New Chan Forum 35

On Making a Difference

During the past year we have been making considerable efforts in redefining the institutional aspects of our work. In particular the support of individuals in everyday practice, the relationship between group leaders and their flocks, the links between local groups and our central organisation and the role of group meditation in the support of individual mindfulness have engaged our attention. In November 2006 John and Simon went with a range of questions to New York for consultations with the Venerable Chan Master Sheng yen, our Patron, and also visited Roshi John Daido Loori. This edition reviews some of our deliberations and findings with support from other articles that also bear upon the title chosen for this issue and its key article.

Chuan-Deng Jing-di

Contents

• On Making a Difference, John Crook.
• Record of the Discussion Between Chan Master Guangqin and Ven Master Hsuan Hua, Zholt Hadhazi.
• Visiting Shifu and Roshi John Daido Loori, John Crook.
• Poems, Sophie Temple Muir.
• Where Do You Go Next?, Bill Pickard.
• Madam, Why do you only Sit and Scratch it?, Ruth Furneaux.
• Ty Ichaf: Strumble Head, John Crook.
• Practice for Now: Silent Illumination, Simon Child.
• Messages from God.
• Seat 16, Ken Jones.
• Now my Dying has a Name, Iris Tute.
• Retreat Report: Better than Winning the Lottery-for Sure!