Jukai Ceremony during New Years Sesshin
07/01/2026
During the second part of the New Years Sesshin, Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai to both Rianne Joshun 浄春 (Clear Spring) Strolenberg and Laurent Chōzan 超 山 (Beyond the Mountain) Noyon. Congratulations!
Winter Snap!
05/01/2026
🎶Tutti Cantano Sings at Zen River ✨
18/12/2025
Each year, Tutti Cantano comes to Zen River for their final rehearsal of the year. The evening begins with a short Buddhist service, followed by the choir sharing songs from their repertoire, and ends with a festive candlelit meal.
Myoho Roshi, a long-time choir member, together with Tenkei Roshi and the Zen River residents, warmly welcomed sangha members and neighbours to share in this special evening.🕯️💛
Guest Speakers in Tenerife
01/12/2025
Through our connection with Juancho Kozan Calvo Loygorri, Tenkei and Myoho were warmly invited by Margarita Ramos, director of the Caja Canarias Fundación in Tenerife, to speak about Zen River, meditation, and cooking. Over two evenings, Tenkei offered a talk on the Four Modes, and Myoho shared insights from her work in the kitchen. It was a wonderful visit filled with inspiring meetings and warm hospitality. Kozan also helped to translate the talks into Spanish.
Visit to Comunidad Budista Zen Luz del Dharma
01/12/2025
During their stay in Tenerife, Roshi’s Tenkei and Myoho, and Kozan were warmly welcomed by Denkō Mesa, head teacher at Budista Zen Luz del Dharma in La Laguna, who invited them to join his sangha for zazen and a heartfelt meeting of minds.
ShoSaiMyo on Vinyl
01/12/2025
SoundCloud, the music streaming service where Myoho shares her original creations, began offering a vinyl pressing service from Elastic Stage to its artist community earlier this year. Myoho joined the waiting list—and we are now delighted to announce that the musical project ShoSaiMyo as an L.P. is now available here.
Also, thanks to producer Brad Stock, the final five unplugged/acoustic tracks from the album will be first released on Bandcamp in early 2026.
Window Works End, Continue and End
01/12/2025
After finishing the dormer window and replacing the ceiling in the small room above the reception, window replacements continue in the Hatto. When complete, there are just a few windows left in the old wing hallways and showers that need replacing – but maybe in a year or two!
Winter Ango begins
22/11/2025
Zen River is pleased to announce that Ale Shindo Tessolin will serve as the Italian Shuso, or head monk, for the upcoming Winter Ango. Shindo has become an indispensable resident practitioner with a special interest in ritual observances. He also has taken on several important responsibilities.
The Hossenshiki of this Winter Ango will take place on February 24, 2026. And Kakita Roshi has already agreed to come over again from Paris and take on the position of Jokeshi, the official witness of the European department of the Soto School. So, everything is in the works. The river of Zen keeps flowing, in this case with an Italian accent.
Hojosan Memorial Service
10/11/2025
On October 9th, Zen River held a special memorial service for Rev. Junyu Kuroda (1940 – 2021) who supported the temple for so many years. Thank you for everything, Hojosan 
.
Never-ending Restoration!
03/11/2025
Theres lots of activity in the garden, picking the last of the apples, taking down some nesting boxes for cleaning and repair with lots of helping hands (!), and path restoration.
Meanwhile – after finishing the flat roofs over the kitchen, glass hallway and workshop – the back doors of the new wing, the two windows in the hatto, and the dormer window above the office, are being replaced by de Bouwbedrijf de Boer.
And its all happening after a morning of zazen meditation, service, and breakfast oryoki.
Ten-e Ceremony for Gyosei
29/09/2025
Tenkei Roshi gave Dharma transmission to Tessa Gyosei Overbeek on September 25, and she received a second Dharma name, Ekyu. Gyosei will return to Toshoji in Okayama, Japan, in October to continue her practice there for another year. She continues to maintain good connections with our Japanese friends and colleagues while she is there. Congratulations, especially to Tenkei Roshi!
Sacred Mischief Training
29/09/2025
A wonderful weekend with lots of Sacred Mischief and body work led by Moshe Coen.
Jukai Ceremony
16/09/2025
Tenkei Roshi gave jukai to Cynthia Seijun 聖潤 (Sacred Benefit) Samamé on September 16, during a group visit from members of Zen River Lima at Zen River Temple. This special gathering brought the students of Ryusho Sensei in Peru to practice together and witness the ceremony.
