Classes & Special Events
This is meditation in motion followed by a brief reflection; through this practice, we open our living space and mind spaciousness.
Please note: You may need to sign in to your Zoom account.
The shades of green this time of year are stunning.
In Won Buddhism, we call April the month of Great Awakening.
On April 28, 1916, our Founding Teacher, Sotaesan, attained his Great Enlightenment, and Won Buddhism was born. April is the biggest month of celebration for Won Temple communities throughout the world.
On April 28, we celebrate:
Sotaesan’s Great Awakening
The beginning of Won Buddhism
The Reverends’ birthdays as our spiritual birth
And… the great potential in each of us for our own great awakening
In the morning (10 AM), we will have a special service to celebrate the birthday of Won Buddhism with:
- Singing and Chanting
- Prayers and Meditation
Join YouTube Live
In the afternoon (12-4 PM), we will celebrate with our open house.
Mini classes (every 30 mins, in the Dharma Hall)
- Qigong (ancient energetic martial arts)
- Dharma Hall Experience
- Sound Healing Sessions
- Meditation Class
Jump in anytime to:
- Fun kids activities (arts, crafts & games)
- Korean tea ceremonies
- Meditation path and garden
** No experience is required for any of the activities.
Children are welcome!
Please save the date, April 28th (the last Sunday of this month).
One hundred and nine years ago, at the break of dawn on April 28, 1916, our Founding Teacher, Sotaesan, attained Great Enlightenment after having been immersed in 20 years of sincere ascetic practices. That morning, the light of truth fully penetrated Sotaesan’s spirit, and Won Buddhism was born!
Please join us on Sunday, April 28th, to mark Sotaesan’s Great Awakening, the beginning of Won Buddhism, and our Reverends’ spiritual birthdays! We will start the day at 10 AM with a joyful community service, followed by a reception and our wonderful family-friendly Spring Open House (12-4 pm), which will include activities for everyone from young to old!
10 -11:30 Celebration Service (children ages 5 and older are welcome)
11:30-12 noon: Reception with refreshments
12 noon-4 pm: Open House (mini-sessions every 30 minutes, Chapel Hill Dharma Hall)
12-12:30 Qigong (ancient energy-restoring movement)
12:30-1:00 Dharma Hall Experience
1:00-1:30 Sound Healing Relaxation
1:30-2:00 Meditation Class
2:00-2:30 Qigong
2:30-3:00 Dharma Hall Experience
3:00-3:30 Sound Healing
3:30-4:00 Meditation Class
In addition to the programs running each half hour, you can jump in anytime to:
- Tea ceremonies
- Fun kids’ activities
- The meditation path and garden
The Giftshop will be open in the Residence.
We look forward to enjoying this very special day with you and your family and friends! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
May this month of awakening bring you many blessings!
We gather on Tuesday evening in person and via Zoom. This practice includes stretching, sitting, lying down, and chanting. Enjoy the soft chi energy of the evening which supports our meditation in silence and peace. To receive a Zoom link, please email wontempleNC@gmail.com.
Please wear loose-fit clothing and clean socks
Your donations are appreciated!
If you practice from home…
Wear comfortable clothing. Make your home feel like a meditation room with soft light, sitting in a chair or on the floor. Placing candlelight in front of you can be a good ritual for evening meditation.
You may dim the light and sit a little distance from your computer if that is more relaxing, although we encourage you to turn on the video so that we can feel one another’s presence. Thank you for practicing with us!
All are welcome to join the heart of practice through scripture study on Chapter 3. Practice!
Every Thursday (10 am ET), we will meet to deeply explore the dharma of each verse with friends. All are invited to join us via Zoom. If you are New to the class, please sign up.
If you are not available to join on Thursday morning, here are some other ways to study with us:
· Read & contemplate on one verse each week,
· SaKyong Meditation: write a verse by hand daily or weekly.
From this self-study and contemplation, feel free to share your reflections & questions with the Reverends from time to time. If you don’t have a scripture book, you can also access this chapter through this link: Chapter 3. Practice, The Scripture of the Founding Master.
Please join our dharma discussion of joy and inspiration.
On Nov. 9th, we began this book club for “The Principles for Training the Mind” by Ven. Chwasan. This book is available for purchase in the temple gift shop at a discounted price of $20 (the original retail price is $25). We can also mail one to you if you live far away.
