Introduction to Meditation, Buddhism and Chan (online)

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

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. Sian and Stuart 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.

Click to book a place on Introduction to Meditation, Buddhism and Chan (online)

Dates and times

• 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

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).