Won Buddhism Dharma Talks

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

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. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

Dharma Talk by Rev. Jo (June 19, 2022) @Won Dharma Center #wonbuddhism #dharmatalk #wondharmacenter #meditation #action

Dharma Talk by Rev. Grace Song (June 19, 2022) wonbuddhismnyc.org

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." https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

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

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

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

Dharma Talk by Rev. Jieun Lee (July 24, 2022) https://wondharmacenter.org/

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

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

Dharma Talk by Rev. Hojin Park (August 7, 2022) #wonbuddhism #dharmatalk #sotaesan #meditation #mindfulness https://wondharmacenter.org/

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

Dharma Talk by Rev. Dosung Yoo (August 14, 2022) https://wondharmacenter.org/

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

Q&A with Ven. Juksanim - Part 2 (Meditation Retreat: Resilience: Innate Power to Thrive in This Challenging World, Sept 2 - 5, 2022) #wonbuddhism #present #wisdom #mindfulness #awakening https://wondharmacenter.org/

Member's Talk by Meer Musa (August 28, 2022) https://wonbuddhismnyc.org/

Q&A with Ven. Juksanim (Meditation Retreat: Resilience: Innate Power to Thrive in This Challenging World, Sept 2 - 5, 2022) https://wondharmacenter.org/

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...

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

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

In this beautiful and seasonal dharma talk, Rev. WonGong invites us to embrace early autumn’s balance of yin and yang in our practice and in our lives. She encourages us to abide in the harmonious energies of warmth and coolness, and to be like autumn trees – letting go of what is no longer useful so that we can experience vast spaciousness. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

Dharma Talk by Rev. Insik Kim (October 2, 2022) https://wondharmacenter.org/

Dharma Talk by Rev. WonGong (October 9, 2022) https://wondharmacenter.org/ https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/

For some practitioners, a focus on the discipline of practice may cause deep spiritual joy to seem elusive. But, in this encouraging dharma talk, Rev. WonGong breaks through such self-created barriers. She reflects on the many facets of joy that humans experience – from the fleeting to the profound – and shares her perspectives about the source and power of spiritual joy. https://www.wonbuddhismnc...