If you’d like to join this dharma study and discussion group, please sign up by clicking the button below.
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Buddhism and Won Buddhism? To find out, please join our class at the Raleigh Temple.
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings, basic principles, and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join our introductory class (in-person). Please sign up only if you can commit to full hours so we can hold the vessel of community in learning.
Suggested donation: $10-30 (Your generosity is appreciated. Scholarships are also available; please contact us in advance to learn more.)
To sign up, please click the button below.
Would you like to learn how to lead meditation for children or help with our children’s meditation programs or summer camps? If you have an interest, please join us for our Meditation Guides Workshop, which will take place at the Chapel Hill Temple from 12:30-2 pm. It will be fun!
If you can, come to the 10 AM Saturday meditation service and then join us for a happy light lunch before this workshop begins.
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Buddhism and Won Buddhism? To find out, please join our class at the Raleigh Temple.
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings, basic principles, and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join our introductory class (in-person). Please sign up only if you can commit to full hours so we can hold the vessel of community in learning.
Suggested donation: $10-30 (Your generosity is appreciated. Please know that scholarships are also available; please contact us in advance to learn more.)
To sign up, please click the button below.
Enter the spring season with movement for health. Learn the Eight Brocades, a qigong set that is both strengthening and calming in nature. The underlying principles of this classic form are foundational for any practice. Anyone interested, or just qi curious is welcome.
Half of the proceeds from this workshop will support the temple deck project. We recently tore down our deck’s stairs due to the wood rot. Not having access to the dharma hall deck greatly limits our available space for dharma services, so we are eager to rebuild our steps quickly before warm weather comes.
Qigong is a great way to drink the vibrant chi-energy of spring! We hope the basic Qigong and Tai-chi forms you will learn in this session will become part of your daily life.
Bio for Bob Lehnberg:
Bob Lehnberg received his certification as Practitioner and then Teacher of Body-Mind Centering® (BMCsm) in 1990 and 2002 respectively. Since then, Bob has received teacher certifications for BMC Yoga, Integral Yoga and Supreme Science of Qigong. He has been teaching in schools of massage therapy and programs of somatic training since 1990 and has had the good fortune to teach BMC and somatic practices throughout the US and internationally in Europe, Canada, China, and Taiwan. Bob was introduced to taiji in 1986 and qigong in 1992. He has studied with various teachers since then. Qigong serves as a foundation for his body-mind-spirit practice. For more information about Bob, visit: www.boblehnberg.com
To sign up, please click the button below.
(Donation: Any amount is appreciated; the suggested donation is $10-$40)
March 16th. Saturday Meditation 10 AM
March 17th. Sunday Dharma Service 10 AM
March 17th. Sunday Raleigh Service 4 PM (10th Anniversary)
Donation range: $20-$50
In this workshop, the artist, So Bean, will guide us to make Joomchi, a traditional paper made from a technique that creates beautiful layers and textures. The paper will be used for craft making during the workshop.
Artist So Bean creates sculptures made with traditional Korean paper (Hanji). His work has been shown worldwide—in Korea, Japan, China, France, Germany, Belgium, and Holland. As cousins, Rev. WonGong and So Bean grew up together, and it is a great joy to have him here to share his expertise and talents with us.
Do you want to know more about Won Buddhism? Have additional questions arisen after you took the Intro Class? To dive deeper into learning the essential teachings of Won Buddhism, please join our in-person class at the Chapel Hill Temple.
In this WB 201 class, we will focus on exploring Threefold Practice and Timeless Meditation. At our open discussion, we will add to our understanding of Buddhist practice, exploring what is Dharma, Karma, and our True nature, as well as how all these teachings connect with modern human experience. Please bring any questions you have.
Please be sure to commit to the full two hours, so we can hold a vessel of community in learning. Suggested donation: $10-$30 (Your generosity is appreciated. Please know that scholarships are also available; contact us in advance to learn more.)
This class is available for anyone who took the WB 101 Intro Class! To sign up, please click the button below.
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Buddhism and Won Buddhism? To find out, please join our class—from wherever you are—via Zoom!
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join. Taking this intro class more than one time can help you in your practice journey. Please sign up if you can commit to two full hours so we can create the vessel of community learning together.
Suggested donation: $10-30 (Your generosity is appreciated. Please know that scholarships are also available; please contact us in advance to learn more.)
