New Chan Forum 50

We start this issue of New Chan Forum with an important call to action by our Teacher Simon Child, a call to examine our heritage and current identity, and work for an effective future.

Our literary heritage is introduced in articles on the core sutras of the Buddha’s teachings and the Dao De Jing, a foundation text of Daoism and Chan.

The down-to-earth nature of Chan in daily life is a theme of the second article in our series on right livelihood.

The retreat reports this time reflect upon a Silent Illumination retreat and a Western Zen Retreat. Please keep retreat reports coming. They are witness to the transformative power of the retreat process, when safely held in the arms of the Buddha’s teachings.

• Dharma Talk: Who are We? - Simon Child
• Origins
  • Part 1, Core Suttas - Hugh Carroll
  • Part 2, Like a Fish Hidden in a Spring: the Dao de Jing of Laozi and its influence on Chan - George Marsh
• Poems
  • Elephant Seal - John Crook
  • Leopard Seal - John Crook
• The search for Right Livelihood  - Henry Gray
• Retreat Reports - various
• About us, and retreat information