The international hermitage in the Soto Zen tradition is a special place of peace and practice on a secluded mountain pasture in Valais, Switzerland. Sanko-an is the center for Sesshins in the Sanshin-ji style of Soto Zen in Europe and offers Sesshin and Shikantaza classes suitable for all.

Sanko-an and the former Sanko-ji were founded through the collaboration of laypeople and monks of the Sanshin-ji community (Antai-ji tradition). In 2012, Zen monk Gyoriki Herskamp acquired a farmhouse with land in the Black Forest, Germany. Together with several lay practitioners, the group established a Mahayana permaculture system and built a simple structure that served as both a residence and a zendo. Thanks to the support and dedication of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners over the years, Sanko-an has been able to thrive to this day. In 2025, however, Sanko-ji had to relocate to Switzerland for financial reasons and was renamed Sanko-an.

The small main building of the hermitage and the beautiful dojo, located in a modernized barn overlooking the Valais Rhône Valley and the Val d’Anniviers, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps. Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Valais Alps at an altitude of 1200 meters, Sanko-an provides a tranquil atmosphere for zazen practice.

Accessible via a narrow country lane, the zendo reflects the rustic surroundings. To preserve the integrity of the Antaiji tradition, life at the dojo has always been simple. In winter, the zendo and the living quarters (where the resident teacher lives) are heated by wood-burning stoves. Drinking and shower water is drawn from a spring on the premises.

 

Sanko-an offers a tranquil atmosphere for zazen practice. Accessible via a narrow country lane, the zendo reflects the rustic environment. Thanks to the dedication of its residents and donations from lay practitioners, Sanko-an can continue to offer its services to all who are interested in the practice of Zazen.

Sanko-an also plans to offer Shikantaza classes and encourage people to integrate Zazen into their daily lives. The Zendo does not intend to have a hierarchical structure. We understand the Zendo’s Sangha as a network of independent practitioners.

– Gyoriki Herskamp, ​​resident teacher

Volker Gyoriki Herskamp is founder of the Sanko-an Zen hermitage. He is a Zen Buddhist monk and experienced teacher in the Soto-Zen tradition. He has been studying and practicing for 35 years, initially under the guidance of Missen Bovay Roshi and, since 2018, under the guidance of Shohaku Okumura Roshi.

Since 1998, Gyoriki has been leading meditation retreats (sesshin) and teaching Buddha Dharma in the Soto Zen style. These experiences make his teachings and guidance very powerful. He is known for his warmth and humor, as well as for his clear and practical presentation of the teachings. He is an inspiring example of modern Buddhism and is committed to ensuring that everyone can discover the timeless wisdom and practice of the Buddha. He is convinced that with the help of the practice of a Buddha (zazen), we can save this world and thus find true, lasting happiness together with all beings.

The vow

“I would like to establish a place in an environment where a practice like that handed down to us by the ‘ancient Buddhas’ is possible. Modern life is artificially constructed and increasingly separates society from its roots. Through the pursuit of absolute control over nature and convenience, as well as the pursuit of the fulfillment of all desires, humanity is disconnecting itself from its true purpose. The modern way of life is moving ever further away from the reality of the nature with which we live. The consequences are diverse diseases of civilization, addiction, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and powerlessness. If this ‘artificial life construct’ ever collapses, for example due to climate change, serious economic problems, blackouts, etc., people will suffer greatly because they will no longer know how to ‘live’. Modern people, especially young people, should therefore relearn to live in direct contact with nature and, through daily Zen practice, to enter into the rhythm of nature. Deep contentment, freedom, and meaningfulness in action, as well as inspiration, will then shape a new generation. Therefore, I would like to use all the resources at my disposal to To create a place that makes Buddha practice possible for the benefit and in harmony with all beings and nature.” Gyoriki 2013

 

We are funded exclusively by donations. Dhana (generous giving) is the most important practice of the Buddhist layperson. Without the financial support of laypeople, there is no practice. Therefore, the practice of giving and the Zen practice of the Sangha are inextricably linked and on the same level. Please contact us to make a donation.