Memorial Service
14/09/2025
Students of Ryusho Sensei from Peru, Spain, and the USA attended the September Weekend Sesshin at Zen River led by Tenkei Roshi and the residential team, which is fast becoming an annual event for Zen River Lima group! The sesshin included a memorial service honouring Claudia Engetsu Llona, one of his senior students who passed away in Lima on April 20, 2025. Sadly, due to family affairs, Ryusho Sensei was unable to be present in person.
Roof Replacement
08/09/2025
At last! The fundraiser for the kitchen and glass hallway flat roof is being realised. Thank you to all those who supported this project. Bouwbedrijf de Boer is replacing the old tar roof with new insulation and a roof covering similar to the inside of a bicycle tyre that should last 50 years. Several beams in the roof of the hallway were rotten and had to be replaced before work could proceed on insulation. The next roof to be replaced is the workshop and bicycle shed. 
Head Trainee Ceremony 2025
22/08/2025
On Saturday, August 22, 2025, the summer Ango concluded with a Head Trainee Ceremony for Marlinka HonKyo Rinsma. Congratulations!
Young Minds Seminar 2025
12/07/2025
Shukke Tokudo Ceremony
22/06/2025
On June 24, Alessandro Shindō 深堂 Tesolin received Shukke Tokudo from Tenkei Roshi. Shindo is from Italy and has been a resident of Zen River Temple for over two years. Congratulations!
Spring Summer Newsletter 2025
16/06/2025
newsletter-spring-summer-2025The Spring-Summer Newsletter is here. Enjoy!
Zazenkai Den Haag
15/06/2025
Tenkei Roshi was invited by Ping Fang and Taco van de Mark, two long-time Zen River members, to lead a Zazenkai at their acupuncture clinic – Ping Shu Yuan – in Den Haag. It was a wonderful afternoon!
ShoSaiMyo
Complete Edition Vol. 1 & 2
24/06/2025
Gyōji Week
12/06/2025
Gyōji Weeks are an excellent opportunity to practice at Zen River outside of the sesshin schedule, making them ideal for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. These weeks follow the regular daily schedule that is maintained throughout the year at Zen River Temple. We encourage our regular members to participate during these weeks as well! The recent Gyōji Weeks have seen strong attendance, particularly among young adults.
Zazenkai Madrid
01/06/2025
Myoho Roshi went to lead a Zazenkai for Zen River Madrid in Madrid, hosted by Emyo Gonzalez. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was warm and cheerful!
Shiho Ceremony for Taikan Gregoire, Sensei
26/05/2025
On May 25th, 2025, Tenkei Roshi completed the Shiho transmission ceremony for Wayne Taikan Gregoire. Congratulations!
Vietnam Visit
16/05/2025
Tenkei Roshi and Taikan were invited to join Vietnam’s international UN Day of Vesak celebrations. This annual event celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Sakura Spring Sesshin Jukai Ceremony
03/05/2025
After the Sakura Spring Sesshin, Tenkei Roshi gave Jukai to Joris Gotai [ 剛泰, Strong Peaceful ] van der Horst, Marijn Toshin [ 透眞, Penetrating Truth ] de Wit, from the Netherlands, Neli Enko [ 円光, Completely Shining ] Ugarte, and Susi Chosui [ 澄翠, Clear Jade ] Lillo from Spain, and Miao Baido [ 梅道, Plum Path ] Li from China. Congratulations!
Spring Arrives, Painting Begins
22/04/2025
Dharma Lecture and Visit to Kanshoji, France
14/04/2025
Tenkei Roshi gave two lectures at Kanshoji, a beautiful Sôtô Zen Buddhist monastery in the Dordogne region of France, the heart of Périgord-Limousin natural park. He was invited by the abbot, Rev. Taiun Jean-Pierre Faure. The two know each other from the time they both attended an intensive training period at Zuioji, Japan, in 2003, and from many Soto School conferences that followed. It was a real meeting of minds. Niels Kangen van Henten, one of the Zen River residents accompanied Roshi on this trip.
Buddhas Birthday
08/04/2025
April 8th is celebrated throughout Asia as the date of Buddha’s birthday. Congratulations to all Buddhas!
ShusoHossenShiki Ceremony
01/03/2025
At the end of the Winter Ango, the Shusohossenshiki ceremony was held for Niels Kangen Henten. Soho Kakita Roshi, the European Sokan, came from Paris with Rev. Shinko Toshima to be present as Jokeshi, the official witness. Congratulations!
