New Chan Forum 27

Second Wind

In this issue we take a close look at ourselves as an institution in relation to our practice and understanding. The Western Chan Fellowship has much to be happy about in its achievements yet is this enough? What errors or inadequacies may infect us and how can we proceed into the future transmitting the Dharma to upcoming generations?

Our lead article asks a number of crucial questions and the remaining pieces respond to this or develop that response in various ways. We discuss old and new initiatives and provide some important Dharma commentary. Among new themes we have suggestions regarding solitary retreats, meditations on landscape intimacy and an experiential approach to the Heart Sutra. Shifu provides a profound examination of the meaning of the Vows that lie at the heart of serious practice. This issue provides important reflection for our readership and we warmly invite discussion.