StoneWater Zen Bolsover
Zen practice in Bolsover, Derbyshire
A place to practise together
Welcome to StoneWater Zen Bolsover
A local sitting group sharing the practice of Zen meditation in Bolsover, Derbyshire.
Every Monday, 7:00–9:00 pm · Bainbridge Hall
New to Zen? Start hereStoneWater Zen Bolsover
About Us
A space to be still.
Welcome to StoneWater Zen Bolsover, a local Zen Buddhist meditation group offering a peaceful and supportive space to practise together.
Whether you are completely new to meditation or have been practising for years, you are warmly invited to join us.
Through sitting meditation (zazen), we learn to be present with life as it is, cultivating awareness, compassion and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. You do not need to be Buddhist or hold any particular beliefs.
Our tradition
StoneWater Zen Bolsover is part of StoneWater Zen Sangha, in the lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi and under the guidance of David Keizan Scott Roshi. Our tradition draws on both Soto and Rinzai approaches to Zen.
Soto Zen — Gradual Awakening
Soto Zen emphasises shikantaza, or “just sitting”. Rather than seeking a particular experience, we allow understanding to deepen through continuous practice. For Dōgen, practice and awakening are not separate.
Rinzai Zen — Sudden Enlightenment
Rinzai Zen often emphasises direct insight into our true nature, sometimes experienced as kensho. Koan study can help challenge habitual ways of thinking and open the way to insight.
These are different emphases, not rigid divisions: both traditions value insight and lifelong practice.
Our shared purpose
StoneWater Zen Sangha’s official mission is to support and transmit Zen Buddhist practice through meditation, study, ethical precepts and welcoming centres of practice. Its official statement describes the Sangha’s foundation in Soto Zen; the wider teaching tradition also incorporates Rinzai methods.
“It is our wish to promote compassion and understanding for life as it is.”
StoneWater Zen Sangha mission statement
Read the full official mission statement ↗Under the guidance of Keizan Roshi
David Keizan Scott Roshi
Founder and teacher of StoneWater Zen Sangha
StoneWater Zen Bolsover practises under the guidance of Keizan Roshi, founder and spiritual guide of StoneWater Zen Sangha.
The main StoneWater site contains much more information about Keizan Roshi, StoneWater’s teachers, the wider sangha, Zen meditation, retreats and Buddhist practice.
Read about Keizan Roshi ↗Our group facilitator
Mark Kogen Shawcroft
Zen Buddhist monk & group facilitator
Mark began practising Zen in 2000, joined StoneWater Zen Sangha in 2009 and was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in 2019. He facilitates the Bolsover sitting group under the guidance of Keizan Roshi.
He welcomes both newcomers and experienced practitioners to share in the practice of zazen.
Read Mark’s biography ↗Beginning practice
New to Zen?
Every journey begins with a single step.
You don’t need to know anything about Zen or meditation to join us.
Whether you’re simply curious, seeking a little stillness in a busy life, or interested in exploring Buddhist practice, you are very welcome. There is nothing to achieve, no particular belief required and no expectation that you will know what to do.
What is Zen meditation?
At the heart of Zen practice is zazen, or sitting meditation. We sit quietly, aware of the present moment, without trying to stop our thoughts or achieve a particular state of mind. Over time, this can nurture greater awareness, patience and compassion in everyday life.
What happens when I come along?
Your first visit is an opportunity to experience Zen meditation for yourself. We’ll introduce you to the basics of sitting and help you find a comfortable posture, whether on a cushion or a chair.
Our sessions include periods of silent sitting meditation. You’re welcome to ask questions, and there is no pressure to participate beyond what feels comfortable.
“To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be Buddhist?
No. People of all faiths and none are welcome.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose-fitting black clothing is preferred if possible, though there is no rigid dress code.
What if I can’t sit on the floor?
You can sit on a chair. The important thing is a stable and comfortable position.
What if my mind keeps wandering?
That’s completely normal. Noticing that your mind has wandered is part of the practice.
Can I come on my own?
Of course. Many people attend their first session alone, and newcomers are warmly welcomed.
Come and sit with us
The best way to discover Zen is simply to experience it.
Find out about our sessions →Sitting together
Meditation Sessions
A time to sit, a space to practise together.
At StoneWater Zen Bolsover, we meet each week to practise zazen — the heart of Zen Buddhist meditation.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Community Centre, Chapel Road, Carr Vale, Bolsover, Derbyshire, S44 6PX
Directions ↗Visiting for the first time?
If you are new to StoneWater Zen Bolsover, please email Mark before attending so we can welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
Please arrive 10–15 minutes early for guidance in sitting meditation and time to settle in.
Email Mark →How to sit in zazen
There is no single posture that suits everyone. The important thing is to find a stable, upright position that lets you remain relaxed and attentive. All four of these approaches are welcome.
1. Full Lotus
Sit on a cushion with each foot resting on the opposite thigh. Keep your spine naturally upright. This traditional posture requires substantial flexibility: never force your knees or ankles.
2. Half Lotus
Rest one foot on the opposite thigh, with the other leg folded beneath. A suitably high cushion supports your hips. Choose a less demanding position if you feel knee or ankle strain.
3. Kneeling
Kneel with your lower legs folded beneath you, using a meditation bench or firm cushion to support your weight. This can be more comfortable than sitting cross-legged.
4. Sitting on a Chair
Use a firm chair with feet flat on the floor. Sit upright with relaxed shoulders and hands resting gently in your lap. Support your back or feet as needed.
Posture illustrations are simplified guides, not exact anatomical demonstrations. Adjust or change position if you experience pain.
A few simple pointers
Sit upright with the spine naturally extended and shoulders relaxed. Let your hands rest gently in your lap, keep your eyes softly open and lowered, and allow your breathing to be natural. When thoughts arise, notice them without following or pushing them away.
More meditation guidance on StoneWater Zen ↗“Think of not thinking. Not thinking — what kind of thinking is that? Nonthinking.”
We would love to hear from you
Get in Touch
Every journey begins with a single step.
Whether you’re new to Zen, interested in joining our sitting group, or have a question about the practice, please contact Mark Kogen Shawcroft. He’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you prepare for your first visit.
Where we meet
Bainbridge Hall Community Centre
Chapel Road, Carr Vale
Bolsover, Derbyshire S44 6PX
Mondays, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Get directions ↗If this is your first time, please email before attending and aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Explore StoneWater Zen Sangha
The main StoneWater Zen website offers a wealth of information about Zen Buddhism, meditation, teachings, retreats and the wider Sangha. It is an excellent place to explore, whether you are beginning or deepening your practice.
Visit the main StoneWater site ↗Beyond words
The Heart of Zen
Beyond words and understanding.
Our experience of unity and interconnectedness is often difficult to express in words.
Perhaps these ancient Zen verses can bypass the self-centred mind and speak directly to the heart.
“Form is emptiness.
Emptiness is form.”
The Heart Sutra
“The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.”
Traditionally attributed to Sengcan · Xinxin Ming
“The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in dewdrops on the grass, or even in one drop of water.”
Eihei Dōgen Zenji
If you feel you don’t know what Zen is and feel it’s all a bit ungraspable, great — that’s a good place to start.
“Words! Words!
The way is beyond language,
for in it there is no yesterday,
no tomorrow,
no today.”