To sign up, please click the button below.
Dive into the timeless wisdom of Won Buddhism! Discover the unique chart designed by its founder, Sotaesan, often likened to the enduring turtle – a symbol of long life and steadfastness. Explore the eternal teachings of the Fourfold Grace, Threefold Study, and Eight Articles that have inspired minds for over a century. Join us in this immersive journey where you’ll gain deep insights into the harmonious blend of faith and practice, empowering you to infuse these principles into your everyday life. Don’t miss out on this chance to enrich your spiritual journey and bring lasting change to your daily life!
The Won Institute is offering 30%-50% scholarships. The WBS Learn admin will conduct a brief interview to determine your financial need and your intentions for taking the course.
Join us for a heartwarming start to the New Year of 2024! Let’s come together to pause, reflect and welcome the New Year with Ven. Jooksanim. Join us in experiencing the warmth of sharing positive energy within our beloved Won family.
Everyone is welcome to this event, whether you are new to Won Buddhism or have been active in a Won community for a while. On January 6, we will take time to pause, pray, and celebrate the New Year with Ven. Jooksanim. We will share our delightful energy with each other by being together as friends on this path. Please join to connect and share the light of hope within our Sangha Community and the World!
This 1.5-hour gathering will include:
Community prayer and meditation
Sharing from various temple communities
Meeting other temple friends through breakout rooms
Q & A time with Ven. Jooksanim, the Head Dharma Master of the US
Please sign up HERE or click the image above to join us.
Celebrate the first day of the New Year with meditation, prayers, music, followed by healthy refreshments and fellowship!
The program also includes:
· Dharma Message from Ven. Jooksanim, the Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism USA
· Contemplative writing of our New Year’s hopes, resolutions, and intentions (We will place one copy on the altar, which will later be mailed to you.)
With clear vision and bright energy, we look forward to greeting the New Year with you! Children are welcome! Please click the below to sign up.
Dear Friends,
On December 31, we will be offering in-person Year-End “Letting-Go” ceremonies.
10:00-11:15 AM Year-End Letting Go Service (In-person & YouTube Live Stream)
4:00-5:15 PM Year-End Letting Go Ceremony (In-Person Only)
7:00-8:15 PM Year-End Letting Go Ceremony (In-Person Only)
Each program will include:
Guided meditation and contemplation of the past year
Karma burning ceremony: On a piece of paper, we will write down our heaviness and regrets from 2023 and burn our lists to enter the new year with a refreshed mind.
For your reference, Here is the video of the previous ceremony.
We hope you can join us for one of these ceremonies. If you wish to join in person, please SIGN UP. Be sure to clearly mark which session you plan to attend. In consideration to others, please sign up only if you can commit to showing up.
Let us welcome the Winter Solstice by immersing ourselves in deeply resonant healing sounds! We will have a 90 minute meditation immersed in the healing sounds of crystal bowls, gongs, didgeridoo and chanting voices.
In this magical time of dark and light, we will be guided to rest our hearts and minds, while tuning into the vibrations of vocal and instrumental sounds. As we gather in the community, the cosmic energy of the Winter Solstice invites us to release mental and emotional blockages. Come join us!
The suggested donation for this special evening is $20-40. (All are welcome regardless of ability to donate).
We practice to discover the heart of gratitude within. We respect all those who have brought us to this Earth and nurtured us to become who we are.
Please join our community as we celebrate this year's Thanksgiving Service (in-person & livestreaming), honoring those in our lives who have passed on. Bring photos of your ancestors, deceased family members, friends, pets, or anyone who was special in your life.
The program will also include guided meditation on gratitude, chants, prayers, and sharing on gratitude. Children are invited to attend with their families!
Please click HERE to RSVP—whether you are attending in-person or online. Please fill out the form below (By Saturday, November 25th) with the full names of those who have died and whom you wish to honor. Their names will be read during the service.
Come immerse yourself in a sound healing experience through deeply resonant vocal and instrumental vibrations.
Our Raleigh Temple located near Falls Lake is infused with forest chi-energy. The cozy and open space invites you to come relax in inner peace.
Thanks to the sustainers in our Raleigh Sangha and the support of the Chapel Hill Temple, we were able to make significant capital improvements for our Raleigh Temple including repairing and expanding the deck, building the fence, and adding a rock garden.
