Retreat Reports: Western Zen Retreat

We publish selections from retreat reports written after Western Chan Fellowship retreats, to illustrate the range of experiences people go through as they investigate themselves in silent meditation. These reports are printed anonymously and may be lightly edited.

No Success, No Failure

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I came to the New York retreat unsure of what to expect. Earlier retreats at Maenllwyd had afforded powerful experiences and insight into dilemmas. In…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1994 , Chan Retreat Reports , Anon

Good Medicine Always Tastes Horrible

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Tantric Retreat, Maenllwyd, July 1994

Driving up to Maenllwyd, knowing that I would be asked, I tried to formulate the reason as to why I wanted to…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1994 , Other Retreat Reports , Anon

All Things are Teachers

Calligraphy for the character Chan

On the first evening John told us that he was going to teach silent illumination. This is a method that I have felt affinity for, and have begun to…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1994 , Anon , Silent Illumination Retreat Reports

A Nameless Dread

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I arrived at the retreat in poor shape. I was tired and stressed and, although there were no major problems in my life, the general wear and tear…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1994 , Chan Retreat Reports , Anon

People Talking in a Big Space

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I felt very much at home sitting around the fire on the first evening, happy I'd come and ready for the retreat. I'd taken a bit more care than usual…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1994 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

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The articles on this website have been submitted by various authors and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Western Chan Fellowship.

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