Zen can be practised in different ways. It can be mainly aimed at physical and mental health without giving insight into the essence of existence and the nature of the self.
Other forms of Zen practice take instead of Buddhism other philosophies or forms of religion as a frame of reference.

We practise Zen in such a way that intuitive wisdom and compassion, so called prajna and karuna, can develop hand in hand. We aim at making Zen practice as accessible as possible; at the same time we keep up many forms and Zen rituals of the Zen Buddhist tradition. Besides that, in many of the outer forms our Japanese-Vietnamese background shines through.

The International Zen Institute offers a variety of Zen practice programs for both beginning and advanced practitioners. We practice in different countries, cultures and with the guidance of different teachers and meditation leaders. To give you an idea of our practice, we will describe the program of our main center, the International Zen Center Noorder Poort.

Training period
Training periods offer a unique opportunity for intensive Zen practice. Of course, it is possible to participate in just a part of a period. Yet, Jiun, Roshi strongly recommends to sometimes practice a longer period of time intensively.

Sesshin
Sesshin are the traditional Zen retreats during which we meditate intensively in strict silence. Zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation) are the basic practices. Jiun Hogen Roshi gives a teisho or Dharma talk. In all sesshin individual guidance is offered for the meditation practice and specifically for koan practice. Meditation with a koan is a typical practice of the Linchi (Rinzai) Zen school. Jiun Hogen Roshi is a Zen master in the Linchi tradition and is authorized to guide koan practice. Below you will find links to examples of the different sesshin schedules.

Go-sesshin
In the 5-days' go-sesshin (go = five) we practice several breathing meditations and we learn to deal with thoughts, feelings, emotions and pain. In order to meditate with koans we learn to develop energy (ki) and to direct our attention at one point. An alert and clear mind enables us to be in the here and now and to perceive the things as they are.
Schedule of a go-sesshin.

Dai-sesshin
In the 7 days' dai-sesshin (dai = great) the daily practice schedule is totally directed at koan meditation and the realization of our True Self. All practices, recitations, rituals come together in this sesshin; everything is used to develop an alert and fully conscious mind. The meals are served in oryoki style with Japanese eating bowls.
Schedule of a dai-sesshin.

Kokoro-sesshin
The kokoro-sesshin (kokoro = heart) is meant for experienced zen practitioners who, for whatever reason, prefer to participate in a less structured and yet full-fledged sesshin. The breaks are longer than in a regular sesshin and there are more possibilities for a personal filling-in. Previous participation in a dai-sesshin or go-sesshin is a prerequisite to participate in a kokoro-sesshin.
Schedule of a kokoro-sesshin.

Rohatsu-sesshin
The Rohatsu-sesshin is a very intensive dai-sesshin and is offered to experienced practitioners around december 8, Buddha's enlightenment day.
Schedule of rohatsu.

New Years Retreat
A sesshin that is centered around 'leaving no traces'. We enter the new year in zazen with 108 gongstrokes.

Attunement through the Body
The basis of this retreat is: body, breath, energy and mind as one. For our meditation practice it is important that we see these four elements as a coherent whole and that they are balanced. In addition to sitting and walking meditation we do several activities like qi gong, shiatsu (self treatment), relaxation and a concert with gongs and bells. Jiun Hogen Roshi prepares the meals and offers the possibility of individual consultation.
Schedule of attunement through the body.

Daily Life Retreat
These retreats offer meditation in the early morning and evening, periods of silence, work periods, a daily group discussion and interview with Jiun Hogen Roshi about the practice.

Family Zen Retreat
This is a Zen program for the whole family, parents as well as children. Drawing from many years of experience as a Zen teacher, mother, mediator and educator, Jishin Osho guides these days. We practice, work, play and talk around a Zen-Buddhist theme.

Memorial Service
A day in memory of Prabhasa Dharma, Zenji, the founder of our school and of Noorder Poort, who passed away May 24, 1999. A memorial service will be held at noon.

Zen Weekend
A Zen weekend offers a good opportunity to become silent and deepen our meditation. We practice mindfully together in silence in order to see what is right now. The teacher gives a Dharma talk and private interviews.

Zen day
A practice day with six zazen periods, walking meditation and a question and answer period with Jiun Hogen Roshi.

Introduction Day
Anshin, unsui and guide of the Dharma House Leeuwarden, introduces several forms of Zen practice and some Zen-Buddhist teachings. Also the way in which we practice Zen at Noorder Poort will be explained. Those who are interested can stay the next day for the Zen practice day with Jiun Hogen Roshi.

Study Weekends
In April 2007 Zen teacher Hogo will discuss several sayings and discussions of Zen master Mazu, who said: "You don't have to practice the Way. Just let go of all hindrances" with the participants. Mazu and his contemporary Shitou had a great influence on the development of Zen.
In October 2007 we'll look into the saying of Master Mazu, "Apart from mind, no Buddha; apart from Buddha, no mind." There is a Zen tradition that says everything is mind. This comes from the Yogacara school in India. In this weekend we will study this school and read the 'Thirty Verses' of Vasubandhu.

Meditative Archery
Lieven Ostyn, a Belgian medical doctor, developed this very accessible form of archery, active meditation with the help of arrow and bow, to support healing and awakening. A simple hand bow is used at short distance. This is not Japanese archery and therefore the participants don't need special skills or experience. Every shot brings us closer to the real goal: to be really present for that which appears.

Sonrizas y Lagrimas
Eduardo will encourage the clown in us to awaken through exercises. The goal of this seminar is to discover the playful side of ourselves, which enables us to spontaneously and directly respond to what this moment presents to us.

Work Practice Days
During these days we meditate several times a day. During the day we work on projects in and around the house and you may experience how meditation and work are related to each other. At the same time this is a wonderful opportunity to give your services to the center.

Zen Course
The weekly classes are meant to encourage meditation and deepen our practice. Please, contact our office for the exact dates and cost.

Guest Resident Program
On days that there is no retreat it is possible to participate in the daily practice and work at Noorder Poort, as a guest resident. This is a nice way to get to know the center and its residents.

Open House
From 10.00 in the morning till 4.00 in the afternoon the door is open for visitors.

Zen Groups
Those who want to start with Zen can contact our Zen center Noorder Poort or one of our Zen teachers or groups.

The agenda of the Noorder Poort.
A survey of local zen groups.