Manchester Chan Group

Chinese Zen Meditation

We are a small group (typically 5 to 10 attend each week) of mixed experience - some have only recently started meditation, others have been practicing for many years in the Chan (Chinese Zen) or other traditions.

The main focus of the group is Chan as practiced by the Western Chan Fellowship, but we are an open group and so membership and discussions may encompass other Buddhist traditions.

Thursday Evenings

Our regular meeting time/place is Thursdays at 7pm at the Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS. Check this page for the latest news before attending.

We are not always in the same room, but you will be able to locate us by looking at the room-listing on the whiteboard at reception, just inside the entrance of the Friends Meeting House. We are listed as 'Chan Meditation'. Most often we are in room 8 which is in the basement (staircase to the right as you come in the front door) and through the kitchen and turn right.

Please arrive for about 7pm. We usually start meditation soon after 7:15pm, and so particularly if it is your first time with us you should arrive in plenty of time so that we can give you any necessary instruction.

We only have a couple of spare meditation cushions and benches, so if you already have your own then please bring them with you. For those who prefer to sit on a chair there are many chairs available but you may like to bring a cushion to place on the hard wooden chairs.

7pm Arrive, arrange the room, brief social chat.
7:20 Sitting Meditation
7:50 Slow Walking Meditation
8:00 Sitting Meditation
8:30 Questions and Answers, Discussion, Conversation
9:15 Rearrange the room, leaving the building by 9:30pm at the latest

There is no charge for attendance at the Thursday evening meetings. Optionally you may place a donation in the Dana bowl which goes towards the cost of the room hire which is currently £13 - £16 per week.

Day Retreats

The date for the next day retreat is Sunday 27th April 2008.

If you wish to join us and want to know the arrangements then email manchester@WesternChanFellowship.org for details.

These day retreats are led by Simon Child Chuan-fa Jing-hong who is a Dharma heir of Chan Master Sheng-yen. Personal interviews are usually available for those who wish to discuss their Dharma practice with Simon.

The main purpose for a day retreat is to provide an extended period of practice, spending the day in silence and doing several sessions of Buddhist meditation. Lunch is also taken in silence, and is provided by each participant bringing some vegetarian food to share.

10am Arrive, arrange room, have tea/coffee.
10:20 Recite the Heart Sutra
10:30 Sitting Meditation
11:00 Standing Yoga Exercises
11:15 Sitting Meditation
11:45 Slow Walking Meditation
12:00 Sitting Meditation
12:30 Prepare Lunch
12:40 Lunch
13:20 Washing up
13:45 Sitting Meditation
14:15 Standing Yoga Exercises
14:30 Sitting Meditation
15:00 Slow Walking Meditation
15:15 Sitting Meditation
15:45 Tea, Rearrange room
16:15 End

If you have your own meditation cushion/bench then please try to bring them with you. There are plenty of suitable chairs available for those who prefer to sit on a chair.

There is no charge for attendance at the day retreats. However please remember to bring a contribution towards the shared vegetarian lunch.

Contact manchesterchan(at)WesternChanFellowship.org for details of arrangements.

Residential Retreats

The Manchester group does not hold residential retreats, however we refer you to the Western Chan Fellowship Retreat Programme.