Tendai Europe

The philosophy and doctrines of Tendai Buddhism originates with the Chinese T’ien-t’ai school, but was brought to Japan by the 8th century monk, Saicho.

It is also now present in the West. Tendai Buddhist Institute in the US is the ordination platform for priests in America and Europe.

Most of the European Tendai sanghas are organized under Tendai Buddhist Institute, and offers meditation services, celebration of traditional Buddhist holidays, retreats (see below) and other activities.

Why is Tendai so unique, compared to the many other Buddhist schools present in the West? The answer is obvious – to us. We enjoy the inclusiveness of the One Vehicle. All the many teachings and practice-forms joined together in the Ekayana: the One Vehicle to the enlightenment of the Buddha.

There are Tendai sanghas in Europe who distribute newsletters, maintain web sites, offer services and instructions, and keep libraries of important Buddhist texts.

Retreat

We will be hosting a spring retreat in Denmark from May 10th 4pm to  May 12th 4pm at the Dharma center

Tendai Dharma Center
Gulbjergvej 40
3660 Stenløse

The theme of the retreat will be  ‘personal practice’.  At this retreat the Dharma center offers the frames, it is the participants that will bring the content. We will  immerse ourselves in our personal practice for many hours each day, alternating with discussions and exchanges of experience. The idea is that we will support and inspire each other, and maybe try out practices that are unknown to us.

The cost of the retreat is 400 ddk for paying members of Tendai Denmark (minimum 6 months prior fixed payment), and 700ddk for others. If you have difficulty finding the financial means to participate, you can write to us at info@tendai.dk and hear about our special discounts. In the price are course materials, all meals, and an offer of accommodation. Some choose to go home to sleep, and a few have previously chosen to spend the night at a nearby hotel. Accommodation on site is, as always, in somewhat spartan conditions. If you want to take advantage of the offer, please notify it immediately upon registration.

This retreat will be announced in both Denmark and England, which means that it very quickly can become full. Therefore, we urge that you register as soon as possible.

Registration is done by sending an email to info@tendai.dk and pay a deposit of  50% of the retreat price (200/350 ddk) on our account at Eik Bank: reg. 6610 Account 2779097, clearly marked ‘RETREAT’.

Please note that registration is binding, and that the deposit will NOT be refunded if you opt out , regardless of the circumstances.