Introduction to Meditation, Buddhism and Chan (online)

Western Chan Fellowship is rerunning the free 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, David Valentine-Hagart and Guy Roberts. 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.

Bodhidharma, by Unkei Ikkei, 1504-1520, ink on paper detail, Linden Museum
Portrait photo of Dave Valentine-Hagart

Dave Valentine-Hagart

Portrait photo of Guy Roberts

Guy Roberts

This free course, consisting of four weekly online 90-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. David and Guy will present the sessions. 

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 8pm in January/February 2024

  • Wednesday 15th Jan 2025, 8pm - 9.30pm online
  • Wednesday 22rd Jan 2025, 8pm - 9.30pm online
  • Wednesday 29th Jan 2025, 8pm - 9.30pm online
  • Wednesday 5th Feb 2025, 8pm - 9:30pm online

Booking

FREE. There is no charge. Register online now.

Presenters

David Valentine-Hagart

David has practised Chan with WCF since 2008, attending many retreats both as a participant and a Guestmaster. David leads the Nottingham group for WCF alongside meditation groups for NHS Wellbeing.

Guy Roberts

Guy has been practising Chan meditation with the Western Chan Fellowship for seven years and has attended multiple silent retreats during that time. He helps run a local meditation group and has taught meditation at his workplace.