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.
Letting Go; Let the Light In
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 This Possible?
"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
An Affinity with Light
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
December Prayer 2023
A beautiful invitation to pause in the clear stillness of winter and settle into the roots of our true nature.
Seasons Change, What Remains?
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
Am I Created by My Mind?
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
All is Grace
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 Source of Suffering and Happiness
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
Teacher's Reflection on a Retreat
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.
On the Importance of Deeply Feeling Grace
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 & Carol's Retreat 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.
Il-Won Sang and Human Beings
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!
Weaving Art Into Spiritual Practice
There are many paths to spiritual practice, and in this reflective dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner, Zoe Silverman, beautifully illustrates how art can be a lovely and instructive guide to our journey. Art's power is amazingly versatile -- it can help us to release our fears or develop perseverance and appreciation for teachers, all the while infusing our dharma journey with its beauty!
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com...
What About Joy?
As we navigate our practice and life journey, sometimes our focused determination can become overpowering. Yet, as Won Buddhist practitioner, Rebecca Kameny (Won Hee), shares with us, joy is so essential it is one of Buddhism's 7 Factors of Awakening.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com...
Spaciousness and Gratitude
It is easy at first to think about gratitude, but what is necessary for its cultivation? In this insightful dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner, Pete Warshaw (Won JeeHo), guides us to consider how releasing attachments creates a spaciousness of mind in which gratitude can flourish.
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com...
Algorithms of Karma
Karma may seem like an invisible force, but in fact, the algorithms used by online businesses and services function in a similar way. In this fascinating and highly relevant dharma talk, Rev. WonGong examines how our thoughts, words, and actions powerfully shape cause and effect -- both in the dharma realm and in the mirror we create through our online activities!
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Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com...
Cassandra Hanson "Hae Son" on Self-Transformation Day
Cassandra Hanson receives a new dharma name, Hae Son, which means, "Grace blossoming through meditation."
Hae Son shares her journey of affinity with Won Buddhism.
Paige Doster-Grimes "Doh Jin" on Self-Transformation Day
Paige Doster-Grimes receives a new dharma name, Doh Jin, which means, "Steadfastly progressing on the path of Tao."
Doh Jin shares her journey of affinity with Won Buddhism.
Carol Golin "Won Lin" on Self-Transformation Day
Carol Golin receives a new dharma name, Won Lin, which means, "Calm and clear spirit sparkling in the truth of ll-Won."
Won Lin shares her journey of affinity with Won Buddhism.