Meditating on the ‘terp’

‘Wierde’ or ‘terp’ is the word for a mound or small hill that ancient people build to keep their feet dry. A bit later sanctuaries and churches were typically build on them. There are a number of them in the north of the Netherlands. The Buddhawierde is a retreat centre on the one in Usquert, opposite of the church.

It is placed in a quiet street, with friendly neighbours and playing children, a car crawling by about five times a day, and possibly the sound of a lawnmower of something like that. 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 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.