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.

Glimpsing myself

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I had never been on any kind of retreat before I arrived at the Western Zen retreat at Maenllwyd in November. It was something I had been building up…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2013 , Western Zen Retreat Reports

Great Doubt

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Koan retreats with the Western Chan Fellowship have become a staple part of my dharma practice over the past few years since I have found a connection…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2013 , Koan Retreat Reports , Anon

Rephrasing and Asking

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Silent Illumination retreat report

I arrived to the retreat ill. Nothing really serious, just a sore throat and runny nose, but still I was a bit…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2013 , Silent Illumination Retreat Reports , Anon

Experience

Calligraphy for the character Chan

A Silent Illumination retreat report

Similar to my last retreats I shifted pretty fast into the retreat modus, where thoughts are kept in the…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2013 , Silent Illumination Retreat Reports , Anon

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