About...
...this website
„Studying Zen Buddhism means studying the self.
Eihei Dogen Zenji, 1233
To study the self is to forget the self.
To forget the self is to be enlightened by the ten thousand things (dharmas).“
On this website we deal with the Study of the „self“ from the perspective of Zen Buddhism as we have learned it from our teachers since the 1980s and tested it over the last 30 years.
The aim of the study is to live an enlightened life: To reduce suffering and to act in a healing way appropriate to the situation at hand. It is about creating joy and space for ourselves and the beings around us in a challenging world - and appreciating our lives.
Since we all have a „self“ that can be investigated and studied, for each Zen Buddhism to the reader. This website aims to awaken and deepen this understanding.
We will focus on two areas of Zen study in particular:
1. the Meditation, that gives strength;
2. the Insight, that allows us to experience the power of meditation in Action implement.
Neither an eagle nor an insect can fly with only one wing: Meditation and insight are the two wings we need to translate the power of Zen into healing action.
We promise to be clear and precise at all times - in lectures as well as in the Dharma blog and in the members' area. Boredom should not arise and we will not waste the listener's and reader's time.
About...
...the Kanzeon team
Some of us have been with Kanzeon Sangha Deutschland e.V. since its foundation - we all have many years of experience with Kanzeon Sangha. We make sure that the Zendo is always open, we give the time with the bells and guidance for new participants. We take on positions in the Zendo, give introductions - and as a board team we take care of all the tasks that an association demands.
It will take a while - but then we will introduce ourselves here.
About...
...Jikishin Sensei
All photos: Laura Boschke
Sensei's „civil“ name is Christian von Wolkahof; his Buddhist name is Jikishin. He is the father of three sons, an architect and ordained Zen monk, teacher and Line holder (Sensei) of the Japanese Soto School in the White Plum Line from Hakuju Taizan Maezumi, Roshi and Dennis Genpo Merzel, Roshi. He has been a student of Genpo Roshi since 1989. As co-founder of the Kanzeon Sangha Germany and the Kanzeon Zen Center Düsseldorf he managed the center until the end of 2007 - together with his then wife Marci Forand.
From 2008 onwards, the family lived for five years with their two children at the „Kanzeon Zen Center International“ (Hosshinji Temple) in Salt Lake City, USA. Under the direction of Abbot Genpo Merzel Roshi, they were responsible for training the resident monks, nuns and lay people.
Sensei's interest is in translating the ancient - partly monastic - principles of Zen into modern language, western lifestyle and northern climate.
Today he lives as an employee of the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, as a Family man and Zen teacher in Düsseldorf. With the experience of his monastic training, he seeks - together with Kanzeon Sangha - to combine Zen Buddhist principles into a lively and meaningful practice.
About...
...Senseis‘ offers
When he started zazen (sitting meditation) in 1988, it was not easy to find companions on this sometimes rocky, sometimes foggy path - let alone a Zen teacher as a Mountain guide. Today he is a mountain guide himself and offers short and long trips through the terrain:
- Personal consultation (once or twice)
- Personal support (longer term)
- Zen Teaching, lectures and „workshops“
- Regular Zazen (Zen meditation)
- Zazenkai (individual Zen days)
- Sesshin / Retreat (2 - 5 days)
- Rituals and ceremonies of the White Plum line the Soto Zen School
If you have any questions Contact up!
About...
...Senseis‘ dates
Jikishin Sensei teaches regularly, twice a month, lessons in the canteen Zen Center Düsseldorf, The Kanzeon Zen Center is open all year round on Sundays and Wednesdays for Zen meditation and he is there almost every time.
Several times a year he will be in Görlitz in the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion or lead retreats at other locations.
Upcoming dates with Jikishin Sensei (Zazen & Dharma) at the Kanzeon Zen Center Düsseldorf. The dates take place in the Zen Center Duesseldorf and will also take place in the Online Zendo streamed via Zoom.
Zazen & Dharma on Sunday evening
Zen Center Düsseldorf - OnlineZazen & Dharma on Wednesday evenings
Zen Center Düsseldorf - Online
Informations
Newsletter
Would you like to be kept up to date about our events? Then please sign up for our newsletter here.
