NL >

Mind Ground

Zen in Amsterdam-Zuid
and De Pijp

"I encourage you. Please enjoy this wonderful life together.
Appreciate the world of
just this!" 1
Taizan Maezumi Roshi

About Mind Ground

Welcome to Mind Ground. In our introductory courses, you’ll learn step by step the basics of Zen meditation (zazen). Join our weekly or monthly sessions to practice together in non-doing – and gradually discover the value of this centuries-old practice in your daily life.

Who is this for?

Is meditation new to you? Then start with an introductory course. You will have plenty of opportunity to practice and ask questions.

Do you already have experience with a form of Buddhist meditation? You will probably fit in easily with the evening sitting and the zazenkais. If you’re unsure, please send an email first to discuss.

Are you advanced on the spiritual path? At Mind Ground, you deepen and consolidate your practice during weekly and monthly gatherings in small groups with like-minded people.

Introduction Course

Wed 7.30-9 p.m., start Sep 30th 2026
Over eight evenings, you will learn the basics of Zen meditation. Afterwards, you can join the follow-up introductory course. more information >

With sufficient registrations. Cost: €125. Sign up >

Evening Sitting

Wed 6-8 p.m., Thu 7.30-9.30 p.m.
During these gatherings, we sit for two periods of twenty-five minutes each. Afterwards, there is a short service and a dharma talk.
Sign up >

Zazenkai - Just Sitting

Every first Saturday of the month, 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.

During the zazenkais, we sit for five periods of twenty-five minutes, alternated with walking meditation and a break of about half an hour.
Sign up >

Cost

Attendance is by voluntary donation. We invite you to contribute whatever feels possible and right for you — any amount is welcome.

Location

Mind Ground
250 meters from the De Pijp metro and tram stop
with metro 52 (the North-South line), tram 12 and 25.

Contact & Information

The gatherings are guided by Virya Sensei.
More information? Email Virya Sensei >

We usually follow the school holiday schedule for Region North >

About Virya Sensei

Virya Heijman Sensei became a student of Tenko Roshi in 2001. In 2017, she received dharma transmission from him. This authorized her to teach and to continue the Zen tradition. Subsequently, she taught at the Yoga Academie Nederland and Zen Centrum Amsterdam. In 2024, she founded Zen center Mind Ground, where she is now active as a spiritual leader and teacher. She is supported in this by Tenshin Fletcher Roshi, abbot of Yokoji - Zen Mountain Center.

White Plum Asanga

Virya Sensei is a member of White Plum Asanga, an umbrella organization of teachers in the tradition of the Japanese-American Zen master Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi Roshi.

Ethical Code

At Mind Ground, we follow the ethical code of the White Plum Asanga.