Who are we?
Chan is the Chinese ancestor of Zen Buddhism. The Western Chan Fellowship is an association of lay Chan practitioners, a lay Sangha, based in the UK. We are registered as a charity in England and Wales, but we also have contacts in Europe, principally in Poland, Croatia and Switzerland, and also in USA. Our Zen retreats and other activities are open equally to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists.
Zen retreat, Buddhist retreat, meditation retreat, silent retreat
We lead a range of different types of Buddhist meditation retreats at centres in England and Wales. Some of our Zen meditation retreats follow the traditional methods of practice, and others such as our 'Western Zen Retreat' include adaptations to match the needs of Westerners. Most of our Zen retreats are silent retreats - read the retreat descriptions for details.
Western Zen Retreat
Residential Retreat
5 Nights September 7
Kent Chan Day Retreat
Day Retreat
September 26
Weekend Chan Retreat
Residential Retreat
2 Nights October 4
Investigating Koans
Residential Retreat
7 Nights November 15
Silent Illumination Retreat
Residential Retreat
7 Nights November 29
Western Zen Retreat
Residential Retreat
5 Nights December 7
Kent Chan Day Retreat
Day Retreat
Zen meditation groups
We have Chan meditation groups meeting around the UK. Visit us to ask about meditation and the Western Chan Fellowship. You will find a Zen sangha helpful to support your practice and your cultivation of mindfulness in daily life.
Online meditation and discussion meetings
COVID-19 introduced us all to online events. Our local groups have mostly resumed in-person meetings, but alongside that some online events continue to be hosted and may welcome participation of people who do not live near the hosting group.
There are events held on several weekday evenings, and also weekend daytimes. Visit our Online Events page to see the full list of activities.
Lineage
Our Guiding Teacher, Chan Master Simon Child, 淨宏傳法 Jing-hong Chuan-fa, is the second Western Dharma heir of the late Chan Master Sheng Yen of Taiwan, receiving Dharma Transmission in the Dharma Drum lineage (Linji and Caodong, Rinzai and Soto) in 2000. Our Founding Teacher was Master Sheng Yen's first Western Dharma Heir, Dr John Crook.
Our meditation practice
Our practice includes a variety of Buddhist meditation methods from the lineages of both Linji Chan (Japanese: Rinzai Zen) and Caodong Chan (Japanese: Soto Zen), including Gongan (Japanese: Koan), Huatou, Silent Illumination (Ch. Mo-zhao, related to Jap. Shikantaza zazen or “just sitting”), and other methods such as counting or following the breath.
Latest News
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New Chan Forum issue 67
Read more of: New Chan Forum issue 67New Chan Forum issue 67 is now available for download.
Visit the New Chan Forum 67 page.
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Open Weekend at Shawbottom Farm
Read more of: Open Weekend at Shawbottom FarmFriday 20th - Sunday 22nd June 2025
WCF members are invited to stay at Shawbottom free of charge during the period Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd June, to coincide with the WCF AGM on 22nd June.
This is for socialising, sangha building, and to give an opportunity for exploring the area such as by taking longer walks than is possible in retreat walk periods of only an hour. It is also an occasion to…
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AGM - Trustee nominations are open
Read more of: AGM - Trustee nominations are openWestern Chan Fellowship CIO AGM
Nominations are now open, for three vacancies for trustees of WCF.
Elections will be held at the AGM on June 22nd if more than three nominations are received.
Nomination forms
Closing date for receipt of nominations is 30th May.
AGM details
To access the AGM details you…
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Silent Illumination and Peacemaking
Read more of: Silent Illumination and Peacemaking"Rebecca Li’s teachings are deep, lucid, and accessible. She helps undo the habits blocking realization of our naturally radiant, awake being." —Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance
- Join Zen Peacemakers for the online event "Silent Illumination and Peacemaking" with Dr. Rebecca Li. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 5 p.m. GMT, Online, Free
- Register at: https://hive.zenpeacemakers.org/events/162250
Sak…
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Save the Date - June 22nd for Western Chan Fellowship AGM
Read more of: Save the Date - June 22nd for Western Chan Fellowship AGMMorning of Sunday June 22nd 2025
Similar to 2023, the 2025 AGM will be held as a hybrid meeting both online and also in person at Shawbottom.
This includes an open invitation to members to take the opportunity to visit Shawbottom and stay over the weekend on a self-catering basis at no charge. An opportunity for socialising, for longer walks in the area, or whatever you prefer. If you wish to…
More News
View more WCF news.
©Western Chan Fellowship CIO 2006, 2008-2025. May not be quoted for commercial purposes. Anyone wishing to quote for non-commercial purposes may seek permission from the WCF Secretary.
The articles on this website have been submitted by various authors and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Western Chan Fellowship.
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