“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
Two Principles of True Nature
What is the essence of the true nature of the universe? Although words and concepts cannot give us the full answer, they do give us glimpses of this fundamental Truth. In this insightful and informative dharma talk, Rev. WonGong beautifully guides us through the teachings and illustrations of true nature.
Meditation: The Art of Balance
When it comes to meditation, have you ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" Paige Doster-Grimes discusses the need for engaged calmness during meditation, emphasizing the importance of being alert and grounded in the present moment. Giving Master Sotesan's instructions for meditation, she tells us how to manage both drowsiness and/or a busy mind.
Linda (Won InDoh) The 2025 Dharma Name Recipient
Receiving a Dharma Name is a great honor that represents an absolute commitment to the Won Buddhist path. Linda Cato received her name in 2025. This is her reflection on the journey that brought her there.
Divine Pumpkin Vines
Dharma shines brightly from so many places – even pumpkin vines! In this delightful talk, Rev. WonGong shares insight into the way dedicated teachers help guide their students. Just as she carefully uncurls the tendrils of misdirected pumpkin vines, our teachers help us untwist our clenched tendrils, so we can grow in beneficial directions.
Gratitude and Service: A Wonmu's Path
How special that we have the very first Won Mu (Lay Minister of Won Buddhism) in our temple community! Kathleen Herr is a dedicated and loving Won Mu. In this talk, she shares her heart-full words of wisdom on her practice journey.
Jenn (Jae Hee) The 2024 Dharma Name Recipient
Receiving a Dharma Name is a great honor that represents an absolute commitment to the Won Buddhist path. Jenn Robinson received her name in 2024. This is her reflection on the journey that brought her there.
Christine (Do Banh) The 2024 Dharma Name Recipient
Receiving a Dharma Name is a great honor that represents an absolute commitment to the Won Buddhist path. Christine Donovan Ball received her name in 2024. This is her reflection on the journey that brought her there.
Irene Sadler (Won SaeRoWoom) the 2024 Dharma Name Recipient
Discussing the spiritual journey that led her to become a Dharma Name Recipient, Irene Sadler uses the metaphor of the Mugunghwa, or Rose of Sharon, to highlight the importance of proper nourishment and support on the spiritual path.
Walking with Teachers
Spiritual teachers do not always conform to the expectations of their students. However, even when rough and unpolished, they have a kind of radar that looks much further than the student can see. In this heartwarming dharma talk, Reverend Shaun explores the teacher-student relationship within Won Buddhism.
The Power of Water
After the recent floods in North Carolina and elsewhere, Reverend WonGong reflects on the power and possibility of water. The symbolism of water holds an essential place in Asian culture, and Taoism in particular. Watch now to see how water can serve as a guide and example as we flow down the path of spiritual practice.