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
My Journey to North Carolina by Rev. Shaun
The newest Kyomunim to join to the North Carolina Temple, Rev. Shaun, relates his surprising journey from the birthplace on Won Buddhism in Korea, to the Chapel Hill community. 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
Wanting Oneness: Psychedelics? Meditation? by Rev. WonGong
Asking Rev. WonGong if she has ever "...achieved oneness through meditation?" brings an enthusiastic "Yes!" So, how does this experience of oneness differ from employing mind-altering psychedelics? One's aspiration may be key. 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
Covid Solitude Retreat by Holly North (Won JahYoo)
In her reflective talk, practitioner Holly North (Won JahYoo) describes how she found grace and opportunity during the days she spent in covid quarantine at home. What at first seemed daunting reshaped itself into a gift of time and space when she brought a variety of meditation practices into her newfound solitude. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
August Prayer by Rev. WonGong
Under the shade of a tall oak tree, a gentle prayer ascends to meet the warm sun of August. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Koan Contemplation by Patty Daniel (Won EunHaeHwa)
Koan contemplation practice can seem daunting to some of us, but in this bright, friendly dharma talk, longtime practitioner, Patty Daniel (Won EunHaeHwa), delves right in! With helpful information and insight born from experience, Patty opens the way for us to explore this important and useful meditation practice. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Facemask: The Dharma of Conditioning by Rev. WonGong
Facemasks have become a hot topic in recent years, and in this clear-sighted dharma talk, Rev. WonGong uses them as a vehicle for exploring the layers of conditioning that shapes our mind. As our understanding grows, so does compassion for ourselves and others. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
See No Evil? by Lara Olson (Won LaSon)
In her deeply reflective dharma talk, long-time practitioner, Lara Olson (Won LaSon) unflinchingly looks at the concept of evil through Buddhist eyes. Peeling through layers of culture and self-doubt, she reveals how despair is actually self-aggression, while reverence aligns with the sacred and has the power of liberation. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Myriad Dharmas Return to One by Rev. ZiYoung
We can observe "Defilements and idles thoughts" in our every-day lives. Rev. ZiYoung describes how the Founding Master told a follower perplexed by this mind that, “The myriad dharmas return to one; to what does the one return?” What does this mean, and how can it possibly help us in our every-day lives? https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Window Reflection Meditation by Rev. WonGong
Many of us ask ourselves, "Who am I really?" - a question that Rev. WonGong contemplated as she watched her reflected image disappear in the morning light. In this gentle dharma talk, you are invited to join Rev. WonGong's introspective journey that begins with reflected light and ends with the Heart Sutra. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Restoring Great Energy by Rev. WonGong
Restoring the great energy of the universe within us – What a beautiful practice! Rev. WonGong shares with us how the power of sky, earth, fellow beings, and meditation restored her essential life force energy. She then instructs us on how we can do the same. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
The Paradox of Nonduality by Michael Macklin (Won Hyoung)
From birth our experience is one of dualism - inside/outside, me/you, etc.. Where, then, is nonduality in our existence? In a conversational way, Michael Macklin (Won Hyoung) tackles nonduality, a brave act since, as many assert, it is something "beyond words and speech."
The Importance of Mindfulness with Every Step by Rev. WonGong
Our minds are both powerful and subtle, and in this reflective dharma talk, Rev. WonGong considers how mindfulness impacts the trajectory of cause and effect in our lives. Cultivating our mind is crucial, and she encourages us to practice by doing something as simple as taking one calm and focused step after another.
Watering the Deep Roots of Practice by Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu)
Hand watering plants during a heat wave may not immediately seem like a reflection point for meditation practice, but in this dharma talk, Won Buddhist Practitioner, Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu), found it to be an excellent teacher. Just as roots follow the path of deep water, our spiritual path follows the sometimes surprising path of deep practice.
The Koan of Uncle Ralph by Nate Jackson (Won JaySun)
Through the lens of koan contemplation, longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, Nate Jackson (Won JaySun) explores a topic in this inviting dharma talk that some of us find daunting: reincarnation. Using curiosity to probe his own mind, Nate shares how the results of his exploration created space for a new awareness, healing, and appreciation. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Mind the Gap: Realigning Our Habits by Paige Doster-Grimes
Do your actions always align with your wishes? This is the question Won Buddhist practitioner, Paige Doster-Grimes, explores in this bright and clear dharma talk. Using the curiosity of children as inspiration, she shows us how answering that question can aid our practice. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Where Did the Squirrel Go? by Rev. WonGong
Unexpected, and sometimes unwelcome, disappearances happen in life. Squirrels come and then go away - just like people, or pretty much everything in life despite expected routines. Rev. WonGong asks us how things would be if constant change was our default expectation? https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
One Mind, One Wish, One Life by Rev. ZiYoung (한 마음, 한 뜻, 한 삶)
The modern-day Buddha, Sotaesan, was a person who showed everyone how to become Buddhas, and how to recognize everything as a Buddha offering in our every-day, modern lives. Rev. ZiYoung celebrates June 1st, the day the Founding Master entered nirvana, with a powerful testimony of just how Ven. Sotaesan gifted the world the path to enlightenment via the power of the Threefold Study, and the Eight Articles, the Fourfold Grace, and the Four Essentials.