We can observe "Defilements and idles thoughts" in our every-day lives. Rev. ZiYoung describes how the Founding Master told a follower perplexed by this mind that, “The myriad dharmas return to one; to what does the one return?” What does this mean, and how can it possibly help us in our every-day lives? https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Window Reflection Meditation by Rev. WonGong
Many of us ask ourselves, "Who am I really?" - a question that Rev. WonGong contemplated as she watched her reflected image disappear in the morning light. In this gentle dharma talk, you are invited to join Rev. WonGong's introspective journey that begins with reflected light and ends with the Heart Sutra. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Restoring Great Energy by Rev. WonGong
Restoring the great energy of the universe within us – What a beautiful practice! Rev. WonGong shares with us how the power of sky, earth, fellow beings, and meditation restored her essential life force energy. She then instructs us on how we can do the same. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
The Paradox of Nonduality by Michael Macklin (Won Hyoung)
From birth our experience is one of dualism - inside/outside, me/you, etc.. Where, then, is nonduality in our existence? In a conversational way, Michael Macklin (Won Hyoung) tackles nonduality, a brave act since, as many assert, it is something "beyond words and speech."
The Importance of Mindfulness with Every Step by Rev. WonGong
Our minds are both powerful and subtle, and in this reflective dharma talk, Rev. WonGong considers how mindfulness impacts the trajectory of cause and effect in our lives. Cultivating our mind is crucial, and she encourages us to practice by doing something as simple as taking one calm and focused step after another.
Watering the Deep Roots of Practice by Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu)
Hand watering plants during a heat wave may not immediately seem like a reflection point for meditation practice, but in this dharma talk, Won Buddhist Practitioner, Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu), found it to be an excellent teacher. Just as roots follow the path of deep water, our spiritual path follows the sometimes surprising path of deep practice.
The Koan of Uncle Ralph by Nate Jackson (Won JaySun)
Through the lens of koan contemplation, longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, Nate Jackson (Won JaySun) explores a topic in this inviting dharma talk that some of us find daunting: reincarnation. Using curiosity to probe his own mind, Nate shares how the results of his exploration created space for a new awareness, healing, and appreciation. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Mind the Gap: Realigning Our Habits by Paige Doster-Grimes
Do your actions always align with your wishes? This is the question Won Buddhist practitioner, Paige Doster-Grimes, explores in this bright and clear dharma talk. Using the curiosity of children as inspiration, she shows us how answering that question can aid our practice. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Where Did the Squirrel Go? by Rev. WonGong
Unexpected, and sometimes unwelcome, disappearances happen in life. Squirrels come and then go away - just like people, or pretty much everything in life despite expected routines. Rev. WonGong asks us how things would be if constant change was our default expectation? https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
One Mind, One Wish, One Life by Rev. ZiYoung (한 마음, 한 뜻, 한 삶)
The modern-day Buddha, Sotaesan, was a person who showed everyone how to become Buddhas, and how to recognize everything as a Buddha offering in our every-day, modern lives. Rev. ZiYoung celebrates June 1st, the day the Founding Master entered nirvana, with a powerful testimony of just how Ven. Sotaesan gifted the world the path to enlightenment via the power of the Threefold Study, and the Eight Articles, the Fourfold Grace, and the Four Essentials.
A Prayer for those in Uvalde, Texas by Rev. WonGong
As we live in this deeply interconnected world, the joy of the world is our joy. The pain and suffering of the world is our pain and suffering. This morning, we hold the victims from the elementary school in Texas in our meditative and prayer.
Gunk Clean-Up Meditation by Rev. WonGong
Does the path to your true nature seem blocked by lifetimes of karmic gunk? Practitioners looking for a way through will find hope in this enlightening dharma talk by Rev. WonGong. Focusing on the Buddhist theory of Nine Consciousnesses, she shows us how the levels of our mind intertwine to create obstacles, and she gives guidance on how to release those obstacles and abide in pure consciousness, our true nature.
See Yourself as a Buddha by Brian Adams (Won SeongDeok)
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