WCF News

Newsletter 53, with the Retreat Programme for the first half of 2026, is now available for download

Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm from 11th February 2026

Presented by Sian Thomas and Stuart McLeod

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…

WCF leaders have collaborated to create a new reading list featuring newer books as well as old favourites.

Wherever you are on the Buddhist path, whatever you are looking for, there is a book in this list to interest you.

• What are good books for newcomers to Buddhism to read?
• What are good books to read on Chan (Chinese Zen)?
• What are some books to read about Buddhist Ethics?
• What should I read to…

Newsletter 52 with Retreat Programme 2025 is now available for download.

This newsletter also includes a notice on reductions of retreat fees, local group news, and notice of our 2025 AGM on June 22nd. 

New Chan Forum issue 67 is now available for download.

Visit the New Chan Forum 67 page.

Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd June 2025

WCF members are invited to stay at Shawbottom free of charge during the period Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd June. This is to coincide with the WCF AGM on 22nd June.

This is for socialising and sangha building. It also gives an opportunity for exploring the area such as by taking longer walks than is possible in retreat walk periods of only an hour. It is also an…

Western Chan Fellowship CIO AGM

Nominations are now open, for three vacancies for trustees of WCF.

Elections will be held at the AGM on June 22nd if more than three nominations are received.

Nomination forms

• Trustee nomination form as Word docx file (editable)
• Trustee nomination form as PDF file

Closing date for receipt of nominations is 30th May.

AGM details

To access the AGM details you…

"Rebecca Li’s teachings are deep, lucid, and accessible. She helps undo the habits blocking realization of our naturally radiant, awake being." —Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance

• Join Zen Peacemakers for the online event "Silent Illumination and Peacemaking" with Dr. Rebecca Li. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 5 p.m. GMT,  Online, Free
• Register at: https://hive.zenpeacemakers.org/events/162250

Saky…

Morning of Sunday June 22^nd 2025

Similar to 2023, the 2025 AGM will be held as a hybrid meeting both online and also in person at Shawbottom.

This includes an open invitation to members to take the opportunity to visit Shawbottom and stay over the weekend on a self-catering basis at no charge. An opportunity for socialising, for longer walks in the area, or whatever you prefer. If you wish to…

Newsletter 51 with Retreat Programme 2025 is now available for download.

This newsletter also includes a report on our recent survey, local group news, and advance notice of our 2025 AGM on June 22nd.