Introduction to Meditation, Buddhism and Chan (free online course)

Western Chan Fellowship is introducing a new online course, ‘Introduction to Meditation, Buddhism and Chan’. This consists of four weekly online 90-minute sessions led by two experienced Western Chan Fellowship group leaders, Alysun Jones and Edd Phillips. It is geared towards newcomers to the WCF, but those already engaged with the WCF and interested in finding out more about the meditation practises and retreats of the WCF would also benefit.

Image of Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma: Unkei Ikkei

Alysun Jones

Alysun Jones

Edward Phillips

Edward Phillips

Western Chan Fellowship is introducing a new online course, ‘Introduction to Meditation, Buddhism and Chan’. This consists of four weekly online 90-minute sessions led by two experienced Western Chan Fellowship group leaders, Alysun Jones and Edd Phillips. It is geared towards newcomers to the WCF, but those already engaged with the WCF and interested in finding out more about the meditation practises and retreats of the WCF would also benefit.

The course covers core teachings of the Buddha and key figures of the tradition (Bodhidharma and Hui Neng), as well as regular weekly guided-meditation and details about the practises of Silent Illumination and Koans. You will be encouraged to establish a regular meditation practise and will also have opportunity for questions and reflections. In the final session we will address the types of retreat that the WCF provides and this may help you to decide if you would like to take such a step towards a deepening of your practise.

The course was piloted earlier in the year and was well-attended and well-received. This is the first time that the course has been offered publicly.

Dates and Times

Tuesday evenings at 8pm in January

  • Tues 9th January 8pm-9.30pm on Zoom
  • Tues 16th January 8pm-9.30pm on Zoom
  • Tues 23rd January 8pm-9.30pm on Zoom
  • Tues 30th January 8pm-9.30pm on Zoom

Booking

There is no charge. Book online now.

Presenters

Alysun Jones

Alysun has been practising with the Western Chan Fellowship for 40 years and is a qualified clinical psychologist. She has been leading a meditation group for six years. She works as a counsellor to NHS staff.

Edward Phillips

Edward Phillips has been practicing Chan meditation with the Western Chan Fellowship for 15 years, during which time he has attended regular yearly retreats often acting as Guestmaster. More recently he has undertaken extra study on the history and development of Buddhism and Chan. Edward works as an SEN Teaching Assistant.