A two day workshop with Bernd Bender Saturday–Sunday, November 14–15, 2026 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. each day Saikenji Zen Temple Athens “The zazen I speak of is not learning meditation. It is simply the doorway to rest and joy.”—Zen master Dogen What does it actually mean to “just sit”? Shikantaza (Zazen), often translated as “just sitting,” is one of the simplest instructions in Zen practice—and at the same time one of the most subtle. If we are not trying to concentrate on a particular object, control our thoughts, or achieve a special meditative state, how do we actually practice? What are…

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KOTEN ROSHI SESSHIN SAIKENJI ATHENS 1 – 5 OCTOBER 2026 We are pleased to announce the sesshin with Koten Roshi, which will take place at Saikenji in Athens from Thursday, October 1 to Monday October 5, 2026. The sesshin is done in silence, without cell phones, laptops, books, etc. During the practice, we follow the daily schedule of Hosshinji Monastery which is attached below. Also, meals are done in the traditional monastic way using oryoki. Priority for participation is given to monks, Bodhisattvas, and then places are allocated according to the order of registration. In the event that all available places are filled, a waiting list will be maintained, and…

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A Zen seminar with Bernd Bender November 8-9, 2025 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Athens Zen Center, Keramikos In Buddhism, we often hear that there is no self. And yet, the Buddha also taught that there is a self. Did he contradict himself? No, he was pointing to a complex issue in practice. We all grasp an independent, autonomous self. This grasping exists, but not what we are grasping. As long as we fail to recognize this, we create suffering for ourselves and others. But of course, there is a self – a self that is interdependent, that arises and…

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During a typical Zen Day (10:00 – 18:00) we have 6 Zazen periods with Kinhin (meditative walking) in between, and a discussion amongst practitioners. You should arrive at Zen Center strictly by 10:10. After zazen starts, and once the door to Zendo is closed, you will not be able to enter. The lunch break takes place at Zen Center in silence and is an important part of the practice. During the meal, participants are introduced to and learn the traditional way of eating practiced in Zen monasteries in Japan, using Oryoki. During the majority of the Zen Days we have the…

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The sesshin with Okumura Roshi at Zen Center Athens will take place from 6-9.3.2020.  During all  sesshins we follow the program of Hosshinji monastery in Japan. The participants can arrive on Friday 6.3 from 17.00 to 20.00, the latest. During the sesshin you will stay in the zendo of Zen Center Athens from Friday 6.3 to Monday 9.3 at 12:00. Sesshins are practice periods done in silence, without cell phones, laptops, books, etc. This intensive practice is recommended for those who have already been  in contact with Zen and want to deepen their practices. Participants will also have the opportunity…

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