Practical meditation and mindfulness techniques for health, well-being and happiness
Welcome! This website is a resource for anyone interested in learning to meditate, whether you're completely new or already have some experience in one or more traditions.
If you've never meditated before, take a look at the Beginners section, which sets out some of the most popular types of meditation, and offers a free 6-week self-paced course so that you can start practising right away.
If you're interested in modern mindfulness, as a simple, straightforward wellbeing practice with no 'spiritual' language or affiliation to a religious tradition, head over to the Mindfulness section, where you'll find a free hour-long video course and a variety of suggested practices for developing a more mindful life.
If you'd like to explore the teachings of the historical Buddha, the Early Buddhism section describes the traditional framework of ethics, meditation and wisdom that is recorded in the Pali canon, with a particular focus on jhana practice, insight meditation and the Brahmaviharas. I also have a free book on early Buddhism, In Buddha's Wake.
If you're drawn to the Zen tradition, the Zen section discusses awakening through seeing your true nature - kensho - and presents the iconic Zen meditation practices of Silent Illumination ('just sitting', aka shikantaza) and koan study, along with energetic practices found in the Japanese Rinzai Zen lineage. I also have a free book on Zen practice, Resting in the Unborn.
You can also find guided meditations in the Audio section, articles and practice guides in the Writings section (with an index to help you find what you're interested in), and free books in the Books section.
I run retreats and other events throughout the year. You can find the calendar of upcoming events on the Teaching page.
Please enjoy your time here, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
If you've never meditated before, take a look at the Beginners section, which sets out some of the most popular types of meditation, and offers a free 6-week self-paced course so that you can start practising right away.
If you're interested in modern mindfulness, as a simple, straightforward wellbeing practice with no 'spiritual' language or affiliation to a religious tradition, head over to the Mindfulness section, where you'll find a free hour-long video course and a variety of suggested practices for developing a more mindful life.
If you'd like to explore the teachings of the historical Buddha, the Early Buddhism section describes the traditional framework of ethics, meditation and wisdom that is recorded in the Pali canon, with a particular focus on jhana practice, insight meditation and the Brahmaviharas. I also have a free book on early Buddhism, In Buddha's Wake.
If you're drawn to the Zen tradition, the Zen section discusses awakening through seeing your true nature - kensho - and presents the iconic Zen meditation practices of Silent Illumination ('just sitting', aka shikantaza) and koan study, along with energetic practices found in the Japanese Rinzai Zen lineage. I also have a free book on Zen practice, Resting in the Unborn.
You can also find guided meditations in the Audio section, articles and practice guides in the Writings section (with an index to help you find what you're interested in), and free books in the Books section.
I run retreats and other events throughout the year. You can find the calendar of upcoming events on the Teaching page.
Please enjoy your time here, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
About me
My Zenways teacher training group, led by Zenways teacher Mark Westmoquette
|
My name is Matt, and I've been practising meditation and mindfulness for almost twenty years now. It's transformed my life for the better, and it's my pleasure and privilege to be able to share what I've learnt with others.
I'm a senior student of Leigh Brasington; Leigh authorised me to teach retreats in the lineage of the Venerable Ayya Khema in 2022. I'm also a student of Julian Daizan Skinner Roshi, founder of Zenways, a Rinzai Zen sangha in the lineage of Gyokuryuji; I qualified as a Zen meditation and mindfulness teacher in 2018. I'm the author of several books on Buddhism, all freely available from this website: In Buddha's Wake, a practical guide to early Buddhism; Resting in the Unborn, an exploration of the teachings of Zen master Bankei; and Pathways of Meditation, an introductory course for beginners. I've also written what's arguably an excessive number of articles about different aspects of practice. These writings are offered freely; donations are always gratefully accepted. Please give within your means. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch via [email protected], or find me on Facebook at fb.me/CheltenhamZen. Thank you! |