5-Day Sesshin · Only Buddha Recognizes Buddha · August 25 - 29

5-Day Sesshin 

Only Buddha Recognizes Buddha

August 25 - 29, 2025

Amsterdam Zen Center

Only a Buddha can know a Buddha. Just as only a fish knows the heart of a fish and only a bird follows a bird's trace, no one but a Buddha can discern the heart of a Buddha. Only a Buddha can transmit to a Buddha, as only a Buddha can receive from a Buddha. Ordinary people cannot know the heart of a Buddha, just as humans cannot know the hearts of either fish or birds. If you want to be completely free and at peace, you must fully clarify this point. A Buddha cannot transmit the Dharma to an ordinary person, just as an ordinary person is not ready to receive the transmission from a Buddha. Until you have realized your own unborn Buddha-mind and the Buddha-mind of all ancestors, you will not be an empty vessel. Few really understand this principle. Those who do are indeed rare.

— Genpo Roshi 

"Beyond Sanity & Madness" 

Location: Amsterdam Zen Center

Binnenkant 39, 1011 BM Amsterdam, The Netherlands

We invite you to arrive before 10:00 AM to find a seat. Coffee and tea will be available prior to sitting periods. 

Attire: No special attire requirements. Consider wearing something comfortable for sitting. 

Meals: Lunch will be provided. 

Daily Schedule:

9:30                     Doors Open 

10:00 – 10:35      Zazen 

10:35 – 10:45      Kinhin

10:45 – 11:00      Service

11:00 – 11:15      Break

11:15 – 1:15        Big Mind with Roshi

1:15 — 1:45        Break/Samu

1:45 — 3:00        Lunch (meal provided), Break & Samu

3:00 — 4:50        Zazen/Dokusan 

4:50 — 5:00        Four Vows 

Please direct questions to Chet at chet@bigmind.org.

Western Zen Path Participants please email Chet to reserve and confirm your space. 

Limited Attendance - 45 Max Participants