About us

The Huddersfield Serene Reflection Meditation Group has been running for about 20 years. It is affiliated to The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. The Order is dedicated to the practice of the Serene Reflection Meditation tradition, known as Sōtō Zen in Japan. The Order was established by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett to serve as the international umbrella organization for the monasteries, priories (local temples), and meditation groups led by priests of our lineage in Britain, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. The OBC includes both female and male monks and our tradition has always emphasised complete equality of the sexes.

We have strong connections with Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, a Zen Buddhist monastery and retreat centre situated in Northumberland – its Abbot is Rev Master Leandra Robertshaw.

A senior member of the monastic community there, Rev. Master Berwyn Watson, regularly visits our group, and leads day retreats several times a year. He is also available to give advice on our practice, and people are welcome to call or email if they have any questions.

Other monks from temples of the OBC also visit to give talks and lead retreats. People from the group often visit the Abbey and other temples of the Order for meditation retreats and festivals. See the “LINKS” page on this website for contacts and information.