visited Zen River to experience how a Buddhist monastic community lives together. Our guests were an international group, with monks and nuns coming from Norway, Portugal, America, and South Korea to name but a few. Their first intention was to travel to Japan, then realised they could get a taste of Japanese Buddhism in The Netherlands. Welcome!

Gate Opening Ceremony and Purification

14/09/2019

During Ryakufusatsu ceremony, Tenkei Roshi led a small ceremony to open and purify the new temple gate and driveway. — During Ryakufusatsu, Tenkei Roshi led a short ceremony to open and purify the new temple gate and driveway.

October 4-6

Zen Brush Workshop with Kaz Tanahashi

11/09/2019

Zen River is happy to welcome Kaz Tanahashi once more. If you are interested in joining this weekend, please contact the office soon as space is limited.

The Summer Month Long 2019

Zazen and Samu work period

26/07/2019

Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

07/07/2019

Roshis Tenkei and Myoho with Shuso Soshin Wisniewski; Shoki, Taikan Gregoire ; Benji, Konin Arends; and two of Soshins sons Eden Shōgaku Lonsdale and Merryn Yu-shin Lonsdale

Summer Month Long 2019

30/07/2019

The 2019 Summer Month Long is underway.

A Major Repair for the Summer Month Long!

31/07/2019

The coffee machine broke down just as the month long started. After several unsuccessful attempts, Taikan was finally able to repair it with the garden hose and lots of vinegar. Thank goodness!

Young Minds Seminar

14/07/2019

Study Class with Tenkei Roshi

Calligraphy and Graffiti painting

Morning Service

Sutra Reading Class with Doin Sensei

Summer Ango July 13 – August 24

Month Long Sesshin July 27 – August 24

4/07/2019

The upcoming Summer Ango training period will officially start on Saturday July 13, with the Shuso entering ceremony for head-monk Andreas Soshin Wisniewski at 4:30 pm. Soshin met Tenkei Roshi in England in
1996 during sesshin. Genpo Roshi became his main teacher and gave
him monastic ordination in 2005. However, he often attends sesshin at
Zen River, and has, together with his three sons participated in the annual Family Week since 2003. We wish Soshin all the best, and already look forward to his Hossenshiki on August 4th at 11: 00 AM. Everybody is welcome to attend, so feel free to invite family and friends!

Plus, everyone is looking forward to the Summer Month-Long sesshin that begins Saturday July 27 at noon. A great time for the whole sangha to come together to practice as an extended family. As always, the Month-Long includes three 5-day and one 7-day sesshins with some free time in between. Registration is open for the whole month, or for those wishing to join for one, two, or three weeks. Contact the office for more information and to register.

Maitreya Institute, Loenen

4/07/2019

Tenkei Roshi was invited by his dharma friend from the Tibetan tradition, Rev. Gendun Losang, to give a series of lectures during a Vipassana retreat at the Maitreya Institute in Loenen.

Spring/Summer Newsletter

1/07/2019

Garden & Maintenance

24/06/2019

The rotting workshop door and window frames undergo serious repair

Visit of Rev. Yuko Wakayama

& Yamada Roshi

16/06/2019

First Jukai Ceremony at the Zen Boat

14/06/2019

We are happy to announce that on Sunday June 9th the first Jukai ceremony took place on the Zen Boat. Harold Anzan (Quiet Mountain) en Joris Shodo (True Way) received the Buddhist precepts from Senko Sensei in the presence of Tenkei Roshi. Congratulations!

Opening Ceremonies at Keiryuji

Camprodon, Spain

Memorial service for Koren Sensei; founder of Keiryuji, successor to Tenkei Roshi, and wife of Gakudo Sensei

Gakudo Sensei officiates his first shukke tokudo ceremony for Pascal Tetsuko van der Knokke and Emke Gyoen Jutte

Visit Junyu Kuroda Roshi & Yamamoto Roshi

29/05/2019

Zen River was happy to welcome both Junyu Kuroda Roshi and Yamamoto Roshi for the Falling Flowers Sesshin. Hojun, their translator, was unable to join but Doin could connect him from Poland through Skype with the assistance of a large speaker.

