english

Zen Centrum Amsterdam

Zen Centrum Amsterdam offers a place to meditate in the morning (except on Sundays), throughout the year, and on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. On Wednesday evening the Dharma talk is in English. On the other evenings the Dharma talk and service are in Dutch. On all evenings you have the opportunity of a formal, individual interview (daisan) with a Zen teacher in English.

Schedule

The mornings and Friday evenings are free of charge. A small donation is welcome. A subscription for weekly attendance on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening is possible. The suggested donation is € 50 per month. On Wednesday the dharmatalk is in English.

  • Mon to Sun 8-9 a.m.
  • Monday 8-10 p.m., led by Lolit Abhaya Sensei.
  • Tuesday 8-10 p.m., led by Joke Dajun Roshi, Lolit Abhaya Sensei, Marieke Virya Sensei.
  • Wednesday 6-9.45 p.m., led by Marieke Virya Sensei. In English.
  • Thursday 7.30-9.15 p.m., led by Julia Jinne Sensei.
  • Friday 8-9.40 p.m., without guidance.

Every second Saturday of the month there is an open sitting gathering (zazenkai) from 9.30-12.30 a.m.. led by Marieke Virya Sensei. Just sitting, without service and dharmatalk. Registration is not required.

If you want to join the regular gatherings on Wednesday at 6 PM we require you to be familiar with (Buddhist) meditation. Otherwise its best to join the Introductory Gatherings first. In both cases contact the secretary to register. If you have questions you can email Virya Sensei.

Introduction

Series of introductory meetings Zen meditation start all through the year on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening from 6.00 till 7.30 p.m. or 8.30 till 9.15 p.m. The series are in Dutch. Individual guidance in English is possible in all series.

Introductory Morning Zen Meditation

A couple of introductory mornings are held all through the year. Some in Dutch, some in English. The following English mornings are planned:

2023

  • Sat Sep 30 2023 - 9.30-12.30 a.m. - led by Marieke Virya Sensei - English.

2024

  • Sat Jan 20 2024 - 9.30-12.30 a.m. - led by Marieke Virya Sensei - English.
  • Sat April 20 2024 - 9.30-12.30 a.m. - led by Marieke Virya Sensei - English.

If you want to join, please email the secretary.

Teachings

Teachings are given by Nico Tenko Roshi, Joke Dajun Roshi, Lolit Abhaya Sensei, Marieke Virya Sensei en Julia Jinne Sensei. In January  2019 Nico Tenko Roshi transmitted the spiritual leadership of the sangha to these four senseis.

International Sangha

Zen Centrum Amsterdam is part of the international Kanzeon Sangha, with Zen groups in various European countries and in the United States. Headquarters of the international Kanzeon Sangha is the Kanzeon Zen Center Utah in Salt Lake City, USA. Genpo Merzel Roshi is its spiritual leader. In 2004 Niko Tenko Roshi received Shiho (Dharma transmission) from Genpo Roshi, and in 2018 the final seal of approval, Inka.

Contact

For more information about the Amsterdam Zen centre, please contact the secretary T (06) 33 00 25 33. See Contact for details about the location.

For more information about the international Kanzeon Sangha, visit the website Big Mind.