CHELTENHAM ZEN
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Teaching

Throughout the year I run retreats and other events, both online and in person. Unfortunately my weekly class is not currently running, and my capacity for Zoom calls and in-person meet-ups is severely limited, but you're always welcome to drop me an email if you'd like to discuss your practice.

Below, you can find a calendar of upcoming events, along with more detailed descriptions of those events.

The list of retreats and other events does change from time to time - the best way to keep track of upcoming events is to join my mailing list here! (It's very low traffic, approximately one email every couple of months.)

If you're interested in something that isn't listed below, please do feel free to contact me and we can talk about it.
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Retreats, courses and other upcoming events

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Calendar of upcoming events

29 March 2026: The Art of Silence meditation workshop, 1pm-4.30pm, in person at OrangeYoga, Cheltenham (book here)

5-15 June 2026: 11-day jhana retreat with Leigh Brasington, online via Zoom (book here)

11-day jhana retreats

The jhanas are altered states of consciousness which can arise during samadhi practice, leading to sustained experiences of bliss, joy, contentment and equanimity. These states are not only interesting and enjoyable in their own right, but also give rise to a mind which is substantially quieter, clearer and sharper than usual, and thus tend to accelerate and deepen one's insight practice as well.

These retreats offer a complete spiritual path drawn from the early Buddhist tradition. They have a strong focus on the practice of learning and cultivating the jhanas, as taught by my teacher Leigh Brasington, complemented by a range of insight and heart-opening practices.

Since 2022 Leigh and I have offered a yearly online jhana retreat through Gaia House, joined by Claralynn Nunamaker in 2025, and we're hoping that will continue. Leigh also offers other retreats (some in the UK timezone, others in U.S. timezones), so check out his retreats page if the dates below don't work for you.

Prerequisites: Jhana retreats are suitable for anyone with an established meditation practice who has attended two or more seven-day silent retreats previously. If you don't meet these prerequisites but would still like to come, please contact me to discuss.

Dates:
  • 5-15 June 2026, online via Zoom, with Leigh Brasington.
    • Booking is essential: Please see the Gaia House website for costs and booking details.
  • (Future dates will be announced as they become available - my intention is to run at least one jhana retreat each year.)

Online retreat logistics: International applicants are welcome for online retreats. Talks (typically given at 11am and 8pm UK time) are recorded and made available online. All participants will be required to attend interviews every few days, which will typically take place between 2pm and 6pm UK time.
(Back to calendar)

The Art of Silence meditation workshop

In this workshop we'll explore the purpose and practice of inner silence in meditation. Drawing on both early Buddhism and Zen, we'll explore some ways to connect with and rest in this powerful internal resource in meditation, and see how something as simple as silence can enrich and empower our lives in activity as well as in stillness.

Prerequisites: None. Full instruction will be given for all practices.

​Practical details:
  • When and where: 1pm-4.30pm, Sunday 29th March 2026, in person at OrangeYoga in Cheltenham. 
  • Cost: Donation-based (give what you can).
  • Booking is essential: Please see the OrangeYoga website for booking details.
(Back to calendar)

  • Home
  • Approaches to meditation
    • Beginners
    • Mindfulness >
      • Introduction
      • Video course
      • Practising mindfulness
    • Early Buddhism >
      • Introduction
      • Jhana
      • Insight practice
      • Brahmaviharas
      • In Buddha's Wake
    • Zen >
      • Introduction
      • Koans
      • Silent Illumination
      • Energy practices
      • Resting in the Unborn
  • Teaching
  • Resources
    • Articles >
      • Index of articles
      • Writings
    • Books >
      • Beginners: Pathways of Meditation
      • Zen: Resting in the Unborn
      • Early Buddhism: In Buddha's Wake
    • Audio
    • Mailing list