Where the concierge points people first
- Shambhala Meditatie Centrum — Part of the international Shambhala network, with open sitting sessions alongside courses. A gentle place to begin if you have never sat before. (52.3575, 4.8872)
- Zen.nl Amsterdam — A Dutch Zen school running courses and sittings in the city. Posture and silence are taken seriously; arrive on time. (52.3575, 4.9323)
- Nyingma Centrum Nederland — A centre in the Tibetan Nyingma tradition, with meditation, study and events. Some sessions are in Dutch, so ask before you go. (52.3640, 4.8961)
- Sahaja Yoga Nederland — Holds meditation classes that are free of charge, which is part of the movement's own practice rather than an offer. (52.3441, 4.9218)
The rest of the meditation centres in Amsterdam — every one we hold
- Anke Wijnja (52.3935, 4.9105)
- Beyond Mindfulness Amsterdam (52.3522, 4.8486)
- Dao Yin Yangsheng Gong (52.3498, 4.8935)
- Het Oog van de Orkaan (52.3496, 4.8748)
- Pranic Studio (52.3514, 4.8637)
- Rudolfo’s Life Coach Amsterdam (52.3404, 4.8703)
- Tantra practice Wilde Ziel (52.3898, 4.8514)
- Temple of Happiness (52.3903, 4.8509)
- The Meditation Cafe (52.3846, 4.8695)
- Vipassana Meditatiecentrum Dhammadipa (52.3473, 4.9080)
- Y&D Group for Awareness & Health (52.3649, 4.9281)
- Zen Center Amsterdam (52.3729, 4.9056)
- Zen Dojo Amsterdam Gyo Kai (52.3892, 4.8901)
- Zenatelier de Zamenhof (52.3869, 4.9310)
Look for the introduction evening, and pay by donation where asked
Most Amsterdam meditation groups run two tiers: regular sittings for people who already know the form, and introduction evenings or short beginners' courses for everyone else. Turning up cold to an advanced sitting is the one way to have an awkward evening. Plenty of teaching is in Dutch, but many centres run English sessions or will switch if asked. Buddhist centres often work on a donation basis (dana), so bring a little cash for the bowl. Wear something loose, take your shoes off at the door and switch your phone fully off.
Ask NUM for a drop-in meditation session in English in Amsterdam
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