New Chan Forum 11

The Question of Lay Zen

The role of Zen in the West, its value, practice and potential contribution to our times has become a vital issue. This is especially so, because some of the features of its contemporary presentation have been called into question, particularly in America. Western Zen is practised predominantly by lay persons. What then is Lay Zen?

In our last issue we began publishing articles on this theme by fellow practitioners and colleagues. Stuart Lach’s account of Zen problems in American centres raised fundamental issues for us all. In this edition we begin to explore the present situation in our British society to see in what ways Zen may operate within it.

Ken Jones sets out the context and examines the way in which Buddhism may bring about a shift in ethical understanding and behaviour. We also include a supplement to this issue in which John Crook writes in depth about the nature of the culture within which we live today and considers the place the Dharma may have in this world. Lest our readers fear we are becoming too academic we assure you that further articles in this series deal with a wide range of themes. Coming up will be Susan Blackmore on awareness, James Crowden on agricultural labour, Simon Child on retreats, Peter Howard on Zen in industry, and more. There will be articles on many aspects of life, the interpretation of self, Zen practice and pilgrimage. And of course we will continue to present other articles on the multitude of themes that concern us.

In this issue Tim Blanc writes beguilingly on baking bread. We also include more reports by participants in retreats at the Maenllwyd. The drawings, by Ros Cuthbert are of the statue of Green Tara who stands in the garden at Maenllwyd. Evie Body made and donated the sculpture, as all who know her will recognise.

We are always interested to receive articles, drawings, poetry and letters from our readers. If you have any comments you will find our addresses on the last page. Also listed are details of retreats in the Mendips, Wales and New York, and the growing number of small groups affiliated to us.

• New Chan Forum issue 11
• New Chan Forum issue 11 Supplement