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 of Events

June 27 Zazenkai, led by Jifu
August 1 Zazenkai, led by Senko
September 5 Zazenkai, led by Senko
October 3 Zazenkai, led by Senko
October 31 Zazenkai, led by Senko
December 5 Zazenkai, led by Senko

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.

  Monthly membership (incl. access to daily meditations & monthly studyclasses) €40
  One-time participation €10
  Sunday morning free
  Introduction Hour (weekly ongoing classes, subscription for 8 sessions) €50
  City sesshin (with accommodation for 2 nights) €90
  City sesshin (without accommodation) €50

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