Retreat Programme
Chinese Zen Meditation Retreats, and More
Most of our intensive meditation retreats are held at Maenllwyd retreat centre in Wales, but we also occasionally use other meditation centres such as Hourne Farm near Crowborough in E. Sussex, England, and Holy Isle in Scotland. We also have facilities for solitary retreats.
Some of our Zen retreats follow closely the traditional methods of teaching and practice, and others such as our 'Western Zen Retreat' include adaptations to match the needs of Westerners. We also use some Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices such as Mahamudra. Most of our retreats are silent retreats - read the retreat descriptions for details.
We also hold other events such as conferences, local group day retreats, etc.
Our retreats are open to all members of the public aged 18 and over, and are open equally to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists.
We indicate below whether a retreat is suitable for beginners or whether you need prior retreat experience.
Retreat Calendar
(errors and omissions excepted)
The Application form is on the Booking Details page.
There is no need to contact us to check availability of places - the listing below shows the current live status of our retreat bookings database (NB subject to further applications / cancellations currently in transit in the mail but not yet received) so we can only tell you the same as the information that appears on this page below.
NB Readers may be interested in the following retreats which are not run by WCF but are led by John Crook and Simon Child:
- Koan Retreat, Gaia House, (Devon, England), Feb 6th - 13th 2010
- Silent Illumination, (Warsaw, Poland), March 20th - 27th 2010
- Koan Retreat, (New york, USA), May 22nd - 29th 2010
We are expecting to add more retreats to this schedule, for the second half of 2010, so please call back later.
Western Zen Retreat
16th January to 21st January 2010
Leader: Hilary Richards
Venue: Maenllwyd, Wales
A simple monastic regime enables the mind to face the major paradox - Who am I? - in creative mutual questioning. People work in turns with each member of the group in exploring this fundamental Koan. The intensive focus drives each into a self-presentation that is difficult to experience in other ways. The outcome may be a profound sense of the unity of self and possibly a direct insight into the 'ground of being', in traditional Zen considered to be a glimpse of Enlightenment. Whether or not such an insight happens, participants share a rich experience in new self-knowledge and understanding others. Open equally to beginners and established trainees.
Suitable both for beginners and for experienced practitioners.
Western Zen Retreat
1st April to 6th April 2010
Leader: Jake Lyne
Venue: Maenllwyd, Wales
A simple monastic regime enables the mind to face the major paradox - Who am I? - in creative mutual questioning. People work in turns with each member of the group in exploring this fundamental Koan. The intensive focus drives each into a self-presentation that is difficult to experience in other ways. The outcome may be a profound sense of the unity of self and possibly a direct insight into the 'ground of being', in traditional Zen considered to be a glimpse of Enlightenment. Whether or not such an insight happens, participants share a rich experience in new self-knowledge and understanding others. Open equally to beginners and established trainees.
Suitable both for beginners and for experienced practitioners.
Chan Retreat in Sussex
8th May to 13th May 2010
Leader: to be advised
Venue: Hourne Farm, E. Sussex
In silent retreat the mind may calm and open, enabling the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. Whether you are already on the journey or are just beginning, a period of dedicated practice can give you a taste or a deepening of Chan insight. There will be teaching in Chan methods for newcomers, and ample practice opportunity for experienced practitioners. We shall rise early with a concentrated programme of sitting meditation and exercise sessions. Personal interviews will be available. Newcomers are particularly welcome.
Suitable both for beginners and for experienced practitioners
Everyday Chan - Buddhism Everyday
26th June to 1st July 2010
Leader: Ken Jones
Venue: Maenllwyd, Wales
A comprehensive introduction to working with the vicissitudes of your life as a potentially transformative practice. This retreat will draw together approaches introduced on previous retreats led by Ken Jones, together with new material.
Suitable both for beginners and for old timers
Silent Illumination
24th July to 31st July 2010
Leader: John Crook
Venue: Maenllwyd, Wales
This traditional week-long retreat will allow the time and space for serious practitioners to learn, practice and cultivate the method of Silent Illumination. Simple yet difficult, within this space you may encounter an opening that allows you to come to rest and find freedom, peace and lucidity. This is not a place to opt out but enables effective engagement with daily life. Facilitated in a kindly and supportive manner we will present the teaching and methods of Master Sheng-yen, through practice, talks and individual interviews. The format will be that of a full Chan retreat, rising early, a rigorous schedule of meditation and exercise, with work periods for food preparation and keeping the Maenllwyd (Grey Mountain) log fires glowing. In the still heart of Wales, join us for this intensive Seven Day Chan Retreat.
Requires prior attendance at a 5 day retreat.
Western Zen Retreat
21st August to 26th August 2010
Leader: to be advised
Venue: Maenllwyd, Wales
A simple monastic regime enables the mind to face the major paradox - Who am I? - in creative mutual questioning. People work in turns with each member of the group in exploring this fundamental Koan. The intensive focus drives each into a self-presentation that is difficult to experience in other ways. The outcome may be a profound sense of the unity of self and possibly a direct insight into the 'ground of being', in traditional Zen considered to be a glimpse of Enlightenment. Whether or not such an insight happens, participants share a rich experience in new self-knowledge and understanding others. Open equally to beginners and established trainees.
Suitable both for beginners and for experienced practitioners
Core Sutras - the Roots of the Dharma
2nd September to 5th September 2010
Leader: Hugh Carroll
Venue: Maenllwyd, Wales
Group study and contemplation of some of the most ancient Buddhist texts we have. The Pali Suttas, when looked into deeply, can bring much clarity. We will be supported by reflective sitting and discussion. All welcome!
Suitable both for beginners and for experienced practitioners.
Chan Retreat in Sussex
10th October to 15th October 2010
Leader: to be advised
Venue: Hourne Farm, E. Sussex
In silent retreat the mind may calm and open, enabling the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. Whether you are already on the journey or are just beginning, a period of dedicated practice can give you a taste or a deepening of Chan insight. There will be teaching in Chan methods for newcomers, and ample practice opportunity for experienced practitioners. We shall rise early with a concentrated programme of sitting meditation and exercise sessions. Personal interviews will be available. Newcomers are particularly welcome.
Suitable both for beginners and for experienced practitioners
Silent Illumination
4th December to 11th December 2010
Leader: Simon Child
Venue: Hourne Farm, E. Sussex
This traditional week-long retreat will allow the time and space for serious practitioners to learn, practice and cultivate the Chinese Zen method of Silent Illumination. Simple yet difficult, within this space you may encounter an opening that allows you to come to rest and find freedom, peace and lucidity. This is not a place to opt out but enables effective engagement with daily life.
Facilitated in a kindly and supportive manner we will present the teaching and methods of Master Sheng-yen, through practice, talks and individual interviews. The format will be that of a full Chan retreat, rising early, with a rigorous schedule of meditation, work periods, and exercise.
Requires prior attendance at a 5 day retreat.
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