Ch'an is the name first given to the meditation which is typical of the practice and mind which was carried from India to China by the First Ancestor, or Patriarch, of Ch'an and Zen, Bodhidharma. He came from "the West", from India, to China. Later, Ch'an migrated to Japan, as did almost everything Chinese. In Japan, Ch'an is pronounced and known as "Zen". Fortunately (and we must thank our karma for this), Ch'an and Zen teachers have come to the West, and have taught in the West and trained Western teachers, by now. We are the first or second or third generation of Ch'an and Zen practitioners in the West, and we bear a large responsibility to insure that the Dharma is never lost. "This is the most important thing in the world", says Robert Aitken Roshi. May we all experience strong practice, and continue to pass along any pointers, or encouragement for our fellows. General discussion is encouraged. Post here when you will, and please practice general civility. Take good care of yourselves!

(Calligraphy shown here is the character, "Ch'an" [Zen], written by Ch'an Master Sheng-yen, of Taipei, Taiwan, and New York City, NY, USA).

Welcome! -- Joe, moderator / Tucson, Arizona (USA).