Kuroda Roshi gave a in-depth talk on the koan “Joshu Washes His Bowls” eloquently translated by Rev. Shuho Go

Shukke Tokudo Ceremony

22/05/2019

On May 22nd Tenkei Roshi gave shukke tokudo to Mieke Jyokun Eikemans, one of the Zen River residents. Congratulations!

THE 16TH UNITED NATIONS DAY OF VESAK CELEBRATIONS 2019

14/05/2019

Tenkei Roshi was one of hundreds of international delegates invited to attend the UNDV 2019 held in Hanoi

Shukke Tokudo Ceremony

12/05/2019

Wayne Taikan Gregoire received shukke tokudo (monk ordination) from Tenkei Roshi on May 4th. Congratulations!

Young Rivers Article

12/05/2019

A very nice article about the Zen River Young Minds seminar came out in a student magazine called Spectrum. It was written by one of the Young Mind participants who came in January. Click on the photo to read the full article.

Jukai Ceremony

03/05/2019

Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai to Dani Gensho (Magical Nature 幻性) Delacámara at the end of the Sakura Spring Sesshin. Congratulations!

Gensho, standing with Tenkei and Myoho, is also a long-standing member of Zen River Madrid.

Happy Buddha’s Birthday!

08/04/2019

Visit Japan

01/04/2019

Tenkei and Myoho started their visit attending the Higan Ceremony at Kirigayaji, the home temple of Hojo-san, which included a memorial service for Bernie Tetsugen Glassman

Ashes of Bernie that were sent over by his widow Eve Marko were put in a traditional urn and placed on the altar together with the Ihai (memorial tablet)

Later the urn was buried next to the urn with ashes of Maezumi Roshi at the graveyard close to Fuji-dera, the mountain temple of Hojo-san near Mount Fuji

Tenkei was invited to give a talk at Kirigayaji. He also gave a dharma talk at another temple, Shogakuji, and a public lecture in Tokyo

Visiting Tōsen-in, the family temple of Rev. Shuho Go

They also went to visit Keisho-In, the temple of Koichi-san and his wife Masami

Dropping in for a cup of tea at Hoitsu Suzuki Roshi’s temple

The last evening, Hojosan celebrated his 80th birthday party at a lovely restaurant in Tokyo

Visit to Madrid

12/03/2019

In February, Zen River Madrid invited Myoho Roshi to give a teisho for the sangha. A lovely space was available at Fundación Pons. Many Zen River Madrid members attended with friends and family.

Lecture by Yusho Sasaki Roshi

04/02/2019

Zen River was happy to welcome Rev. Yusho Sasaski, the Sokan for the European Soto school. She gave an interesting lecture on the meaning of some of the gods and protectors depicted in the temples in Japan.

Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

for Gyosei Overbeek

10/02/2019

Rev. Yusho Sasaski, the European Sokan, attended and witnessed the ceremony as Jokeshi.

Jukai Ceremony

04/02/2019

Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai to three young minds; Eden Sho-gaku (祥學 Fortunate Study) Lonsdale ; Reyhan Ban-kyu (萬究 Ten thousand things Investigation) Lonsdale; and Merryn Yu-shin (雄心 Strong Heart) Lonsdale. The three brothers have been coming with their father, Andreas Soshin Wisniewski, to Family Week since it began in 2004.

Young Minds Weekend Retreat

04/02/2019

Besides zazen, services, oryoki meals and study classes there was also a painting project led by Tenkei Roshi

Snowy Entrance

02/02/2019

The gate is 99 percent complete, just in time for the first snowfall! All that is left to do is the stain and a few details on the woodwork when the weather warms up

Zen River Temple Gate

21/01/2019

The gate is almost finished. Just a few steps left.

Young Minds Zen Weekend

A monastic experience for anyone age 15-30

February 2-3, 2019

23/12/2018

The program, especially designed for young people, will include training in zazen (Zen meditation), Buddhist ritual, scriptural study, and several group activities. Arrival is Saturday February 2nd, at 11:00 am, and ends Sunday, February 3rd, at 5:00 pm. The suggested donation for this event is €40,-. For more information, and for registration, please contact the office at office@zenrivertemple.org or +31 (0)595 435039

Happy New Year!

