Introduction

Introduction 1 – Getting Acquainted

If you have little to no experience with zazen (Zen meditation), we will teach you the basic principles over six sessions using guided meditations. We will focus on:

• Your posture,

• Awareness of your breathing and how it nourishes your entire body,

• How to remain both relaxed and alert during meditation,

• The different phases you can go through during your meditation.

We’ll speak about  how meditation can influence your daily life. There will be ample opportunity for questions and sharing experiences. You will also receive exercises to practice at home. During these six course sessions, we will use texts and stories from Buddhist masters.

Donation: 70 euros, see Financial Information

Introduction 2 – Continuation

If you have completed the first introduction course or have already gained considerable experience with zazen elsewhere, this next series of sessions will familiarize you with the regular practice at our center.

Each session begins with a guided meditation, followed by a Q&A session on zazen and your home practice. You will be introduced to kinhin (walking meditation), 25-minute silent meditation periods, and the forms we follow in the zendo (meditation hall).

We conclude each session with dharma teachings based on short fundamental Buddhist texts, giving you a sense of how these teachings can inspire your daily life. This second introduction is a good preparation for transitioning to the regular sessions.

Tuesdays from 18:00 -19:30

January 7 to February 18

(no sessions on January 28)

Led by Sensei Jifu Vulink and Mathijs Gisei van Dijk

English spoken

Donation: 70 euros, see Financial Information