Introduction to Meditation, Buddhism and Chan (online)
Free online course
Wednesday evenings 11th February to 4th March 2026
Presenters: Sian Thomas and Stuart McLeod
Venue: Online
Booking: Book now
This free course, consisting of four weekly online 75 minute sessions, is an opportunity to become familiar with a meditation practice and to learn about Buddhism and Chan. The course covers core teachings of the Buddha as well as the roots of Chan Buddhism and practices, namely Silent Illumination and Koans. Both were transmitted to Japan centuries ago where they became Zen.
You are encouraged to practice between the weekly sessions and will be able to reflect on your experience in an online group setting.
Particularly if you are not familiar with the Western Chan Fellowship, the course will help you to establish a meditation practice, to know more about Western Chan and to decide if you might want to go to a residential retreat to deepen your meditation experience.
Dates and times
Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm from 11th February 2026
- Wednesday 11th Feb 2026, 7:30pm – 8:45pm online
- Wednesday 18th Feb 2026, 7:30pm – 8:45pm online
- Wednesday 25th Feb 2026, 7:30pm - 8.45pm online
- Wednesday 4th Mar 2026, 7:30pm – 8:45pm online
Free
There is no charge for this course.
Booking
Before you can book you will need to register and then login and return to this page.
If you are already registered, click the "Book online" link below. That will take you to login, then redirect you to the booking page to make the booking.
Places available: 4 or more:
Presenters
Sian Thomas
Sian has been attending retreats with the Western Chan Fellowship for over 15 years. She led the York WCF group for over 10 years. She is trained to teach mindfulness to young people in school.
Stuart McLeod
Stuart has had a meditation practice for 30 years. He has been practising with the Western Chan Fellowship for over 25 years where he has attended and organised many retreats. He currently leads the Kent Chan Group. He is a trained teacher for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
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The articles on this website have been submitted by various authors. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Western Chan Fellowship.
Permalink: https://w-c-f.org/Q487-494