04/01/2019

Strijdlustig en Vredelievend

Tutti Cantano Chamber Choir at Zen River

23/12/2018

One of our Zen River members, Pieter Fumon Bosma, is a professional music director. He conducts various ensembles, most notably the ‘Groninger Studentenorkest Mira’. A few years ago he even managed to teach a choir of Zen River residents and members Adiemus by Karl Jenkins, a beautiful piece of music that we performed twice during celebratory events.

In 2016 Pieter began working with the chamber choir Tutti Cantano in Zuidwolde, Groningen, and invited both Tammy (Myoho Roshi) and Robert (Doin Sensei) to join their ranks and for the last two and a half years they have been active members. On Wednesday December 19th, Tutti Cantano came to Zen River to share an enthusiastic performance of their latest repertoire!

Jukai Ceremony

22/12/2018

Peter Yushin Pottebaum, from the Dusseldorf Zen River group, received jukai from Tenkei Roshi. Congratulations!

Zen River Annual Fundraising Appeal, 2018

30/11/2018

This year we would like to ask your attention for a simple – but urgent – renovation….read on to help!

Fall / Winter 2018 Newsletter

06/12/2018

Gate Taking Shape

28/11/2018

The new Temple gate starting to take shape; the beams for the roof are up.

Zen River Lima

26/11/2018

Ryusho Sensei and his team organised a Zazenkai which was led by Tenkei Roshi and took place at a Tibetan centre in downtown Lima

Farewell Seishi-san!

06/11/2018

Seishi-san (centre left), who came to practice at Zen River for two months, is now on his way to Kanshoji and Ryumonji in France. After that he will return to Toshoji senmon sodo in Okayama. Thank you for joining the team and hope to see you here again one day!

Bernie Tetsugen Glassman, Roshi

January 18, 1939 – November 4, 2018

05/11/2018

Yesterday morning we did a special service at Zen River for Bernie Tetsugen Glassman Roshi, a Dharma Uncle, who passed away on Sunday, November 4th. He was Maezumi Roshi’s first dharma successor, and the co-founder of the highly influential Zen Peacemaker Order. We will keep him in our hearts and wish him a swift passage to the other shore.

Autumn Morning at Zen River

03/11/2018

Scaffolding Going Up

03/11/2018

Zen’etsu and Seishi-san prepare the scaffold for the next phase of the new temple gate!

Gate Foundation Complete

27/09/2018

Zen’etsu checking the completed foundations for the new temple gate. The wood is now being prepared for the next phase!

At Fudenji, Italy

19/09/2018

Taiten Guareschi Roshi, the abbot of Fudenji in Italy, invited Tenkei Roshi as one of the lecturers at their annual International seminar. Tenkei was accompanied by Shin’yu-san to the event.

Asayama Roshi was also one of the lecturers with a delegation from Eiheiji, Japan

Tenkei with Myoko Roshi and Taiten Roshi

Samu

15/09/2018

Taikan sanding panels that will neatly close off the attic storage in the old wing.

Inryo Windows

10/09/2018

After a few unforseen delays, the outside of the new windows of the inryo are being painted! Steffen Buikema, who also helped paint the windows of the Zendo, will be working on it this week.

Visit Rev. Koichi Isoda

10/09/2018

Tenkei Roshi and Myoho were happy to welcome Koichi Isoda from Keisho-In, Fuji City, Japan. They first met in Sojiji in 2000. Since then Koichi-san has visited Zen River many times. Besides running his home temple and performing Shamisen, he also assists Seido Suzuki Roshi at Toshoji Senmon Sodo in Okayama.

Koichi-san gave a talk on his history and connection with Zen River

Jukai Ceremony

01/09/2018

On August 29th, just after the summer month long, Julie *Konin* (illumination trust) Arends received Jukai from Tenkei Roshi. Congratulations!

Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

26/08/2018

Rev. Shuho Go was Shuso for this summer Ango period. It was the first time a Japanese monk fulfilled this position and did Hossenshiki.

