Local Chan Meditation Groups

We list a dozen or so local meditation groups where people meet together for Chan (Chinese Zen) meditation. Most groups can teach Buddhist meditation to beginners who want to learn to meditate, and also welcome experienced practitioners who may not need any instruction. So whilst they are not usually run as formal teaching classes, they combine the functions of a meditation class for newcomers with a peer support group for experienced meditators who practice meditation together.

There is usually opportunity for readings, questions, and discussion, and sometimes also some social activities. Some groups also organise occasional half-day, full-day, or longer meditation retreats.

Affiliated Groups

Some groups are direct offshoots from the WCF activities at Maenllwyd, and these we refer to as Affiliated groups since, whilst they are independent and self-managing groups, they more closely follow the Objects of the WCF constitution.

Associated Groups

Some groups are more general Zen or Buddhist groups which include WCF Fellows or other WCF supporters and participants, and these we refer to as Associated groups. These groups are independent from the WCF but we maintain a friendly and mutually supportive relationship with a mutual interest in Chan Buddhism.

Affiliated or Associated?

Why the need for the distinction? As the WCF is listed nationally as a Chan organisation we receive enquiries as to the availability of local Chan groups and contacts.

We felt it could be misleading and confusing to direct someone to a group which in fact only has Chan practice as one of its subsidiary activities when the enquirer may be asking us because they specifically want to make contact with Chan practice.
On the other hand, many people simply want to contact other practitioners and sit together, and for these people it is valuable to be informed of a general Buddhist group which includes Chan practitioners.

We value both types of group and welcome new additions to either list.

We also list:

Local Contacts - some areas do not currently have active groups, but we have contacts there who may be past group members, or who may be planning on forming a group in the future, or who may simply be able to help you with local activities.
Overseas Groups and Contacts