Teisho by Kakita Roshi
28/02/2025
Kakita Roshi, the visiting Sokan, lectured at Zen River that evening in preparation for the Hossenshiki Ceremony on Saturday. His lecture was about Dharma Kakunen, the story of Bodhidharma from Blue Cliff Record Case 1 and Book of Serenity Case 2.
Young Minds Seminar Weekend
10/02/2025
ShoSaiMyo: Vol.2
by Myoho Roshi
03/02/2025
We are pleased to announce the release of Myoho Roshi’s new musical album, which launched on January 30th. The album, titled “ShoSaiMyo Vol. 2,” complements “ShoSaiMyo Vol. 1.” Most of the sutras and dharanis featured in these albums are regularly chanted in Zen temples. Notably, the Ushnisha Vijaya dharani, also known as Namgyelma in Tibetan, is more commonly chanted in Tibetan lineages.
For the creation of these songs, Myoho Roshi collaborated with producer Brad Ryudo Stock. Brad started practicing at the former Kanzeon Zen Center in Salt Lake City in the late 1990s and is a student of Genshin Roshi.
Several people have mentioned that the slower tracks have been very consoling for patients in their hospice work. (Jizo Shingon dharani, Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo, Sho Sei Kai, and Daihishin Dharani.)
The five new tracks on Volume 2 are:
- Shariraimon
- Sho Sei Kai Bon [May We Exist in Muddy Water…]
- Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo
- No Maku San [from the Kanromon]
- Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani
All proceeds from the albums go towards supporting Zen River Temple.
Welcome Genko Roshi
23/01/2025
Zen River is happy to welcome Michel Genko Roshi, a long-time friend and dharma colleague of both Tenkei and Myoho. Genko lives in Paris with Genno Pages Roshi, at Dana Sangha. He will join Zen River for the upcoming Bodhidharma sesshin.
New Years Eve Gathering
31/12/2024
A festive musical evening was had by all, at the end of the New Year’s Sesshin – pirates included!
Tutti Cantano
18/12/2024
Zen River welcomed Tutti Cantano Choir from Zuidwolde, which performed its annual Christmas concert and its end-of-season gathering here. Myoho Roshi, Doin Sensei – and Izzy Esho when she lived at Zen River – have been choir members for the last seven years. This year, Edwin Velvis took over from Pieter Bosma as choir conductor. It was the first time several new choir members performed for the Zen River Tutti Cantano concert. Myoho Roshi and the Zen River team prepared a meal for everyone for the festivities. What a lovely evening!
Arriving Soon
19/12/2024
“ShoSaiMyo: Vol. 1,” which was initially uploaded to Bandcamp in June, will be available on streaming platforms within the next week or two under Myoho Roshis artist name, Myōra. She photographed the small Kanzeon statue in the hatto, or main service hall, for the album cover. “ShoSaiMyo: Vol. 1” is expected to reach Spotify, Apple Music etc. in
the New Year, if not sooner. To support Zen River, download the tracks from Bandcamp to your devices.
Continued Window Works & Vents
09/12/2024
The new windows installed in December in the reception, Hojo and library, were first rendered on the inside by Taikan-san, then painted by our trusted painter, Steffen Buikema. Meanwhile, Jansen – the electrical company – installed a new vent system for the shower to prevent mould and for the office against printing fumes. The reception window also has new blinds to match the new frame!
Winter Ango, Shuso Kangen
23/11/2024
We are happy to announce that Niels Kangen van Henten is shuso (head monk) for the Winter Ango 2024-25.
Newsletter & Fundraiser
Fall Winter 2024
18/11/2024
Autumn Garden Works
04/11/2024
Falling leaves, apples and trees. Walnuts and ladders, gutters and branches. All in an autumn day’s garden work at Zen River.
The Art Part
01/11/2024
As you may know, Zen River focuses more on Art and Music as an element of our training. In line with this new element, we are pleased to announce the release of Tammy Myoho Roshi’s new acoustic album with sutras and dharanis. It has been expertly produced by Painted Sky Studios using a Fleetwood Mac-inspired soundscape! Proceeds from downloads will go towards the Zen River monastic scholarship fund.
Visit Larry Fuho Sensei
01/11/2024
Zen River was happy to welcome Larry Fuho Trussell Sensei. Fuho Sensei is a lay dharma successor of Jan Chozen Bays Rohi, Great Vow monastery in Oregon, US. While here, he gave an inspiring talk about his life and training practice.