Memorial Service for Koren Sensei

22/08/2018

Monthlong Memory

21/08/2018

Garden Shed Repairs

21/08/2018

Summer Monthlong Sesshin

14/08/2018

The Month-long sesshin is in full swing. The Hossenshiki for Shuho-san will be on Saturday August 25.

Gate Foundation

08/08/2018

Zen’etsu is in the process of making the structure to pour concrete for the foundations for the new gate

Film project Shumucho

07/08/2018

Rev. Taibun Terumoto from the Shumucho office in Paris and film-maker Stanislas Wang-Genh joined us for two days during the Month-long. They are working on a movie about European Soto temples and came over to film sesshin at Zen River. The movie will be posted on the Shumucho website beginning next year. We look forward to seeing it!

Guest Speaker Han de Wit

06/08 2018

Zen River was happy to welcome Han de Wit as a guest teacher during the second week of the Month-long. He gave an inspiring talk about the Shambhala tradition, and explained how Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche incorporated Japanese Zen elements into his training programme, due to his connection with masters like Maezumi Roshi. Apparently it was Genpo Roshi who, at the time, introduced Shambhala members to the practice of Oryoki!

Gate Foundation

05/08/2018

Zen’etsu started on the construction of the new gate at the head of the driveway. He found a local company to come and literally screw in some foundation pegs! Those screws are a meter and a half long each. Next step is to pour the concrete.

Young Rivers Seminar

11/07/2018

Roof Repairs

11/07/2018

The siding of the roof was damaged by wet weather and needs to be replaced. Gert and Wayne are busy with it while the seminar continues

Thistle River

Spring 2005 – July 2, 2018

02/07/2018

Thistle, the temple cat who lived in the Inryo with Tammy and Tenkei sadly passed away to the other shore after a brief illness. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

Genpo Roshi Visit

28/06/2018

Genpo Roshi and his partner Charlotte were travelling in Europe and came to visit Zen River for two days

Genpo Roshi gave a moving talk and brought up many stories of the good old days with Tenkei and Tammy. He concluded with conferring Inka (final seal of approval) to Tammy, and gave her a new Dharma name *Tenshin* 天頂 (zenith)

Reciting his Inka poem: *Subtle Dharma / Surrendered / Zenith / Empowered*

After the talk, Genpo Roshi and Charlotte visited the Zen Boat in Groningen

And joined us in the city for a celebratory drink

Spring/Summer Newsletter

22-06-2018

Open House

Sunday June 17

18-06-2018

The open house on Sunday afternoon was a great success and enjoyed by everyone. Around fifty people attended from the local area and beyond.

Tenkei Roshi officiated a service during the course of the afternoon so that people could experience what happens in the Hatto. Gyosei and Julie sat zazen in the zendo all afternoon and several visitors felt compelled to join and sit too!

United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration May 25-27

27-05-2018

Tenkei Roshi was invited to the UN Vesak Celebrations 2018 in Bangkok. It was a great opportunity to meet many prominent Buddhists from all over the the world.

Zen Boat Inauguration

13-05-2018

On Sunday May 13 Tenkei Roshi officiated the inauguration of the Zen Boat in Groningen as a branch temple of Zen River. Senseis Senko and Jifu live there as resident teachers, while Doin and Ranka also conduct classes regularly.

Jukai Ceremony, May 6

07-05-2018

Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai to five recipients this weekend. Congratulations!

Marleen Monshin 聞心 (Listen Heart) Laroy, Matthijs 純道 (Pure Way) Noordzij, Jasna Zuisho 瑞祥 (Good Omen) Terihaj, Tenkei Roshi, Leo Kyokai 巨海 (Great Ocean) van Nieuwenhuijzen, and Margriet Seisen 清川 (Clear River) Broekroelofs

Many family and friends attended the ceremony

Bell Repair

01-05-2018

Shinyu’san and Taikan-san made it the roof (with a safety harness!) to detach the faulty electrical mechanism that hits the bell. It had stopped working over the winter period. The broken part has been sent to the bell company for repair and should be back soon!

