New Chan Forum

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…

Principle and Practice

What is the Principle and what the Practice on the path of Buddha Dharma? The articles in this issue throw light on these vital questions at an important time. Our Dharma Advisor and Patron, the Venerable Chan Master Dr Shengyen, is retiring from his headship of the Dharma Drum Mountain following his benediction of the Venerable Guo-dong as Abbot President. We wish the new…

Beyond The Signpost

Can we go beyond the limitations of self-concern? This is a vital question whether we perch on the cliff top with Bill Picard at Land’s End, meditate in Precious Wood, do an Indian pilgrimage, face the onset of cancer, or contemplate the outer reaches of science and the mind. As I often say, the Dharma is like a signpost on a cliff top with nothing written on it pointing out…

Personal Experience

Buddhism is rooted in personal experience. However sophisticated some Buddhist philosophy may seem to be, its source is always experiential. The question “What is experience?” lies then at the root of Buddhist thinking. Experience is a heart matter. Too much analysis can lead one away from its essential presence and it’s tacit understanding. In Buddhism it is in the relation…

Looking To The Future

This year we celebrate some thirty years of Chan practice up at the Maenllwyd and in our homes. The issues that created our Sangha and which occupied many of us as younger practitioners are opening now into other concerns. How can we ensure the future of Chan teachings with integrity? Should we create further institutions? How should those of us who are elders train to…

Thirty Years Of Meditation In Wales

It seems incredible that thirty years have passed since I began to offer meditation retreats at the Maenllwyd. We began with Enlightenment Intensives held in a ruin of a cottage remote from the world. One of them was led by Jeff Love who taught me how to master this process. This was all part of the programme of the Bristol Encounter Centre which I had created…

Buddhist Enquiries: Science And The Personal

In this edition we look at a number of issues and enquiries basic to the development of Buddhist thinking and feeling in the Western world. Is Buddhism science and if not how does it relate to science? Can one give a scientific account of Emptiness? What have personal feelings to do with Buddhist practice? What does one discover on retreat?

We believe…

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…