New Chan Forum 67

Welcome to the Spring issue of the New Chan Forum – my first as Editor.

As I type I look out of my window at a cold, grey February day in Bristol. By the time you read this I trust that the season will have changed and warmer, brighter days will be returning.

This issue focusses on compassion. We start with a talk on ‘Where is the compassion in Chan?’ from Simon Child at the Summer Silent Illumination retreat at Shawbottom, transcribed by Jeanine Woodward. I particularly appreciate what he says about how compassion may grow naturally in the spaces left vacant by unhelpful habits, unearthed through practice.

Anna Jedynak then explores the potential and pitfalls of compassion, and Marian Partington meditates on ‘A stone heart’ – a piece that came out of a writing retreat at her home in mid-Wales.

A New Chan Forum issue would not be complete without some poetry: David Valentine-Hagart and his ode to grief, followed by an anonymous haiku written on retreat at Shawbottom.

The next issue will focus on practice. Please send in your submissions!