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.

Western Zen Retreat

Calligraphy for the character Chan

The silence becomes very palpable, solid. The quality of experience has been turned up. My koan becomes very distant. What first seemed like a fence,…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1991 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

On Meeting a Monster

Calligraphy for the character Chan

This was my first Chan retreat and I was so excited. My life felt calm and stable and I hoped to be able to work through whatever the Universe…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1991 , Chan Retreat Reports , Anon

A Chinese in Wales

Calligraphy for the character Chan

When the plane began to descend on Heathrow I was wondering how I should explain to the immigration officer the purpose of my trip to the UK. Would…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1991 , Anon , Silent Illumination Retreat Reports

How to be Me?

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Lurching up the steep approach road to the Maenllwyd, I liked the feel of a cottage tucked up in the hillside - a Zen mountain temple. Perhaps, not so…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1991 , Chan Retreat Reports , Anon

Joy and Silence

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I have practised for quite a number of years, receiving help from various people in different traditions. My practice has tended to be erratic,…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1991 , Anon , Silent Illumination Retreat Reports

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