The practice of gratitude is fundamental to Won Buddhism, and it means much more than developing a sense of appreciation. In this insightful dharma talk, longtime practitioner, Rebecca Kameny (Won Hee), explores what having a relationship with the essential graces of the universe entails, and she highlights the important roles that awareness, inquiry, and alignment with it play in our practice journey.
Dog Dharma
What is true for both people and dogs is that we can calm our rambunctious minds through training. In this delightful comparison of mind-training and dog-training, longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, John Delconte (Won ShinKeun), shares some essentials for training success: engaging in a positive, consistent, and focused practice; discovering the root causes of our thinking and behaviors; and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings during times of both grace and challenge.
Where do you find wisdom?
Won Buddhism encourages us to find dharma teachings in both written scripture and in the living scripture of the universe itself. But, if universal truth is everywhere, why don't we simply absorb it without effort? That is the question longtime practitioner, Michael Macklin (HyoungSan), explores in this insightful dharma talk during which he weaves together the relationship of wisdom, practice, and inquiry.
The Expanding Truth of Me
Grappling with life's challenges regularly provides Buddhist practitioners with ample opportunities for practice. In this powerful and personal dharma talk, Won Buddhist practitioner, Kelly Denno (Won YeeSuh), shares how an experience of emotional heartbreak catalysed her journey of self-discovery and renewed her respect and appreciation for the power of letting-go.
3000 Buddhas
The gifts that unfold from dharma affinity and dharma community (sangha) are close to the hearts of Buddhist practitioners, and traditionally, a person's geographical location played a significant role in their ability to develop. In this dharma talk, Rev. WonGong shares how the power of the internet can shatter those old restrictions, freeing opportunities for the power and beauty of dharma affinity and sangha to develop unimpeded by time or place.
My Reflections on Reincarnation
The Buddhist teaching of cause and effect is not limited by place, time, a lifetime, or the concept of multiple lifetimes. In this thoughtful and personal reflection, Won Buddhist practitioner, Rupal Yu (Won OhnYu) explores the layers of cause and effect as it unfolds in our everyday world and beyond it.
Belief in an Afterlife?
Won Buddhist practitioners embrace the importance of integrating practice with our daily lives. Yet, might our perspectives about how such a practice unfolds be shaped by whether we understand each human life as a single one that ends in death or whether we view our current life as one in a continuum of lives or in an afterlife? It is this question that longtime practitioner, Patty Daniel (Hwa Tawonim), addresses in this thoughtful dharma talk.
What do Cicadas Chant?
The truths selflessly taught to us by nature and cicadas are beautifully revealed in this dharma talk by Rev. WonGong. The lives of these unique creatures demonstrate perfected interconnectivity and focused purpose, and their enthusiasm for life and sound can inspire our own gratitude for each moment of our ephemeral lives.
Being Unassuming Heroes
We all want to do good. But, at times, we can feel like we are not good enough to take action or to create change. Kathleen (Won HerrJu) shares an insightful talk on what it means to be an unassuming practitioner and to practice despite self-doubt.
The Whole Inchworm
Inchworms are fascinating creatures: When they crawl, the front part of their body moves forward right away, but the rear part takes some time to catch up. This perfect analogy of how our minds sometimes work - especially when they are triggered by language - is beautifully explored in this reflective dharma talk by Won Buddhist practitioner, Laura Billings.
Thousands of Insights
Are you awake? What does it mean to become awakened? Given on this "Great Awakening Day 2024," Rev. WonGong conveys a number of gems that make up these "Thousands of Insights."
A Tour of the Turtle Chart
In this wonderful guide to the foundational teachings of Won Buddhism, longtime practitioner, Paige Doster-Grimes (Doh Jin), guides us through the "Turtle Chart" - a beautifully designed visual that details Won Buddhism's philosophy.
Spring Renewal & Meditation with Ven. Jooksanim
Ven. Jooksanim, Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism USA, offers us motivational and insightful guidance for practicing meditation in the renewing season of spring.
Not One Iota of Selfishness
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...
The Threefold Practice: Cultivation, Inquiry, Choice
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...
Finding Grace in the Grace of Laws
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...
What is Practice
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.
Keeping an Open Mind
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 Every Day
"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.
Rev. HeyBong's Reflections on Temple Life
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.