Meetings

The Cambridge Chan Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. at The Friends Meeting House, 91-93 Hartington Grove, Cambridge (off Hills Road). Meditation instruction is available from an authorised Meditation Instructor of the Western Chan Fellowship.

If you are interested in the opportunity to learn and practice a very effective method of meditation, whether you are a beginner or a more experienced meditator, you are welcome to attend. Please note that this is predominantly a practice session, the focus is on developing and sustaining an effective meditation practice. However there is opportunity for Q&A and most weeks we hold a discussion of a Buddhist text that illuminates effective meditation practice.

It would be appreciated if newcomers would contact David Brown on 07766 686 345 a day or two in advance before attending. In particular, if you do require initial instruction, we ask that you notify the instructor in advance then arrive by 7:20pm.

Dates for 2008

January 2, 16

February 6, 20

March 5, 19

April 2, 16

May 7, 21

June 4, 18

July 2, 16

July 26 (1 Day Retreat)

August 6, 20 (Meeting cancelled on August 20)

September 3, 17

October 1, 15

NOTICE: A 1 day retreat will be held on Saturday November 1 in Hertford. Please contact David Hope for details.

November 5, 19

December 3, 17

The first hour of the evening (7.30pm-8.30pm) consists of instruction and practice in the meditation method of Silent Illumination. This is followed at 8:30pm - 9.00pm by a break for tea and biscuits during which we have opportunity for Q&A and group discussion; often we read and discuss a Buddhist text. (* The current discussion topic is the Lankavatar Sutra, including D.T Suzuki's commentary on this sutra.) 9.00pm to 9.30pm is devoted to a more formal Chan session which includes a short service and a period of meditation (see the Service Sheet used for this session).

We have some spare cushions and meditation benches, but please bring your own if you already have one. For those who prefer to sit on chairs there are plenty available.

There is no charge for attendance at the Wednesday evening meetings. Optionally you may place a donation in the Dana bowl (suggested amount £3) which goes towards the cost of the room hire which is £20 per week.

NOTICE: Please note that there is a Chan group in Hertford led by David Hope. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. This complements the Cambridge group which meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month. The venue is Bengeo Parish Church Hall, Duncombe Road, Hertford, 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Contact David Hope on 01992 306754