Tenkei Roshi in Madrid

18-04-2018

Tenkei Roshi was invited by Zen River Madrid to lead a public talk and zazenkai. He was also asked to show some of his earlier art works which were sold to raise funds for the new gate at the head of the driveway.

Tenkei Roshi at the Art Show with two of his paintings

The Spanish sangha also invited Shuho-san to accompany Tenkei Roshi and visit the soccer stadiums – a dream come true!

Drain Pipe Dilemma

18-04-2018

A block in one of the drains forced Daishin and Zenet’su to dig up the pipe that ran under the Stone Garden.

Unbeknownst to anyone there was a large drainage hole found to be damaged by tree roots and full of mud and leaves!

Practice Weekend at Zen River

10-04-2018

Zen River was happy to welcome Wanda Sluyter and members from Zen Centrum Eindhoven for a practice weekend. The two days included a guided meditation, zazen, services, dokusan, study class, samu, and formal oryoki meals. While they were here they filmed some impressions with a short video clip

Kitchen Prep

09-04-2018

Guest speaker Pablo d’Ors from Madrid

26-03-2018

Pablo d’Ors is a Catholic priest from Madrid who includes zen meditation in his spiritual practice. He came to join our program with some of his Spanish students. Pablo has written a highly acclaimed book entitled “Biografia del Silencio”. During their stay he treated us to a very interesting talk.

Shukke Tokudo Ceremony for Tessa Gyosei Overbeek

19-03-2018

Last Saturday Tenkei Roshi gave Shukke Tokudo (monastic ordination) to Tessa Gyosei Overbeek, who has been a resident at Zen River for several years now. Congratulations!

Thursday May 17 – Tuesday May 22, 2018

5 Day Sesshin

With special guests Rev. Junyu Kuroda and Yamamoto Roshi

10-03-2018

Zen River is happy to welcome Rev. Junyu Kuroda and Yamamoto Roshi for the May Spring sesshin. Yamamoto Roshi is the last surviving successor of Koryu Roshi, one of Maezumi Roshi’s teachers. Both will be giving dharma talks during this extended weekend retreat. Yamamoto Roshi will also give talks at Zencentrum Amsterdam and in Utrecht. If you would like to attend this sesshin please contact the office for more information.

Zen Boat Groningen

10-03-2018

Monthly City Sesshins on the Zen Boat in Groningen began this year. They will be led alternately by Senseis Jifu and Senko.

Shusohossenshiki for Timo Myogaku Bieber

26-02-2018

Group photo after shusohossenshiki: Myogakus teacher, Rev. Jacob Myozen Gimiotti (front left), a successor of Nishiyama Roshi, came from Heidelberg to attend the ceremony. Rev. Yusho Sasaki, the Sokan of the European department of the Soto School in Paris was the Jokeshi for the ceremony

Lecture on Yogacara by Rev. Yusho Sasaki

26-02-2018

Yusho Sasaki Roshi gave a very interesting lecture on Yogacara on the night before Shusoshossenshiki. Here she demonstrates our differing perspectives on how the world looks like!

Saturday February 24 11:00 AM

Shusohossenshiki for Timo Myogaku Bieber

22-02-2018

Myogaku is the first Shuso in our Zen River Ango history who is from a lineage other than the White Plum. His teacher, Rev. Jakob Myosen Cimiotti, is a successor of Nishiyama Roshi, and will come over from Heidelberg to support him. Rev. Yusho Sasaki, the Sokan of the European department of the Soto School in Paris will take on the position of Jokeshi (official witness). She has also agreed to give a lecture on the evening before the ceremony.

Friday February 23 8:00 PM

Lecture by Rev. Yusho Sasaki

22-02-2018

We are happy to welcome Rev. Yusho Sasaki, the Sokan of the European department of the Soto School in Paris, as the Jokeshi (official witness) for the upcoming shusohossenshiki ceremony for Myogaku Bieber. She will be giving a lecture on Friday evening on Yogacara that everyone is welcome to attend.

31-01-2018

Young Rivers Weekend

Feb 3–4, 2018

Young Rivers weekend 2018

31-01-2018

Garden Works

On account of the mud and wet weather, a new path to the garden shed and drain for the chicken run is being dug out

26-01-2018

Driveway Rescue Plan Takes Shape

The annual fundraiser is still going strong. The gardener John Kasteel (centre) and his crew work on planting the new *Cornus kousa* trees, hedges, bushes and hundreds of plants. Everyone is looking forward to seeing it in the spring!

23-01-2018

Driveway Rescue Plan

The roots are removed and new topsoil goes down.

11-01-2018

Window Replacement Phase 3

After some logistical delays, the old drafty Inryo windows on the west and south side are finally being replaced by double glazing. As the building has been extended and modified several times since it was built in the thirties, all the windows are slightly different. So it is quite a challenging job for Klaas de Boer’s construction team.

The windows are almost finished on the outside. They will be painted when the weather is warmer.

The inside window frames will be completed by the Zen River maintenance team. Rice paper will be the temporary curtain!

Archives 2016

Archives 2017

Archives 2018

New Monthy Membership

05/05/2020

Hojosan E-Teisho

30/04/2020

Jukai Ceremony

30/04/2020

Apres-Zazen sunset

28/04/2020

New Monthy Membership

23/04/2020

E-Sesshin April 25-30

23/04/2020

Apres-Zazen Sunset

18/04/2020

Spring begins at Zen River

11/04/2020

Buddhas Birthday Ceremony

08/04/2020

To watch the service online, please visit the Zen River channel dedicated to daily practice on YouTube

Live-Stream Zazen and Services

24/03/2020

E-Sesshin March 28-30

29/03/2020

There are three cameras set up to record live zazen and services. All together we are over 40 participants for this E-sesshin!

Meanwhile, the tenzo will be busy in the kitchen

Live Stream Zazen and Services

24/03/2020

Weekend Sesshin March 27-29

Live Stream

19/03/2020

Corona Virus

16/03/2020

Damp-proofing the New Wing

03/03/2020

Shuso Hossenshiki Ceremony

22/02/2020

Zen River Cookbook on

Amazon Kindle

15/02/2020

Young Minds Weekend

04/02/2020

Zen River Madrid Visit

04/02/2020

New Pagoda

21/01/2020

Visit Rev. Fujo Asai

15/01/2020

New Years Sesshin & Jukai Ceremony

01/01/2020

The Young Minds of Zen River got together to sing a song at the New Year’s Eve party!

New Monthy Membership

05/05/2020

Hojosan E-Teisho

30/04/2020

Jukai Ceremony

30/04/2020

Apres-Zazen sunset

28/04/2020

New Monthy Membership

23/04/2020

E-Sesshin April 25-30

23/04/2020

Apres-Zazen Sunset

18/04/2020

Spring begins at Zen River

11/04/2020

Buddhas Birthday Ceremony

08/04/2020

To watch the service online, please visit the Zen River channel dedicated to daily practice on YouTube

Live-Stream Zazen and Services

24/03/2020

E-Sesshin March 28-30

29/03/2020

There are three cameras set up to record live zazen and services. All together we are over 40 participants for this E-sesshin!

Meanwhile, the tenzo will be busy in the kitchen

Live Stream Zazen and Services

24/03/2020

Weekend Sesshin March 27-29

Live Stream

19/03/2020

Corona Virus

16/03/2020

Damp-proofing the New Wing

03/03/2020

Shuso Hossenshiki Ceremony

22/02/2020

Zen River Cookbook on

Amazon Kindle

15/02/2020

Young Minds Weekend

04/02/2020

Zen River Madrid Visit

04/02/2020

New Pagoda

21/01/2020

Visit Rev. Fujo Asai

15/01/2020

New Years Sesshin & Jukai Ceremony

01/01/2020

The Young Minds of Zen River got together to sing a song at the New Year’s Eve party!

January 17–19, 2020	Intro Weekend
January 25–26	Bodhidharma Weekend Sesshin
February 1–2	Young Minds Weekend
February 15 – 22	Winter Closing Sesshin
February 22, 11:00	Shusohossenshiki Ceremony Taikan Gregoire
March 20–22	Rakusu Sewing Sesshin video tutorial
March 27-29	Weekend E-Sesshin – live stream
April 25–30	Sakura Spring E-Sesshin – live stream
May 23–27	Falling Flowers E-Sesshin – live stream
JUNE 6–AUGUST 22	SUMMER TRAINING PERIOD
June 6–7	Intro Weekend
June 19–21	Weekend Sesshin
July 4–9	Young Minds Seminar
JULY 25–AUG. 22	SUMMER MONTH LONG
July 25–30	Sesshin 1 (5-day)
August 1–6	Sesshin 2 (5-day)
August 8–13	Sesshin 3 (5-day)
August 15–22	Sesshin 4 (7-day)
August 27- Sept 4	No scheduled activities
FALL INTERIM
September 12-13	Intro weekend
September 18-20	Weekend Sesshin
October 10 -15	Falling leaves Sesshin
WINTER ANGO	NOVEMBER 21 – FEBRUARY 20
November 21-28	Rohatsu
Dec. 27- Jan. 1 2021	New Years sesshin

Feb. 3	Madrid, Dharma talk led by Myoho Roshi
March 14	Düsseldorf, Zazenkai at Kanzeon, led by Daishin Sensei
April 19	Wageningen, Zen Zondag via ‘Zoom’, led by Senko Sensei
May 17	Hengelo, Zen in Twente, led by Ranka Sensei (tentative)
June 21	Wageningen, Zen Zondag, led by Senko / Jifu Sensei

Archives 2020

Wintry Night at Zen River

The Book has Arrived!

Timeless Calling, Timely Response

by Tenkei Roshi

Newsletter & Fundraiser 2020-21

Rohatsu Sesshin Nov 21–28

Gyōji Weeks

Sunrise

Apples Galore

September Weekend Sesshin

Woody Woodpecker

A New Season of Practice at Zen River

Daishin Sensei does an Electrical Clean-Up!

Monthly O-Membership Community Program

Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

Sesshin oryoki during Covid19

Practising for the Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

Stone Garden Rejuvenation

Morning Service Outdoors

Summer Monthlong Week 1

Summer Monthlong

Shuso Entering Ceremony

Summer Monthlong O-sesshin

Young Minds Art Project

Young Minds Seminar

The Voice of Raindrops

July 4-9

Young Minds Summer O-Seminar

Outdoor Zazen on the Boterdiep

Spring/Summer

Newsletter 2020

The Heart Sutra

Be Together Sutra Gathering – Heart Sutra.

A video project by The Soto School

Evening Falls during the Falling Flower Sessshin

New Monthy Membership

Hojosan E-Teisho

Jukai Ceremony

Apres-Zazen sunset

E-Sesshin April 25-30

Apres-Zazen Sunset

Spring begins at Zen River

Buddhas Birthday Ceremony

Live-Stream Zazen and Services

E-Sesshin March 28-30

Live Stream Zazen and Services

Weekend Sesshin March 27-29

Live Stream

Corona Virus

Damp-proofing the New Wing

Shuso Hossenshiki Ceremony

Zen River Cookbook on

Amazon Kindle

Young Minds Weekend

Zen River Madrid Visit

New Pagoda

Visit Rev. Fujo Asai

New Years Sesshin & Jukai Ceremony

Tutti Cantano Sings at Zen River

Rohatsu Sesshin 2019

Visit to Zen River Lima Group

Rakusu Sewing Sesshin

Newsletter Winter 2019-20

Jukai Ceremony for Koto Ishiwa

Drain Drama

Drain & Tree Crew

Calligraphy Workshop with Kaz Tanahashi

Madrid Conference

Drain Drama

Vist of Inter-religious Christian Monastics

Gate Opening Ceremony and Purification

October 4-6

Zen Brush Workshop with Kaz Tanahashi

The Summer Month Long 2019

Shusohossenshiki Ceremony

Summer Month Long 2019

A Major Repair for the Summer Month Long!

Young Minds Seminar

Summer Ango July 13 – August 24