Zen in Northern Germany— What is Zen? Buddha’s teaching, practice of zazen, peace of mind, Soto Zen, Master Taisen Deshimaru, founding of the Association Zen Internationale, Zen Temple la Gendronnière — Dojos and Zen Groups in Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Flensburg, Neu Schönau (Mecklenburg) and Rostock

What is Zen?

The Beginning

The teaching of Buddha is lived experience. Buddha's intention was not to found a new religion but to help people to understand the origin of suffering and to liberate themselves from it. Zen is not a theory, not intellectual knowledge, but a practice: Zazen — correct sitting. Inner revolution arises from the practice of Zazen, profound wisdom whose essence cannot be fathomed by logical thought alone.

When our mind finds peace,
It disappears without a trace.

(from Shin Jin Mei, a verse collection entitled Faith in Mind, by Master Sosan, ?-606)

Master Deshimaru

Taisen Deshimaru came to Europe in 1967 to bring the teaching of the ancient masters, to make Zen as a practice accessible. He dedicated fifteen years to the spreading of Zen in Europe. Up to his death on the 30th April 1982 he had founded over one hundred dojos. He bequeathed the essence of his teaching to his disciples together with the task of spreading the message of Living Zen.

La Gendronnière

Master Deshimaru founded the Association Zen Internationale in 1970 with the aim of spreading the practice and teaching of Zen. The AZI is an association of more than two hundred dojos and zen groups around the world. Every year it organizes extended sessions of Practice (Sesshins) in the Zen Temple La Gendronnière in the Loire Valley, arranges seminars and produces publications. The AZI belongs to the “Soto-Zen” tradition and is recognized by the Japanese Zen authorities.