Introduction to NC Temples
Our Temples began years ago as a vision of Reverend WonGong; she wanted to expand opportunities for people to learn about and practice Won Buddhism in the United States, and she saw that North Carolina was a place rich with potential. She consulted with Mother Reverend YonSuk Jong of the Eastern Diocese, and with her blessings, came to Raleigh in 2003. Her hope was to introduce the dharma of Won Buddhism beyond the Korean community to western culture.
Once in North Carolina, Rev. WonGong began teaching meditation to a single student in a rented room in Chapel Hill. Over time, more people joined them and a meditation group was formed. As the room became crowded, the group relocated to a more spacious environment, available at Plum Spring Clinic in Southern Village. In March, 2005, a permanent residence at 8021 Old NC 86 in Chapel Hill was purchased with support from the New York Temple, donations from local practitioners, and savings from Rev. WonGong’s employment as a social worker in the nearby city of Durham.
Before long, the number of practitioners joining community meditation services outgrew the space in the residence building, so plans for creating a Dharma Hall began. Local fundraising events for this project included the annual Temple Bazaar, benefit concerts, and other events, large and small.
In addition, Rev. WonGong traveled to Won Buddhist communities in Korea and described the growing North Carolina sangha and its need for a place to gather and practice. Moved by her message, these Korean communities generously provided her with honoraria and donations by “passing the plate.” Together, these funds helped the Dharma Hall building project move forward. During the construction of the Dharma Hall, over 100 volunteers donated their time and effort to its completion. Even the local North Carolina clay made a contribution, creating the traditional Korean-style interior walls of the Dharma Hall. Our Temple’s grounds and gardens have evolved since then, to attract people as a peaceful place for reflection and meditation.
The dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of the new Dharma Hall was held on October 11, 2011. Shortly afterwards, the community was honored to welcome the 5th Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism, Venerable KyongSan, into the new Hall. In 2012, the 4th Head Dharma Master, Ven. ChwaSan, also blessed our community through his warm visit.
In 2005, the Temple’s first member, Michael Macklin, took the dharma name of WonHyoung and accepted the first ten precepts of Won Buddhist discipleship. Since then, an additional 53 practitioners have accepted dharma names, and of these, 39 remain active (as of January, 2021). Together, they have created a kyowhadan group which meets monthly to support one another and the Temple community.
Won Buddhism in North Carolina is also growing in Raleigh. Beginning in 2008, the Raleigh community met for bi-weekly meditation sessions in Moving Mantra Yoga Studio, where it continued to meet for the next 8 years. In October 2015, we purchased a residence in North Raleigh, part of which was converted into a Dharma Hall, where we now join together for Sunday evening community meditation services. The Raleigh Temple serves residents of the greater Raleigh area as well as people living in nearby Wake Forest.
The community’s ministries have grown, too, with outreach programs to high school and college students. Summer dharma camps for children have been held annually since 2006.
Groups studying Won Buddhist scriptures meet weekly, and morning meditation is held daily. Dharma services are offered on both Saturday and Sunday in Chapel Hill and Sunday evenings in Raleigh, allowing those who also attend other churches or synagogues to participate.
Nearly every month, meditation retreats are held in both our Chapel Hill and Raleigh temples, as well as at the Southern Dharma Retreat Center in western North Carolina. Temple members have made 7 pilgrimage trips to Korea, including a group of 22 practitioners who attended ceremonies marking the centennial of Won Buddhism in May, 2016.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive online programs were initiated starting in March 2020. Through our YouTube channel, various virtual programs including dharma talks have been made available.
Won-Buddhism has now entered its second century, and communities in many countries are growing and flourishing. The growth of dharma work in North Carolina reflects this global vitality. Two kyomunims currently reside and work in the North Carolina Temples. Rev. WonGong So was joined by Rev. Shaun Song in 2022. Prior to Rev. Song’s arrival, five other kyomunims served these Temples with significant contributions to the growth of our dharma communities:
Rev. Shaun Song (2022- )
Rev. ZiYoung Kang (2021-2023)
Rev. Ginger Lee (2012-2021)
Rev. April Park (2018-2019)
Rev. IlDuk Kim (2007-2011)
Rev. DukJeon Kim (2005-2006)
Rev. WonGong So (2005- )