Sometimes it is difficult to see ourselves as living buddhas, and this challenge is exactly what Won Buddhist practitioner, Brian Adams (Won SeongDeok) explores is this helpful dharma talk. He guides us through Master ChongSan’s “5 Steps to Enlightenment” and shows us how these practical steps guide our awakening, which is what we are doing, wherever we are in our practice journey. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Mother's Day Meditation 2022 by Rev. WonGong (어머니의 날 명상)
A heart rending story of a mother's love opens this contemplative meditation led by Rev. WonGong for Mother's Day 2022. She reminds us that the maternal role is not limited to the so-called "female" gender, it's earned by anyone who provides nurturing love. Rev. WonGong beautifully sings the haunting tune "Mother of Mine" by Bill Parkinson. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
May Prayer 2022 by Rev. ZiYoung (5월 기도)
Our practice and prayers are needed now, more than ever, in a world where peace appears to be elusive. Rev. ZiYoung implores us to support each other while recognizing the state of our struggling world, by returning to our true nature and allowing healing to happen. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Would You Rather Be Kind or Be Right? (친절한 사람, 정당한 사람, 당신의 선택은?)
In this perceptive dharma talk, Rev. WonGong explores a specific challenge we humans encounter when we work together: When things get complicated, do we lean towards kindness or insist on being right? Through her real-life examples, Rev. WonGong shows us how our choice impacts those around us and can grow or hinder our own spiritual development as well. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Master Sotaesan's Great Enlightenment by Michael Macklin (Won Hyoung) (소태산 대종사의 대각)
In this understated talk, Michael Macklin (Won Hyoung) is ambivalent calling Master Sotaesan's very modern-day enlightenment experience a "story." Listen to learn how we, as fellow practitioners, can not only benefit from Master Sotaesan's hard-earned wisdom, but can become enlightened ourselves. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Great Enlightenment: A View from Marvelous Existence by Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu) (대각 大覺 : 놀라운 존재로서의 의미)
Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu) takes us on an open and vulnerable journey, describing her current practice as one best defined by the term, "middle spiritual capacity." In this space, enlightenment can seem far away and unattainable. Kathleen assures us that no matter the form, enlightenment is just as here and now as a daffodil is a daffodil before it blooms - even when it's a bulb! The lack of yellow petals doesn't mean the daffodil bulb isn't what it is, and Kathleen's wise insight details how we can recognize enlightenment for what it actually is. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
The Wisdom of Pine Trees by Rev. WonGong (소나무의 지혜)
Rev. WonGong generously shares the wisdom she has learned from living amongst pine trees in this poignant dharma talk. She skillfully weaves together lessons about resilience and acceptance from her life experiences both in Asia, and here, in the West. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Cultivating a Broad Perspective by Mattie Decker (Won BubJon) (넓은 시야를 키우자)
In this personal and reflective dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner and Christian, Mattie Decker (Won BubJon), explores how we can fully and unambiguously embrace all the spiritual traditions in our lives. By opening our minds and hearts to a broader perspective, we will find a richness of spiritual diversity that is ready to support us on our journey. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Use It or Lose It by Rev. WonGong
In this Dharma talk, Rev. WonGong reminds us that the powerful tool of "equanimity" is only beneficial if we use it often. Like a temple bell that is frequently struck, equanimity rings long and true, but will be dull if neglected, or seldom used. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Inquiry into Cause and Effect by Holly North (Won JahYoo) (인과에 대한 연구)
In this thoughtful dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner, Holly North (Won JahYoo) explores how understanding cause and effect can help us transform ourselves and our world. By weaving the Won Buddhist principle of Mindful Choice in Action into her everyday life, she shows us how empowering this practice can be. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
April Prayer 2022 by Rev. WonGong
Rev. WonGong offers a prayer of renewal and peace for April. May we practice with intention, faith, and welcome enlightenment just as Master Sotaesan did in this special month of April. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
The Art of War, The Art of Peace by Rev. WonGong (전쟁의 기술, 평화의 기술)
Is it possible to be a warrior for peace? This is the question Rev. WonGong explores in this compelling and pertinent dharma talk. Through her insight, we learn that wholeheartedly cultivating equanimity and wisdom prepares us to help bring peace to the world and ourselves with calmness, fortitude, and agility. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Path to Buddhahood by Rev. ZiYoung (성불의 길)
The path to Buddhahood may seem far-off, but in this hopeful and clear-sighted dharma talk, Rev. ZiYoung removes the mystery and shows us how we already are walking along that path. When guided by our beginner's mind and our pure heart, we find ourselves in the good company of all Buddhas journeying together. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Guided Meditation on Spring by Rev. WonGong (봄 명상)
In this hopeful meditation, Rev. WonGong invites us to sense the vital energy of mother earth sprining forth! Spring is here, wake up now! https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Am I a Good Enough Buddhist? by Bob Brown (Won BopOn) (나는 괜찮은 불교신자일까?)
What does it mean to "be a good Buddhist?" By reflecting on that question through the lenses of introspection and experience, Won Buddhist practitioner, Bob Brown (Won BopOn), discovers that focusing on the basics -- following Dharma and having faith in the Way -- can help each of us shed our ego and the barriers it creates to enlightenment and happiness. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
My Time Here at the North Carolina Temple by Rev. Yeosol Lee (NC교당에서의 감상 - 밴쿠버교당 이여솔 교무)
Rev. Yeosol Lee is a visiting Kyomunim from the Vancouver Temple in Canada. She shares some of the things she has experienced during her two week stay here at the Temple in North Carolina. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Cultivating a Mind of Respect and Awe by Drew Pilant (Won DoCheong) (경외심 기르기 - 공경하고 두려워하는 마음)
Drew Pilant (Won DoCheong) asks if we are supposed to be continuously awestruck by things or people as the founding master seems to suggest - even the annoying ones? Drew posits that one's mind-state is the natural result of simple practices which he elucidates in this "tiny talk." https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Great Loving Compassion by Rev. WonGong (대자대비大慈大悲)
With emotion and deep wisdom, Rev. WonGong reminds us that we all have the seeds of compassion and Buddhahood within us. She describes how "Buddha" and "Bodhisattva" are synonyms and their application melt away the three poisons of greed, anger, and delusion. All of this can be realized by letting our own little lights shine, no matter how small each little flame may appear to be. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
March Prayer by Rev. ZiYoung
Rev. ZiYoung offers a hopeful prayer for March in prose relevant to contemporary concerns, and hopeful in its intention.
Prayer for World Peace by Rev. WonGong (세게평화기원)
Rev. WonGong's heartfelt plea for a peaceful world is a template for individual practice that informs our interconnected, true nature. She reminds us that there is always a win-win solution when we transcend egoistic and restrictive thoughts and views. May we choose compassion over coercion.