At Keiryuji

Keiryuji was founded as a place dedicated to the practice of Zen in the spirit of the traditional mountain hermitages: quiet places where practitioners can devote themselves wholeheartedly to meditation and the study of the Buddha Way.

With a small group of dedicated residents, we follow a steady daily programme consisting of zazen, Buddhist services, study, and samu (working together). The simplicity of temple life and the profound tranquillity of the surrounding mountains provide a strong foundation for personal retreat and residential training.

The remote setting of Keiryuji is not accidental. Away from the distractions and demands of modern life, the mountains invite a return to what is essential. The changing seasons, the silence of the forests, and the rhythm of daily life in nature support meditation and contemplative practice. In this way, the natural surroundings become an integral part of the training, inviting stillness, awareness, and a deeper appreciation of the Buddha Way.

Keiryuji is part of the White Plum Lineage and the Soto School. The abbot and teacher, Gakudo den Hollander Roshi, is a Dharma heir of Tenkei Coppens Roshi of Zen River in the Netherlands and is fully certified by the Japanese Soto School. Through this lineage, the temple continues the teaching tradition established by the late Taizan Maezumi Roshi.

The daily practice at Keiryuji has grown naturally from the simplicity of life in a remote mountain hermitage. Living close to nature and following the rhythm of daily temple life provides a supportive environment for sincere and wholehearted Zen practice. Because we welcome only a small number of practitioners at a time, each person's practice is shaped through close contact with the teacher.

Rather than following a fixed programme, each stay is developed together by the teacher and the practitioner, taking into account previous experience, current circumstances, and the practitioner's aspirations. The teacher has the final responsibility for determining the course of the practice.

A stay at Keiryuji is not simply a period of quiet rest. It is an opportunity to devote yourself wholeheartedly to Zen practice by participating in the daily rhythm of temple life.

Our daily schedule is as follows:

• 07:00 – Two periods of zazen (40 minutes each) with 10 minutes of kinhin between

• Morning Buddhist service

• Breakfast

• Dokusan during the second period of zazen

• 10:00–11:30 – Samu (work practice)

• Tea and coffee break

• Time for personal practice

• 13:30 – Lunch

• Rest or free time until 16:00

• Individual exercise (walking, running, etc.)

• 18:00 – Dinner

• 19:00 – Two periods of zazen (30 minutes each) with 10 minutes of kinhin between

• Evening Buddhist service and the Four Bodhisattva Vows

Participation in the complete daily schedule is an essential part of practice at Keiryuji. We therefore ask all guests to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the schedule throughout their stay.

Keiryuji currently offers two guest rooms. The limited number of places allows us to maintain an atmosphere of quiet practice, personal guidance, and close contact with the teacher and the resident community.

Our guest rooms are modest but comfortable, reflecting the simple lifestyle of our Zen hermitage. We hope this environment supports a wholehearted engagement with practice.

Bed linen, towels, and three vegetarian meals a day are provided.

For your stay, we recommend bringing:

• A headlamp or torch
• Shoes that are easy to slip on and off
• Sturdy walking or hiking shoes
• Comfortable clothes suitable for samu (work practice)
• A swimsuit, if you wish

Wireless internet is available, and laundry facilities can be used during longer stays.

If you have any questions about your stay or what to bring, please feel free to contact us.