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.

Working with a Master

John Crook sitting in front of the altar at Maenllwyd

What is it like for a lay practitioner to work with a master over a period of time? A single retreat provides an introductory experience but what if…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1999 , John Crook , For Newcomers , Chan Retreat Reports

So Much More Fun

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Twenty-four of us talked about ourselves, why we had come and our hopes for the coming week. 'Coming home' was a theme for many. My struggles on three…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1999 , Anon , Silent Illumination Retreat Reports

Why are you Here?

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I felt an immense sense of fear and trepidation when I sent my cheque in for my first WZR. Previous to this my record at sitting was about 12 minutes,…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1999 , Western Zen Retreat Reports , Anon

Well There We are Then

Calligraphy for the character Chan

Mahamudra Retreat February 1999, my Retreat Report

My practice at home had been going well. I had read 'The Yogins of Ladakh' shortly after it was…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1999 , Other Retreat Reports , Anon

Pine Tree in the Sky

Calligraphy for the character Chan

I arrived at Maenllwyd, in the deepest despair I have ever known - the 'dark night of my soul'. Having been to an Introductory Chan Retreat a few…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO

Categories: 1999 , 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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