CHELTENHAM ZEN
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Teaching

Throughout the year I run retreats and other events, both online and in person. From time to time I also meet up with people one-on-one, either in person or online - I don't charge for this, but it's subject to availability in my calendar! (I am not currently taking on regular students on a one-to-one basis.)

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

20 July 2025: Seven factors of awakening workshop, in person at OrangeYoga (book here)

3-5 October 2025: 3-day jhana retreat with Claralynn Nunamaker, in person at Noddfa, Wales (see below for booking details)

25-26 October 2025: 2-day Brahmavihara retreat, online via Zoom with the Dharmachanics sangha (see below for booking details)

5-15 June 2026: 11-day jhana retreat with Leigh Brasington and Claralynn Nunamaker, online via Zoom (not yet open for booking)

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, 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 and Claralynn Nunamaker.
    • Booking is essential: Please see the Gaia House website for costs and booking details. (Booking is not yet open but will appear on their timetable once it is.)
  • (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.

Seven factors of awakening afternoon workshop

The Seven Factors of Awakening offer a simple yet powerful guide to meditation practice, starting with the establishment of mindfulness and culminating in deep peace and clarity. In this workshop, we'll explore the seven factors through the practice of embodied mindfulness, also known as Silent Illumination or 'just sitting'. Full instructions for sitting and walking meditation will be given, and we'll have plenty of time for practice.

Please eat a light lunch before arriving at the workshop.

​​Prerequisites: None.

Dates:
  • 1pm-4.30pm, Sunday 20th July 2025, in person at OrangeYoga.
    • Cost: This event is offered on a donation basis. Suggested donations are in the region £15-£30, but no payment is required. Please give within your means. Click here to donate.
    • Booking is essential: Please see the OrangeYoga website for details.​

Exploring the jhanas, a weekend retreat

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.

This weekend retreat, held at the beautiful Noddfa in north Wales, offers an entry point for people who are curious to know more about the jhanas, both how to practise them and how they fit into the wider context of the spiritual path. Fellow jhana teacher Claralynn Nunamaker and I will give talks, take questions and offer private interviews, with plenty of time for sitting and walking meditation throughout the weekend. We will also be joined via Zoom by our teacher Leigh Brasington for a talk and Q&A session on the Friday evening.

Prerequisites: None.

Dates:
  • 3-5  October 2025, in person at Noddfa, north Wales, with Claralynn Nunamaker.
    • ​Cost: the event costs £190 for food and accommodation. Teaching is offered on a donation basis; all donations are gratefully received.
    • ​Booking is essential: to book a place, please contact Claralynn. We ask for a 50% deposit in advance, payable by bank transfer, with the balance paid by 1 September 2025.
    • For any enquiries about the retreat, please contact me.​

In-person retreat logistics: Please arrive before 5pm on Friday. Departure will be at 3pm on Sunday. Meals will be provided; please let us know of any dietary requirements when you book.
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2-day Brahmavihara retreat

The heart-opening meditations known as the Brahmaviharas are among the most beloved of early Buddhism's many practices. Together, we'll learn how to cultivate loving kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity, exploring many different ways to connect with these beautiful qualities of the heart and mind, and looking at some of their deeper implications for the wider spiritual path. Full instructions for sitting and walking meditation will be given, and we'll have plenty of time for practice throughout the weekend. 

This event is being run for members of the online Dharmachanics sangha. It's a rich practice community that's free to join; to do so, visit the Dharmachanics closed Facebook group and fill out an application. You'll be glad you did!

Prerequisites: Dharmachanics members only.

Dates:
  • 25-26 October 2025, online via Zoom. Sessions will run 3pm-9pm UK time (10am-4pm ET, 7am-1pm PT) each day.
    • Cost: Offered on a donation basis. Please give according to your means.
    • Booking is not required, but you must be a Dharmachanics member to attend. Membership can take a few weeks to come through, so don't leave it to the last minute!

Online logistics: International participants are welcome for online retreats (and, indeed, the timings have been chosen to accommodate American and Canadian participants). The event will be recorded and made available to Dharmachanics members after the fact.
  • Home
  • Beginners
  • Mindfulness
    • Introduction
    • Video course
    • Practising mindfulness
  • Early Buddhism
    • Introduction
    • Jhana
    • Insight practice
    • Brahmaviharas
    • In Buddha's Wake
  • Zen
    • Introduction
    • Koans
    • Silent Illumination
    • Resting in the Unborn
    • Energy practices
  • Teaching
  • Articles
    • Index of articles
    • Writings
  • Books
    • Beginners: Pathways of Meditation
    • Zen: Resting in the Unborn
    • Early Buddhism: In Buddha's Wake
  • Audio
  • Mailing list