To replenish our operating fund in Raleigh, we are hosting this fundraising special event.
Our suggested donation is $20-40; please support however you can (no one will be turned away for lack of funds.)
Please sign up by clicking the button below.
This festival event will include:
· Nifty Gift Shop (meditation clothing, tea, ceramics, bracelets, prayers beads, jewelry, foot massage mats, fine art, books, crafts)
· Food Court
· Live Music (singing bowls, drumming, guitar)
· Mini Stations (Meditation intro, Qigong, Dharma Hall experience, Q & A table)
· Children’s Activities, including pinata at 3 pm
· And more!
After our Sunday 10 am community meditation gathering, you are welcome to stay and enjoy our beautiful garden and then stay for the festivities! The food court will open early at 12 noon (Korean veggie pancakes & traditional treats—Vegan and gluten-free options). We hope to see you there!
Gift Shop: A special Pre-Opening for temple members! That’s you! (1-5 pm, Saturday, Oct 28th)
Our long-time Temple friend, Kyong Park, will be teaching Korean Pancake Making 101 in the Temple kitchen to those interested.
The fee for this class is not monetary but is your willingness to be a part of the Pancake-Making Team at the Food Court during our Open House on October 29th.
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Buddhism and Won Buddhism? To find out, please join our class—from wherever you are—via Zoom!
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join. Taking this intro class more than one time can help you in your practice journey. Please sign up if you can commit to two full hours so we can create the vessel of community learning together.
Suggested donation: $10-30 (Your generosity is appreciated. Please know that scholarships are also available; please contact us in advance to learn more.)
To sign up, please click the button below.
We are excited to announce that the temple will be offering Korean traditional drum (Janggu) classes starting in September! Janggu is an instrument with hundreds of years of history and tradition, played everywhere in traditional Korean society, from the royal palace to the humblest farming villages. It is especially central to seasonal celebrations in Korean farming culture and helps players and audiences connect to the rhythms of nature.
Drumming has been found to offer many health benefits, including:
· Reducing blood pressure
· Relieving stress and anxiety
· Improving mental sharpness
· Reducing the risk of dementia
· Great for practicing mindfulness and concentration
(For more details, you can take a look at this link.)
And, in addition to all these wonderful benefits, it's fun!
Our Temple friend Kyongsook Park will teach the class, which will run in monthly (4-week) sessions. Class size is limited to 6 participants, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are not one of the first 6 people to sign up, don't worry! You can sign up the following month.
The first 4-week session will begin on Saturday, September 9th. Class is on Saturdays at 11:30 AM at the Won Buddhism Temple in Chapel Hill (right after the Saturday morning meditation service). The suggested donation for a 4-week session is $20-$50; donations sustain the temple and make it possible to offer programs like this class. Donations can be made in person by check or cash on the first day of class or electronically via Venmo to @wonbuddhismNorthCarolina.
If you would like to sign up for class, please fill out this form here.
We look forward to having you join us!
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Buddhism and Won Buddhism? To find out, please join our class at the Chapel Hill Temple.
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings, basic principles, and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join our introductory class (in-person). Please sign up only if you can commit to two full hours so we can hold the vessel of community in learning.
Suggested donation: $10-30 (Your generosity is appreciated. Please know that scholarships are also available; please contact us in advance to learn more.)
To sign up, please click the button below.
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Buddhism and Won Buddhism? To find out, please join our class—from wherever you are—via Zoom!
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join. Taking this intro class more than one time can help you in your practice journey. Please sign up if you can commit to two full hours so we can create the vessel of community learning together.
Suggested donation: $10-30 (Your generosity is appreciated. Please know that scholarships are also available; please contact us in advance to learn more.)
To sign up, please click the button below.
Through this day-long meditation in noble silence, come and sit, then pass peaceful energy to others. On this upcoming Memorial Day, we will come together, meditate, and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the greater good of humanity. Our intention is to create space for peace to arise through our collective silent meditation.
From 9-9:30AM we will hold a prayer ceremony to express our hope for the resolution of all world conflicts through peaceful means, followed by continuous 25-minute meditation sessions until 5PM.
Transitions will be indicated by the ringing of a bell.
