The word "selfishness" often conjures images of greed for things of the physical world, but in this beautifully insightful dharma talk, Rev. Shaun reveals an uncommon perspective. He calls us to notice that selfishness can be the result of our ego grasping for self-validation, and that when we release it, our open, pure, unselfish mind unfolds.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com...
Sincere thoughtful questioning is a key practice in Won Buddhism. In this instructive talk, Bob Brown (Won BupOon) shares with us the background of the essential teaching of inquiry and various ways it is woven into Won Buddhist philosophy and active practice.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com...
The legal system in the US is littered with injustice, so how can practitioners understand the foundational Won Buddhist teaching about the Grace of Laws? In this penetrating and thoughtful dharma talk, practitioner Cassie Hanson (Hae Son), delves into that question with insightful perspective, and shares how advocating for justice is a way to requite this essential Grace.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com...
One of the foundational teachings of Won Buddhism is the unfolding of The Threefold Practice: the cultivation of equanimity, wisdom, and mindful choice in action. In this multi-layered dharma talk, Rev. WonGong shares how the threads of her own practice wove together during a surprising and unexpected life experience.
A rigid, narrow practice doesn't automatically equate to a strong practice. Longtime temple practitioner, Michael Macklin (HyoungSanim), shares his wisdom and experience that, just as the threefold practice is more than merely meditating, likewise, a well-rounded person holds more than a single point of view or belief.
"Rebirth as redemption" may be a surprising concept to some, yet it is this lens that Won Buddhist practitioner, Christine Ball, uses to reveal rebirth's unique role in our daily lives. In this insightful dharma talk, she highlights how the dynamic energies of our choices unfold throughout time, both for others and ourselves.
In this delightful reflection, intern kyomunim, Rev. HeyBong, describes the surprises she experienced while living and working with the reverends and practitioners in North Carolina's Won Buddhism Meditation Temples. As the days unfolded, she discovered a community of living buddhas and a very special leader working together to share dharma with the world.
Intentionally placing oneself in a new country can broaden the mind and heart, and it is this experience that Won Buddhist intern kyomunim, Rev. Jay so beautifully shares in his reflection. Rev. Jay thoughtfully describes how, what at first seemed like cultural barriers, soon dissolved into happy cultural gifts, appreciation of humanity's oneness, and surprising self-discoveries.
On this last-day-of-the-year dharma talk, Rev. WonGong opens the door for us to practice "letting-go" in all its fullness. From decluttering our physical spaces to freeing our minds from attachment and mental chatter, the gentle journey of "letting-go" empowers us to live more simply with a spacious and clear mind.
"Peace on Earth" is a beautiful sentiment, but sometimes it can feel more theoretical than real. Yet, through a heartwarming story and thoughtful reflection, Rev. WonGong illuminates for us how the power of interconnectedness and kindness makes it very possible for each of us to be catalysts of peace in the world.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com
The phrase, "the infinite light of our true nature," is poetic, but its deep truth can elude us at times. In this beautifully illustrative dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner, Linda Cato, shares her personal exploration of our inner light's truth with the observant eyes of a seeker and an artist.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com
A beautiful invitation to pause in the clear stillness of winter and settle into the roots of our true nature.
Although true contentment comes from within, it can be easy to mistakenly look for it outside of ourselves. This is the important lesson longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, Holly North (Won JahYoo) shares with us as she reflects on the changing seasons and circumstances in her life.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com
Mind practice is an important tenant in Buddhism, and its power is beautifully described in this insightful dharma talk by Won Buddhist practitioner, Brian Adams (Won SeongDeok). By observing his response to an unexpected interaction with a dog, Brian unravels tenacious patterns of thinking that limited his perceptions and shares how mind practice released those limitations and invited freedom, compassion, and spaciousness of mind.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com
Sometimes when we hear the teaching, "All is grace," it is quickly followed by a response of "Yes, but..." However, in this deeply personal and insightful dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner, John Miller, plumbs the depths of grace's meaning and offers us a clear first-hand view about the transformative power of spiritual cultivation.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com
The relationship between suffering and happiness can seem very broad, but in this personal dharma talk, long-time practitioner, Nate Jackson (Won JaySon), shows how intimately they are connected. As he came to view the people in his life as buddhas, and offered them his open heart and mind, his world transformed.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com
Buddhist practitioners may find retreat experiences to be important stepping stones in their spiritual journey, but what is a retreat experience like from the perspective of someone leading it? In this personal and reflective dharma talk, Rev. WonGong shares her hopes and preparation for the retreats she leads, as well as the many ways she guides each retreatant and shapes the living vessel of the retreat itself.
Won Buddhist teachings emphasize the practice of being aware of and responding to the essential graces in our lives. Yet, many of us do not think about how our emotional connections to those graces amplify their benefits. It is this very realization that Won Buddhist practitioner, Frank Keefe, beautifully illustrates in these reflections.
Irene Sadler and Carol Golin (Won Lim) reflect on their experiences during this year's retreat, "In Nature, Our True Nature" led by Rev. WonGong at the Won Dharma Center in New York. Hear how powerful and focused practice like this impacts everyday life after the silence of retreat is over.
Senior practitioner, Michael Macklin (HyoungSanim), wonders, "Il-Won-Sang is like a 'finger pointing at the moon,' but what is Il-Won-Sang actually pointing at?" What he discovers is surprising, and relates directly to human beings!
