Dharma Library

A large collection of articles, from past issues of New Chan Forum and more besides.

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Book Review: The World Could Be Otherwise by Norman Fischer

Cover of the World could be Otherwise

This book had been winking at me since the beginning of the year. For several years, Norman Fischer’s writing in Tricycle and elsewhere has been a source of pleasure to me. He writes lucidly and with a poet’s eye and phrase. Eventually, a couple of months after it was published, I gave in, bought this book, devoured it and then just reread it straight away. That’s rare for me. 

Its subtitle,…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2019 , Book Reviews , Others

Chan Brushwork Retreat 2019

Calligraphy for the character Chan

The image that comes to mind when I try to sum up the retreat is of a triple: a three-legged stool, a tripod, a triptych. This represents what were for me the three components of the retreat: the huatou, the brushwork, and the sitting. Each locked into the other.

I can’t remember the exact words of the huatou but in essence Joshu asks Nansen how to pursue The Way. Nansen tells him that making…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2019 , Chan Retreat Reports , Anon

Western Zen Retreat April 2019, a participant reports

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I arrived not knowing what the retreat was going to be like. I knew we would investigate the question “who am I?” but preferred to find out how once I got there to avoid expectations or anxiety. I was very much looking forward to the luxury of having everything organised for me. I would not have to make any decisions, just follow instructions and bells. This time, I didn't even wear a watch and it…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 2019 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

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