Meditating on the ‘terp’

Boeddhawierde (‘mound of Buddha’) is a retreat centre in Usquert, a tiny village in the North of the Netherlands. We offer retreats for beginners and experiences people. Our own starting point is Buddhism, but we are open to people of all beliefs.

Boeddhawierde can also be rented out to groups of up to 10 persons.

It is placed in a quiet street, opposite the church, with friendly neighbours and playing children, a car crawling by about three times a day, and possibly the sound of a lawnmower. So it is not completely silent, but still a very suitable place to meditate and calm down. At the rear is a beautiful garden, in which you can sit and where you are completely alone.

Around Usquert there is the dutch polder – flatter than flat. You can go for walks and explore the old local villages. It takes about an hour to walk to Noordpolderzijl, where the Waddensea begins.

Buddhism

Buddhism is a path of spiritual development that offers ways to change yourself so that qualities like mindfulness, kindness and wisdom can become part of your character.

In the course of the 25 centuries of it existence the buddhist tradition has created a treasure of resources for all those who wish to follow such a path—a path that ultimately culminates in awakening.

The basic tenets of buddhist teaching are straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible.

Buddhism is not aimed at a particular group or part of the world. Although its origins are in the east, it is a universal religion. Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of origin, gender, lifestyle, or whatever.