New Chan Forum 10

Back Again

It's been a long time since the last issue and we thank all those people who expressed concern for our welfare. Unfortunately, the compilation of the articles and the conversion of those into word- processed documents has had to take second place to other events in our lives. On top of that, we have also converted from Macintosh to PC publishing, which has been far more traumatic than could ever be imagined, making a hitherto long but relatively painless task into a very Zen activity! Hopefully, our next edition will be somewhat easier.

This issue contains several important pieces in addition to the usual selection of retreat reports, poems, etc. The first is from Shi-Fu and brings a new perspective to the understanding of Chan in everyday life. The second is the first article to be drawn from John's collection of Lay Zen commentaries and is a study on Zen in North America.

As usual, the back pages contain information on group meetings, weekend and week-long retreats. We have managed to find a centre capable of providing excellent facilities and on-sits accommodation for week-end retreats at a reasonable cost. As usual, John has excelled himself in creating a wide-ranging series of retreats. In addition to the WZR, there is a Chan retreat with Shi-Fu and a Tantric retreat with James Low, plus a programme of Dharma training for those of you who, like your editors, find that understanding the background and the philosophy of Buddhism helps to deepen the insight gained by just "doing". (Even if this is counter to the second paragraph of Shi-Fu's lecture!)

On a more immediate note, this is the final edition for people who's subscription runs out at No.10. To you and those who have forgotten to subscribe against earlier reminders, we enclose a renewal form. The cost remains at £2 per copy. if you no longer wish to receive this journal, please return the subscription form suitably ticked and I will take your name off our mailing list.

Finally, we wish everyone health and happiness in 1995 and promise to make a resolution not to be so long in producing and delivering No.11!

• New Chan Forum Issue 10