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.
Walking For Peace
In honor of monks' peace walk, Rev. WonGong shares her talk. "May our steps be gentle and grounded; may our hearts be resolved; may we walk in peace, for peace."
Meditation for Loving Kindness [TBT Dharma]
In February 2016, Reverend WonGong shared a powerful guided metta meditation designed warm the heart and expand our capacity for love. By intentionally sending well-wishes to ourselves and others, we break down the barriers of isolation and invite a flow of positive, healing energy into our lives.
The Mind is Free from Disturbance
Reverend WonGong discusses the first of the Essential Dharmas of Daily Practice. The mind is originally free from disturbance. Therefore, all disturbances arise from sensory conditions. What are we supposed to do with this information?
Guided Meditation on Gratitude [TBT Dharma]
In this beautiful guided meditation by Rev. WowGong from November 2018, we are brought to a deep understanding that all is grace. Learning to breathe in gratitude and breathe out gratitude, we release all our thoughts and dwell in our true, grateful nature.
To What Does The One Return
Holy North (Won JahYoo) offers a moving reflection on her personal journey through addiction and recovery. Drawing deep insight from the Won koan, "All dharmas return to one; to what does the one return?" she concludes that every individual is inherently perfect and complete exactly as they are. Through the lens of the threefold practice, she demonstrates how we can all evolve into more dedicated Dharma practitioners and more compassionate human beings.
Meditation is Simple and Easy [TBT Dharma]
From October 2018: If you’ve been looking to get started in meditation but don’t know where to start, look no further. Reverend WonGong provides a survey of the forms of meditation used in Won Buddhism, including the Rag Doll Method.
Home of the Grand Universe
Our dear temple friend, Kathy (Won JiYeon), visited from the Won Dharma Center in New York. In this talk, she shares about how she came to walk this path of Won-Buddhism and how it led to her sharing the house of the grand universe with all of us. Please share your thoughts on Kathy's talk in the comments.
Returning to My Original Vow
Yin & Yang [TBT Dharma]
This is Part 1 of Reverend WonGong’s deep dive on Yin and Yang from August of 2017. Balancing Yin and Yang can be a vital step to improved functioning of body and mind. Learn what these terms actually mean, how they relate to karma and how balancing these dual principles can improve your physical health and general well-being.
Go Slowly
“Breathe slowly. Feel the air in your nostrils. The slow rise and fall of your abdamon. Notice your breath throughout the day. Notice when you feel stressed or anger and irritation. The body reacts by stopping and holding the breath. So just when you need your oxygen to get to your brain to make mindful decisions, you’re abandoned by your breath. So go slowly throughout your day. Stop to take a breath. Think about your words, your actions that you’re going to take. Be steady and calm, and you’ll make the right choices.
December Prayer 2023 [TBT Dharma]
For our first Throwback Thursday, we present a beautiful invitation to pause in the clear stillness of winter and settle into the roots of our true nature from December 2023.
The Art of Koan Practrice [TBT Dharma]
Throwback Thursday Dharma: If you've ever wondered how to get started with Koan practice, this is the place to start! In Rev. WonGong & Rev. Song's talk on September 24, 2017, they discuss how Won Koans, or Hwadu, are intended to both reveal our True Nature and Illuminate Human affairs and Universal Principles. A koan can be a profound question or simply the question of why our washing machine keeps leaving stains on our clothes.
My Visit to India
Reverend Dr. Bokin Kim discusses her travels in India and reflects on the fact that the historical Buddha "was born on the road, lived on the road, and then died on the road." Demonstrating the ways in which Buddhism has continuously promoted equality, she teaches that the 4 Essentials are as integral to Won Buddhism as they are consistent with the Buddha's original teachings.
Gratitude: Healing the Relationship
Blessing Words of Ven JukSanim
Where Should I Sit?
According to the scriptures of Won Buddhism, our actions should be based on sound thought. What happens when habits form, and actions become automatic? Rebecca Kameny reflects on the importance of heedfulness in knowing when to form a habit and when to break it.\
Mindful Curiosity
Pete and Julie Warshaw gave this wonderful talk about Questioning, one of the 8 Articles, in April of 2019. While Questioning is an essential practice to cultivate, we must remember to fit it in with Faith, Zeal, and Dedication. Pete and Julie challenge us to think about how our ego and preconceived notions may be wrapped up in our deep questions and doubts.
Let The Practice Do The Talking
Our temple friend and member, Shauna Hay (Won SonHa), shares about how dedication and wisdom can help us master skills and learn things that we never imagined we could. Sometimes, the practice itself is our best teacher, even when the practice has you standing on your head!
The Founding Motive: Am I Using my Phone or is My Phone Using Me?
Depending upon our choices, technology can be a powerful gift...or, it can drag us into misery! Won Buddhism's founding motive speaks to this directly. In this insightful talk, Patty Daniel (Hwa Tawonim) highlights how our practice aids us to appreciate and control technology rather than having it smother our lives