New Chan Forum 28

Why are we Here?

What is this journal for? In this issue we continue questioning our effectiveness in practice and understanding. Our journal is intended to support the teaching and sharing which we practice on our retreats and in our regional groups. How well does it fare? It depends ultimately on your contributions. We invite more news about how you take the Dharma into your daily lives. Please tell us.

We also have Shi fu's talk on terrorism and religion to a forum of the United Nations, experiences in Guestmastering, a visit to Japan and a review of Ken Jones splendid new volume of haibun among other thoughts, poems and teachings. Read, learn and inwardly digest. Our journal is an important aspect of our mutual endeavour.

Contents

• The Flawed Pot, Jo Harwood
• Editorial from the Chan hall: "Self at Ease", Chuan-deng Jing-di
• Violence and terrorism in religion, Chan Master Sheng yen
• Poem: City living, Nigel Jeffcoat
• Putting legs on a snake, Ken Jones
• Poem: Fulfilling true nature, Rebecca Li
• Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan,  Sister Ruth
• Poem: Bonfire night with Millie, Marian Partington
• On the Ceasing of Notions, John Crook
• Guestmastering a Mahamudra Retreat, Nigel Jeffcoat
• Retreat Reports
  • The Sitting is Wonderful, Mahamudra retreat, Maenllwyd November 2002
  • Testing Time Koan Retreat, October 2002
• Book reviews
  • Ken Jones, Arrow Of Stones British Haiku Society. 2002 (ISBN: 0-95223974-4): John Crook
  • Guns, Germs and Steel and The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee by Jared Diamond: Sally Masheder