Window Replacement Continues
25/10/2024
The ongoing years-long project to replace all the windows with double-glazed windows continues.
The construction company de Boer replaced almost all windows in living areas. Still to go are the windows in the corridors and the window extension in the reception roof. The reception window weighed over 300 kg and needed some helping hands to move it into place!
Zen River Movie Reel
30/09/2024
Willy Bunan Combe, from the Zen River Lima group led by Ryusho Sensei, made this reel while at Zen River. Enjoy!
Sacred Mischief Workshop
30/09/2024
Zen River was happy to welcome professional clown Moshe Coen for a Sacred Mischief workshop. There was lots of bodywork, lightness and playfulness.
Jukai Ceremony for Zen River Lima group
26/09/2024
The Jukai Ceremony at Zen River for members of the Zen River Lima (Peru) group. Congratulations!Maria Belen Genjin 元仁 Mejia (Benevolence), Miguel Gennai 玄内 Le Goff (Inner Mystery), Mar Aigo 愛語 Hernandez (Loving Speech), Willy Bunan 不難 Combe (No Difficulties). They came with Ryusho Sensei, flying in from different countries including Bolivia, Colombia, Lima, and Barcelona. Seven Zen Y Vida group members from Madrid, led by Juancho Calvo, also joined. It was a colourful week!
Window Repair and Renovation
25/09/2024
Double glazing and window renovations in windows and glass doors continue at Zen River. Even with so many windows already replaced, there is still a long way to go. Bouwbedrijf de Boer are busy working to get things done!
Lay Head Monk – Hossenshiki 2024
26/08/2024
For the Summer Month long sesshin this year, Tenkei Roshi requested Rian Chân Không van Erp to take on the position of Lay Shuso this time. She is a senior student of Meindert Musho van den Heuvel Roshi who teaches at ‘Zen in de Roos’ in Amsterdam. Congratulations!
Summer Month Long 2024
12/08/2024
The summer month-long was a full house this year. There were also Zoom talks given by Prof Layne Little from UC Davis California, Roshis Jikyo Miller from San Diego, and Tenshin Fletcher from Yokoji, California, plus an in-person talk by Dr. Han de Wit, a student of Trungpa Rinpoche and a well-known Dutch author.
Young Minds Seminar 2024
11/07/2024
Teaching of the Great Mountain
Now available on all Amazon storefronts. A reprinted hardcover version from the original Teaching of the Great Mountain, by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. It was first published by Tuttle in 2001. The text was transcribed, compiled and formatted by Tenkei Coppens from talks given by Maezumi Roshi in the UK in the 80’s.
ShoSaiMyo
June 24 2024
On June 24 2024, after a year of production, a new album of sutras created by Tammy Myoho Gabrysch and produced by Brad Stock at Painted Sky Studios is now available on Bandcamp. And on September 6, a teaser for the forthcoming Unplugged album was released, see below. Enjoy listening! Proceeds will support the Zen River scholarship fund.
White Plum Meeting, June 20-23, 2024
During the White Plum meeting in five different temples across Europe, the UK, and the USA, Zen River was invited to officiate the Memorial Service for Maezumi Roshi, with music and slideshows.
Visit Zen River Madrid
Zazenkais at Zen River Madrid, Manzanares el Real; Villa Milagros, & Zen Y Vida Madrid
15/06/2024
Spring Summer Newsletter 2024
newsletter-05-24.03
Jukai Ceremony
01/05/2024
At the end of the Sakura Spring Sesshin, Alessandro Shindō 深堂 (Profound/deep Temple) Tesolin, and Juancho Kozan 古山 (Ancient Mountain) Calvo both received Jukai from Tenkei Roshi. Congratulations!
Dharma Ancestor Service
01/05/2024
An evening service for our Dharma ancestors, Maezumi Roshi and Hojosan was held in the Buddha Grove.
Wat Buddhavihara Temple in Purmerend
20/04/2024
Last year, the new temple of Wat Buddhavihara was inaugurated in Purmerend, The Netherlands. On April 20th, the B.U.N. (Buddhist Union Netherlands) was invited there – for a workshop on the theme othe f diversity of Buddhism in the Netherlands – and again celebrate this auspicious occasion for the Thai community. As an active member of the B.U.N. Tenkei Roshi was invited to give one of several short introductory speeches. The afternoon was followed by a General Members Meeting.
Spring arrives at Zen River
19/04/2024
