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.
In the Approaches to Meditation section, I offer a variety of systems and traditions for interested explorers:
If you'd like to practise with me, the Teaching section has a list of retreats and other events throughout the year.
I also have a host of other Resources available here. 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 my free books in the Books section, as well as a mailing list if you'd like to be kept up to date on my activities.
Please enjoy your time here, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
In the Approaches to Meditation section, I offer a variety of systems and traditions for interested explorers:
- For Beginners, I offer a free introductory 6-week course to get you started practising right away.
- For modern Mindfulness practitioners, I have an overview, a short video course to get you started, and some more detailed practice instructions if you'd like to go deeper.
- For those interested in early Buddhism, I have an introduction to the tradition, detailed sections on key practices such as jhana, insight meditation and heart-opening (Brahmavihara), as well as a free book exploring the whole spiritual path, In Buddha's Wake.
- For those drawn to Zen, I have an overview, details of iconic practices such as koan study, Silent Illumination (shikantaza) and the energy practices of Rinzai Zen, as well as a free book delving into awareness teachings, Resting in the Unborn.
- The Essence of Meditation is my personal take on the meditative path. Start with the Overview, then explore the three key aspects of Stillness, Clarity and Presence - and if these leave you wanting more, my latest free book is Going with the Flow.
If you'd like to practise with me, the Teaching section has a list of retreats and other events throughout the year.
I also have a host of other Resources available here. 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 my free books in the Books section, as well as a mailing list if you'd like to be kept up to date on my activities.
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
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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: Going with the Flow, a simple guide to the essence of meditation; 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! |