FAQ

We don't operate a long-term waiting list, but as the start date for a retreat approaches we may open a waiting list for anyone who can be available to take cancellation places at short notice.

If a retreat in which you are interested is full but not offering a waiting list, simply check back from time to time. 

• Places may become available due to cancellation by someone who booked previuosly, in which you can book the place when you see it available. 
• You may see that the retreat is still full but that a waiting list has opened.
• When the waiting list is open on a full retreat, booking is reopened to accept waiting list applications.

• To get on the waiting list, book and pay for a place. If you are not successful in being allocated a place you will receive a full refund of your booking fee.

   

Yes

At our retreats we have chairs available, also meditation cushions and mats, wedges for adjusting sitting posture on a chair, kneeling benches and kneeling chairs. You are welcome to bring your own cushion, bench or chair (dining or kneeling style chair) if you have a favourite of your own.

In the Western Chan Fellowship we are much less prescriptive than some other organisations which may emphasise cross-legged sitting and may not be supportive of other postures. Chan Master Shengyen taught that the purpose of the posture is to support your meditation practice, and your meditation practice should not be disturbed by trying to use a posture which is not suitable for you.

Our leaflet “Introduction to Meditation” includes advice on meditation postures.

Our booking system does not accommodate reservation of places or installment payments. We only allocate places on receipt of payment.

We offer supported places (concessions) which can reduce the fees for those who are unable to pay full fee.

If your expectation is to pay full fee but at present you can manage only half-fee, you are welcome to book a supported place now and ‘top up’ your payment subsequently by bank transfer to our treasurer or by making a donation to cover the shortfall. 

The meaning of ‘retreat’ is to separate yourself from the outside world for a period of intensive meditation practice. Communicating with others outside of the retreat is strongly discouraged.

We do recognise that sometimes it is necessary for you to be able to receive messages in the event of an emergency regarding, for example, your children or elderly relatives. To make this possible, on booking we will provide you with a mobile phone number that you can share with family members and similar if you want them to be able to send you a message in a family emergency. One of the retreat staff will check this phone for messages at least once per day and will pass a message on to you if it is an urgent message.

We cannot promise lift availability because it depends on the route taken by other participants and their willingness to offer a lift.

When you are booking your event you can indicate your travel circumstances, and share your contact details.

Subsequently you can login to the website and visit My Retreats (requires login) and see details shared by others. Call back there from time to time as more lift-sharing information may be listed by those booking after you.

When booking to attend one of our retreats or other event you will usually find that we are offering a choice of fees, including a standard fee and a supported / concessionary fee which is usually 50% of the standard fee.

You are free to select the concessionary fee without sharing any details of your financial circumstances. We do not apply any means-testing. Simply select that option when making your booking.

View details of our Supported places programme.

No. In order to offer these places fairly to the general public, we will not move places between individuals.

If you need to cancel your place and it is a month or more before the event starts, or if someone else books subseequently and refills your place, then you will be eligible for a refund of your retreat fee (less our admin charge).

Yes you can, (subject to an administrative charge) if you cancel before the cut-off point specified in our booking and cancellation conditions.

Some camping space is available at some venues but it is not always possible.

If you prefer to sleep in a tent instead of the bed-space allocated to you and can bring your own tent then contact the guestmaster of your retreat to enquire whether it is possible at the venue for your retreat. The guestmaster contact details will be found in your booking confirmation email or by logging in to the website and checking your retreat booking details. The retreat fee is the same whether camping or not.

Where tent camping is not possible another option may to bring a campervan (either your own van, or a van borrowed from a friend, or a hired van). Most venues cannot accommodate large vans/buses, but smaller vans may be acceptable. Again, check in advance with the retreat guestmaster.

Late arrivals and early departures disturb the retreat and so we expect participants to attend the whole retreat, arriving in time for the start and staying until the end. If you have special circumstances which you feel justify an exception to this rule then please ask the permission of the retreat leader before booking.