Year-Round Daily Programme

Throughout the year, long-term and short-term residents follow an ongoing programme. The varied rhythm of meditation, work, study and other activities help to integrate Zen practice in the fabric of everyday life. Everybody is welcome to join—also in between Sesshins—for a weekend or longer, preferably arriving on a Saturday. You can find the calendar here.

First-time participants

Newcomers are expected to attend a Gyoji (lit. continuous practice) week or sesshin first by way of introduction. After completing such a week, they can participate in all scheduled activities. Gyoji weeks feature the regular daily schedule, and give newcomers and old-timers a chance to meet and learn together in an atmosphere that is less formal than during Sesshin. You can find our retreat calendar here.

Free Introductory Evening

Every Sunday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, newcomers are welcome to join a temple tour, public service, and the meditation afterwards. In this way, visitors can get to know Zen River in a very accessible manner. You can register here.

Gyōji Week & Regular Daily Schedule

05:25 Wake up
06:00 Zazen
07:30 Morning Service
08:00 Breakfast (oryoki)
09:30 Samu
12:50 Noon Service
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Rest
16:30–17:50 — see below
18:00 Supper
19:30 Zazen
21:15 Four Vows
21:45 Lights out

Saturday: 16:30 Sutra Reading class
Sunday: 11:30 Study class / 16:30 Zazen / 19:00 Public Service
Monday: 16:30 Individual practice / 19:30 Zazen; River of Zen continuation class – by announcement
Tuesday: 16:30 Individual practice.
Wednesday: 16:30 Zazen / 19:30 Zazen; Right Speech Class

The schedule may change depending on the circumstances.