A First Visit
Everything you need to know before coming to Zen River
Welcome to Zen River
Whether you are completely new to Zen or already have meditation experience, you are welcome to visit. You don’t need to know the forms or understand Zen practice beforehand. We will guide you and help you find your way. Most important is a willingness to learn.
01.
When to visit
For a first visit, it is best to start with one of our retreats – a Gyōji Week or Sesshin. During these weeks, we give an introduction to our style of Zen practice.
Arrival for the instructions is always between 11 & 12 a.m. on the first day of the retreat. A resident will be there to welcome you.
Sunday Open Evening
Every Sunday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, we open the temple up for a tour, public service, and meditation afterwards. Anyone is welcome.
Guided Tour
We regularly give tours to schools, companies or other groups. If you are interested, please feel welcome to contact us.
02.
What to bring
- Please bring a pair of indoor slippers and outdoor shoes. Also bring rough clothing for outdoor work
- Wear appropriate attire for sitting meditation: robes, samue or modest, long-sleeved, dark coloured top with shirt-style collar and long, loose dark-coloured trousers. Please do not wear T-shirts, plunging necklines or shorts.
- Bring an alarm clock and personal toiletries.
- Do not forget your curious and inquisitive mind.
- If you follow a special diet for medical reasons only, please let us know beforehand. Main dishes are all vegetarian and lactose-free.
03.
What not to bring
- Food and bedding is provided.
- Meditation cushions, benches, chairs and support cushions are available at the temple.
- Please leave your strong ideas about Zen practice at the gate.
What does a day at Zen River look like?
Details vary depending on the day
Wake Up at 5 a.m.
☼
Morning
Zazen – Service – Work
❧
Afternoon
Study / Zazen / Work
☾
Evening
Zazen – Service
Lights Out at 10 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zen River is located here.
Zen River can easily be reached by public transport. From Amsterdam, take the train to Groningen and then take the train to Uithuizen. This is the website for the Dutch public transport: https://www.ns.nl/ .
From Uithuizen-station it is a 15-minute walk to the temple. If you are less mobile or otherwise unable to walk to the temple, we are happy to pick you up by car.
No, you don’t need meditation experience. Though, without meditation experience, it’s better to start with a Gyōji Week rather than a sesshin. Not only do we begin the week with a Guided Meditation, but there is less meditation throughout the week.
We have shared rooms with two beds. There is a few single rooms that can be reserved in case of an urgent reason – we do not cater to personal preferences.
Main meals are vegetarian and lactose-free. However, some side dishes may contain dairy products. If you follow a special diet for medical reasons only, please contact the office. We do not cater to personal preferences.
Although we do not recommend it, it is allowed to use your phone in your room, as long as you don’t disturb your roommate. However, we do not use phones in communal areas. And due to thin walls, we only make calls outside of the Temple grounds.
The contributions vary per event. For a full list of contributions, please consult this page: Contributions
Plan a visit
