Retreat Reports: Koan (Gongan) Retreat

We publish selections from retreat reports written after Western Chan Fellowship retreats, to illustrate the range of experiences people go through as they investigate themselves in silent meditation. These reports are printed anonymously and may be lightly edited.

On an Empty Hill - Not a Retreat Report

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Walking across the hillside the fresh spring sunlight warmed the skin, the distant fir woods glistened and a pair of buzzards were playing in the…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1995 , Other Retreat Reports , Anon

A "Ting" of the Bell

Calligraphy for the character Chan

We arrived after an incredibly long journey from the north with scattered brain experiences and a chip shop repast. Was this my last meal as a normal…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1995 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , For Newcomers , Anon

Black Slugs - One Here - One There

Calligraphy for the character Chan

This was the first occasion I had been at the Maenllwyd and from the start it had a magical feel to it - like entering a different time and space.…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1995 , Anon , Silent Illumination Retreat Reports

Maturity

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Previous Western Zen Retreats have been enormously powerful and emotional experiences and I brought with me all sorts of expectations.

My koan was…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1995 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

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