"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 or the zazenkais. If you’re unsure, please send an email first to discuss.
Are you (very) 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
Thu. 7.30-9 p.m., start Jan 8th 2026, not on Feb 26th.
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.
In Yogastudio Paul Braaksma.
Cost: €125. Sign up >
Follow-up Introduction Course
Thu 7.30-9 p.m., start March 12 2026, not on April 30.
Over eight evenings, you will deepen your Zen practice and learn more about the background of Zen Buddhism.
With sufficient registrations.
In Yogastudio Paul Braaksma.
Cost: €125. Sign up >
Evening Sitting
Wed 6-8 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.
Not on Dec. 24 and 31.
Cost: €12.50 per session, or €10 per session when purchasing a strip card. 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.
Not on Jan. 3 2026
Cost: €12,50 per session. Sign up >
Contact & Information
The gatherings are guided by Virya Sensei.
More information? Email Virya Sensei >
We usually follow the school holiday schedule for Region North >
Location
Ongoing group and zazenkais
Mind Ground
250 meters from the De Pijp metro and tram stop
with metro 52 (the North-South line), tram 3, 12, and 24.
Introductory Courses
Yogastudio Paul Braaksma
Rustenburgerstraat 233 hs.
Tram 4, 12 or metro 52, De Pijp stop. Ten minutes’ walk.
About Virya Sensei
Virya Heijman Sensei became a student of Nico 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 Asangha, an umbrella organization for 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 Asangha.