Zen Peacemakers Lage Landen (Low Countries)

Zen Peacemaker Affiliate

OUR MISSION is, like ZP International, to support, inspire, train and mobilize a world-wide movement of members and affiliates conducting humanitarian, peace-building, social and civic action based on the Zen Peacemakers’ Three Tenets: Not Knowing, Bearing Witness and Taking Action.

Tell us a bit about how your group was concieved
The ZPLL was founded in the spring of 2013 by a number of Buddhist practitioners from different traditions. It wants to organize itself as a regional ZP-Circle, of which the Flemish Zen teacher Frank De Waele Roshi and Irene Bakker are 'spirit holders'.

Tell us about one exciting project, program, or other offering you are currently working on.
Goddamn girls* and devoted aunts weekend spirituality – gender – social engagement Spirituality that stimulates social engagement: that is the main theme of the Zen Peacemakers. From March 11 to 13, 2022, we as Zen Peacemakers Lage Landen are organizing a weekend in the Lioba Monastery in which we recognize and experience our legacy from other times. We explore the themes of engaged spirituality in Christianity and Buddhism such as: Vows, Vocation and Devotion, Gender and Hierarchy, Commitment to all living things. We focus the spotlight on women in Zen Buddhism and on the female religious congregations that have set up education, care for the sick, care for the elderly and social work in the Netherlands and in Africa. We highlight their dedication and consider our own commitment. Program: Frank De Waele Roshi interprets the female line in Zen, Diana Vernooij follows in the footsteps of her devoted aunts the vocation of active religious congregations, Annemie Vercouter talks about Hildegard von Bingen.

How do the Three Tenets inform your social engagement?
The individual involved in the Zen Peacemakers Low Countries express their social commitment (as a volunteer or as a professional) in various fields. The Zen Peacemakers integrate the 3 intentions (not knowing, recognizing what is and action) in their lives and in their (volunteer) work. For example, they commit themselves concretely as volunteers in the care of the dying and working with prisoners, the homeless and refugees, in interfaith action and care for the environment. They support each other in their work through meetings with listening circles and other group activities. At the end of 2015, the Zen Peacemakers Low Countries officially became a denomination.

What is the most meaningful challenge your organization Faces?
Succeeding in our mission by smart collaboration within the international community. Ensuring that we share the thoughts and teachings of the Zen Peacemakers with others in a relatively simple way, as part of our daily routine.

For more information: info@zenpeacemakers.nl

Our Website: https://zenpeacemakers.nl

Zen Peacemakers Lage Landen (Low Countries) -

Belgium