Please use the five-minute transition time for mindfully entering, exiting, and stretching. We’d appreciate a minimum of disturbance during the meditation and transition periods to respect the practice of others. Please plan to stay for the entire length of each meditation period (25 minutes) and drive in and out of the parking area quietly.
You may alternate your sitting periods with walking meditation periods through the temple grounds. Although we will not stream this program online, you may join us wherever you are, using the same timetable for meditation sessions.
If you are planning to join us, please sign up for the time slot(s) HERE. (You are welcome to sign up for as many sessions as you wish.)
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings, basic principles, and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join our introductory class (in-person). Please sign up only if you can commit to two full hours so we can hold the vessel of community in learning.
Suggested donation: $10-30
To sign up, please click the button below.
On Sunday April 30th the Won Buddhism Meditation Temple in Chapel Hill is celebrating the Great Awakening Day—the 108th birthday of Won Buddhism—by hosting a family-friendly Open House for the community! Folks are welcome to drop by between 1 – 5 PM for mini classes (Meditation, Qigong, and an opportunity to explore and experience the Dharma Hall). In addition to food, music, and a gift shop there will be activities for children including art table, face painting, origami station, kids/family games, and at 3 PM a piñata. Come and enjoy the beautiful temple garden, a gem hiding in plain sight on Old NC. 86!
Mini Classes include:
Meditation Intro Class
Qigong Class
Dharma Hall Experience
Children & Family Activities include:
Art Table
Origami Station
Kids/Family Games
Face Painting
Piñata (3PM)
Save the date and join us for this wonderful event!
Qigong is a great way to drink the vibrant chi-energy of spring! During each of these standalone sessions, you will practice basic Qigong and Tai-chi forms that can easily become a part of your daily life.
To sign up, please click the button below.
(Donation: Any amount is appreciated; the suggested donation is $15-$50)
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings, basic principles, and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join our introductory class (in-person). Please sign up only if you can commit to two full hours so we can hold the vessel of community in learning.
Suggested donation: $10-30
To sign up, please click the button below.
Anyone interested in exploring the essential teachings, basic principles, and philosophies of Buddhism & Won Buddhism is welcome to join our introductory class (via zoom). Please sign up only if you can commit to two full hours so we can hold the vessel of community in learning.
Suggested donation: $10-30
To sign up, please click the button below.
Please join the winter study course and become a master of Won Buddhism’s dharma turtle! Sotaesan, the Founding Teacher, created the essential teachings of Won Buddhism and placed them in a chart. Looking at what he created, he smiled and said, “This looks like a turtle.” Turtles are auspicious animals in Asian culture and represent longevity.
This in-depth course will provide an opportunity for you to learn, contemplate, and discuss the key teachings of Won Buddhism, which are clearly outlined in the turtle chart. You will explore clear and profound philosophies that are applicable to daily life. Everyone is welcome.
The suggested donation for this winter course ranges from $ 60-120. (If this donation range is not feasible for you, please contact us for scholarship information.)
Dear Friends,
On December 31, we will be offering both in-person & hybrid Year-End “Letting-Go” ceremonies.
10:00-11:15AM (In-Person ONLY)
4:00-5:15PM (In-Person ONLY)
7:00-8:15 PM (Hybrid: In-Person & Live-streaming)
Each program will include:
Guided meditation and contemplation of the past year
Karma burning ceremony: On a piece of paper, we will write down our heaviness and regrets from 2022 and burn our lists so we can enter the new year with a refreshed mind.
For those who will be joining us through live-streaming at 7 pm: If you do not have a fireplace, you may prepare a ceramic or metal bowl on your deck or porch, or light your outdoor grill to burn your letting-go lists.
For your reference, Here is the video of the previous ceremony.
We hope you can join us for one of these ceremonies. If you wish to join in-person, please SIGN UP. Be sure to clearly mark which session you plan to attend. In consideration to others, please sign up only if you can commit to showing up.
Join us at the Chapel Hill Temple! Beginners are welcome. This class is for anyone who is interested in learning the basics of meditation and who would like to explore it with guidance from an experienced teacher. Please feel free to invite friends to this one-time class. Meditation is a powerful technique for dealing with stress, difficult emotions, and uncertainty.
Please wear loose-fitting clothes & clean socks.
Please bring your water bottle.
Facemasks are required.
Journals optional for notetaking.
Suggested donation: $5-20
To sign up, please click the button below.
