Retreat Reports: Western Zen 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.

Silence, Koans, Gongs and Incense

Statue of Buddha on window ledge with meditator behind

Holidays are a complete waste of time!

That's a bit harsh, but you know what I mean. Two days back at work, and where did that wonderful, relaxed…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2004 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Others

Not So Silly After All

Calligraphy for the character Chan

A few miles from the Maenllwyd I telephone home. I squirm like a little girl as I sign off with my partner who reassures me that I'll be OK. Going up…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2002 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

Opening The Heart

Calligraphy for the character Chan

John Rowan has made immensely important contributions to contemporary psychotherapy and humanistic psychology in Britain. We were therefore delighted…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2001 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Others

Seven Years Later!

Calligraphy for the character Chan

It was the first time in seven years that I had been back to Maenllwyd. I had not seen the new Chan hall and was very impressed with the conversion.…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2000 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

On Trying to Say "I'm Me"!

Calligraphy for the character Chan

In the yard, after the rain, every step makes mud. Why do I hate the squelching?

Mixed-up youth, far-out experiences. I first read about Zen, as a…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2000 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

Why are you Here?

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I felt an immense sense of fear and trepidation when I sent my cheque in for my first WZR. Previous to this my record at sitting was about 12 minutes,…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1999 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

Pine Tree in the Sky

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I arrived at Maenllwyd, in the deepest despair I have ever known - the 'dark night of my soul'. Having been to an Introductory Chan Retreat a few…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1999 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

Going On Into The Snow Alone

Calligraphy for the character Chan

The opening words of the retreat "Where the path stops, you go on into the snow alone" have an enormously powerful effect on me and the combination of…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1998 , Western Zen 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

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

People Talking in a Big Space

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I felt very much at home sitting around the fire on the first evening, happy I'd come and ready for the retreat. I'd taken a bit more care than usual…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1994 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

In Touch with Gentleness

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I find I'm still struggling with my Koan. The retreat was a "great privilege". That is the expression I find myself using most when I'm trying to…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1993 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

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