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.
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.
Unfolding the Threefold Practice by Patty Daniel (Hwa Tawonim)
Longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, Patty Daniel (Hwa Tawonim) unfolds each aspect of the Threefold Practice (equanimity, wisdom, and choice) in this friendly and accessible dharma talk. As she does so, she points out that with consistent practice, these aspects beautifully and dynamically intertwine and shape our minds, bodies, hearts, and energy.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com/...
Practice Based on Truth by Rev. ZiYoung Kang
In this powerful dharma talk, Rev. ZiYoung Kang dives into the heart of the universal Truth of Il-Won and shows us how we can nurture and manifest this Truth in our daily lives. Step-by-step, she unloosens the threads of "voidness," "completeness," and "rightness" and shares how these fundamental qualities of Truth can be woven together into a beautiful and meaningful practice. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Going Home Again by Cassie Hanson
What does it mean to return home? This is the question practitioner Cassie Hanson asks and answers in this poignant and moving dharma talk. Unlike the shifting comfort we experience from our temporal homes, the true home of our Buddha nature is ever-present and embraces us without limitation.
Am I Racist? by Rev. Shaun Song
From a Buddhist perspective, awareness of the prejudices we project onto others is an awareness of our habitual and reactive mind. In this inwardly-and-outwardly-focused dharma talk, Rev. Shaun Song explores his own journey of reactivity to race and his path to untangle and release knots of habitual thinking through meditation.
Learning to Unlearn by Pete Warshaw (Won JeeHo)
"Beginner's mind" is an important guiding tenet for many Buddhists, but sometimes it's initial brightness can fade over time. In this insightful dharma talk, longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, Pete Warshaw (Won JeeHo), reimagines the possibilities and shares how purposeful action can reinvigorate our beginner's mind and our practice. www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Transcript
Mugwort: A Gift from Heaven and Earth by Rev. WonGong
Gifts from the universe can be a source of both delight and wisdom, and this is exactly what Rev. WonGong shares with us in this dharma talk. Inspired by a small wild spring plant, she takes us on a journey of discovery, insight, and appreciation!
Roots and Shoots by Mattie Decker (Won BupJon)
Poetic descriptions can be very powerful, as practitioner Mattie Decker (Won BupJon) reveals in this enriching dharma talk. While we often think of dharma springing from roots into its leaves, true dharma beautifully opens itself to us, no matter where or how we first encounter it. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Pragmatic Buddha Offering by Rev. WonGong
The words, "Buddha offering," might conjure an image of flowers, candles, and incense placed on an altar. But, in this illuminating dharma talk, Rev. WonGong shares a unique perspective: Won Buddhism's pragmatic approach, in which practitioners embody: "Everywhere a Buddha image; every act a Buddha offering." https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Peace on Earth by Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu)
While Christmas is a holy day for Christians, it also is a day of deep meaning for non-Christian people as well. In this thoughtful dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner, Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu) explores the beautiful ways in which this holiday can be appreciated and embraced from a Won Buddhist perspective.
Naming Ceremony 2022 - "Coming Home to Won Buddhism" by Jennifer Gad (Won JaeIn)
Jennifer Gad (Won JaeIn), shares her thoughts on her journey to Won Buddhism and receiving a dharma name. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Naming Ceremony 2022 - "In Search of Happiness: My Path to Won Buddhism" by Anthony Gad (Won SuhJin)
Anthony Gad (Won SuhJin), shares his thoughts on his journey to Won Buddhism and receiving a dharma name. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
The Joy of DANA: Why I Donate by Nate Jackson (Won JaySon)
The true art of giving is an art defined by joy! In this heartwarming dharma talk, longtime practitioner Nate Jackson (Won JaySon), reflects on his own journey of joy catalyzed by a DANA practice that springs spontaneously from his heart. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Diamond Sūtra - Dāna Pāramitā by Rev. ZiYoung
"What is the purpose of practice?" Buddhism asserts that suffering, and the path to freedom from suffering is something sentient beings have in common. Rev. ZiYoung introduces a profound practice found in one of Buddhism's pivotal texts, the Diamond Sūtra, which illuminates true nature. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Jared's Retreat Reflections
What arises for you when you attend a week-long retreat? Dharma friend Jared Heelis (Won JaeRyong) shares how his karmic struggles with "Noble Silence" helps to expose true nature. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
In Nature, Our True Nature by Rev. WongGong
Rev. WongGong asks if we need to spend our lives forever pulling out the proliferating mind-weeds of distraction and disturbance? The secret may lie in the fact that there is no garden, and therefore, no weeds! Can this be so? See what Rev. WonGong means in her dharma message on this important topic. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Am I a Servant of My Own Emotions? by Rebecca Kameny (WonHee)
Many people think emotions "just happen," but long-time practitioner, Rebecca Kameny (WonHee), describes the distinct ways sentient beings, bodhisattvas, and buddhas become masters or servants of their emotions. Interwoven into this is an exploration about how emotions are experienced and identified across cultures. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Herding the Ox of the Mind Part 2 by Nik Wall (Won HaeWol)
What does it mean "to train the ox of our mind?" Nik Wall (Won HaeWol), deftly explores some answers to that question by guiding us through two verses from the famous Buddhist allegory of practice, The 10 Oxherding Pictures. This talk focuses on a point midway in our practice journey, when we balance between holding onto our mind with discipline and letting it roam free. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Rock, Paper, Scissors by Rev. WonGong
What does the game "Rock, Paper, Scissors" have to do with ego? Rev. WonGong shows us how a simple game can expose what's in our minds, helping us know ourselves on a much deeper level. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations