The Heart Of Practice NC

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

Throwback Thursday Dharma: If you've ever wondered how to get started with Koan practice, this is the place to start! In Rev. WonGong & Rev. Song's talk on September 24, 2017, they discuss how Won Koans, or Hwadu, are intended to both reveal our True Nature and Illuminate Human affairs and Universal Principles. A koan can be a profound question or simply the question of why our washing machine keeps leaving stains on our clothes.

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Reverend Dr. Bokin Kim discusses her travels in India and reflects on the fact that the historical Buddha "was born on the road, lived on the road, and then died on the road." Demonstrating the ways in which Buddhism has continuously promoted equality, she teaches that the 4 Essentials are as integral to Won Buddhism as they are consistent with the Buddha's original teachings.

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Rev. WonGong shares her personal healing journey with her mother, who brought many challenges to their family. This talk serves as a living testimony to uncovering “Grace from Harm”, especially with our relationship with parents.

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We are grateful to Ven. JukSanim, the Head Dharma Teacher of Won Buddhism, USA. He visited us from Won Dharma Center, Upstate New York to share his blessings on our 20th Anniversary Celebration. 감사합니다 (Kam Sah Hahm Nee Dah)

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According to the scriptures of Won Buddhism, our actions should be based on sound thought. What happens when habits form, and actions become automatic? Rebecca Kameny reflects on the importance of heedfulness in knowing when to form a habit and when to break it.\

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Pete and Julie Warshaw gave this wonderful talk about Questioning, one of the 8 Articles, in April of 2019. While Questioning is an essential practice to cultivate, we must remember to fit it in with Faith, Zeal, and Dedication. Pete and Julie challenge us to think about how our ego and preconceived notions may be wrapped up in our deep questions and doubts.

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Our temple friend and member, Shauna Hay (Won SonHa), shares about how dedication and wisdom can help us master skills and learn things that we never imagined we could. Sometimes, the practice itself is our best teacher, even when the practice has you standing on your head!

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Depending upon our choices, technology can be a powerful gift...or, it can drag us into misery! Won Buddhism's founding motive speaks to this directly. In this insightful talk, Patty Daniel (Hwa Tawonim) highlights how our practice aids us to appreciate and control technology rather than having it smother our lives

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What is the essence of the true nature of the universe? Although words and concepts cannot give us the full answer, they do give us glimpses of this fundamental Truth. In this insightful and informative dharma talk, Rev. WonGong beautifully guides us through the teachings and illustrations of true nature.

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When it comes to meditation, have you ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" Paige Doster-Grimes discusses the need for engaged calmness during meditation, emphasizing the importance of being alert and grounded in the present moment. Giving Master Sotesan's instructions for meditation, she tells us how to manage both drowsiness and/or a busy mind.

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Receiving a Dharma Name is a great honor that represents an absolute commitment to the Won Buddhist path. Linda Cato received her name in 2025. This is her reflection on the journey that brought her there.

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Dharma shines brightly from so many places – even pumpkin vines! In this delightful talk, Rev. WonGong shares insight into the way dedicated teachers help guide their students. Just as she carefully uncurls the tendrils of misdirected pumpkin vines, our teachers help us untwist our clenched tendrils, so we can grow in beneficial directions.

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How special that we have the very first Won Mu (Lay Minister of Won Buddhism) in our temple community! Kathleen Herr is a dedicated and loving Won Mu. In this talk, she shares her heart-full words of wisdom on her practice journey.

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Receiving a Dharma Name is a great honor that represents an absolute commitment to the Won Buddhist path. Jenn Robinson received her name in 2024. This is her reflection on the journey that brought her there.

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Receiving a Dharma Name is a great honor that represents an absolute commitment to the Won Buddhist path. Christine Donovan Ball received her name in 2024. This is her reflection on the journey that brought her there.

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Discussing the spiritual journey that led her to become a Dharma Name Recipient, Irene Sadler uses the metaphor of the Mugunghwa, or Rose of Sharon, to highlight the importance of proper nourishment and support on the spiritual path.

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Spiritual teachers do not always conform to the expectations of their students. However, even when rough and unpolished, they have a kind of radar that looks much further than the student can see. In this heartwarming dharma talk, Reverend Shaun explores the teacher-student relationship within Won Buddhism.

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After the recent floods in North Carolina and elsewhere, Reverend WonGong reflects on the power and possibility of water. The symbolism of water holds an essential place in Asian culture, and Taoism in particular. Watch now to see how water can serve as a guide and example as we flow down the path of spiritual practice.

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Educating others' children is one of the four essentials of Won Buddhism. Telling our Dharma Community about the All is Grace School in Zambia, which he helped found, and the All is Grace Community Partnership, John Miller discusses this surprisingly deep spiritual discipline.

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Telling the story of her father's imprisonment in an Indian internment camp, Yeeva Cheng talks about the way anger can ripple outward (and downwards) from an experience of powerlessness or trauma. However, Yeeva argues, Anger can also be used to correct an injustice. How can we learn to transmute our anger into a force for justice and spiritual growth?

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We are often told how to live well, but rarely told how to die well. But death, in Won-Buddhism, is simply the reflection of life, so dying well is fundamental to practicing well. In this talk Nik shares some experiences he has had with dying through taking care of his grandfather and how that relates to the Won-Buddhist scriptures.

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In this deep dive on the influence of Taoist thought in Won Buddhism, Reverend WonGong teaches us that going with the flow also means mindfully fulfilling our role in professional and personal relationships.

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Reverend Shaun was inspired to give this talk after receiving a call at the temple residence asking him if he believed in God. His answer may surprise you.

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There are numerous benefits to meditation, and various methods for practicing it. But what if the real reason we meditate is to increase our cool factor? Patty Daniels (Hwa Tawonym) discusses how gaining freedom of mind comes only through consummate practice and a great vow.

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Listen to this talk to hear how the practice of bringing oneself back to the breath helped release self-judgement for one temple member. Keep listening to hear how the release of self-judgement, when combined with a gratitude practice, led to inner transformation.

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Upon his great awakening, Sotesan, our founding master, said: When the moon rises while a fresh breeze blows, the myriad forms become naturally clear. In this dharma talk, Reverend WonGong teaches us the meaning of this short verse and reflects upon the role of light in Won Buddhism.

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In this talk on using the Dharma to combat depression, Anne Freeman imagines a conversation between herself, Master Sotesan, the founding teacher of Won Buddhism, and Emily Dickinson. What do these two figures say about dealing with difficult emotions and the evening blues? How can we use meditation to clear the weeds of disturbance from our mind field?

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This talk explores mindfulness tracking using diaries, apps, or small objects like beans. Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu) shares personal experiences with tracking habits, including arriving early and speaking kindly. By observing patterns, they show how setbacks can lead to growth in mindfulness.

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Reverend WonGong explores the concept of numinous awareness, a deep knowing beyond ordinary perception. She connects it to Buddhist teachings, nature, and meditation, emphasizing its role in understanding our true nature. Through reflection and practice, she encourages us to recognize this awareness in everyday life.

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In this immensely helpful dharma talk, longtime practitioner Michael Macklin (HyoungSan-nim) beautifully guides us through the meanings and highlights of Won Buddhist teachings and philosophy woven together in the Il-Won-Sang Vow. In addition to sharing useful background information, Michael also points out how these teachings interconnect.

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Longtime temple practitioner Rod Cartier shares his journey of discovering that true gratitude is not just about recognizing blessings but about actively giving back, leading to peace and deeper connections.

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Rev. WonGong reflects on all of the time and energy she has put into the gardens at our temple. Both the literal garden and the garden of our beautiful Sangha community.

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Understanding the true meaning of equanimity can sometimes feel elusive, but even when its meaning is clear, the path to its practice may not be. In this informative and insightful dharma talk, longtime practitioner, Pete Warshaw (Won JeeHo), shares his journey to find equanimity's meaning and practice, as well as a helpful tool he discovered along the way.

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Hungry Ghosts, according to Temple Member Shauna Hay, are often desires that have never been satisfied and the “if only” mindset that comes with the fear of missing out. In her dharma talk, she discusses how we can love our hungry ghosts back to wholeness.

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In the heart sutra, we chant a mantra that translates to “Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone completely beyond, now awakened!” This mantra is a powerful reminder that awakening comes from moving beyond. But beyond what? What is it that we must go beyond to awaken?

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Master Sotesan taught us that to cling to a single point of view is a pitfall on the spiritual path. Won JahYoo, Holly North, discusses the way in which strong views can cloud us from seeing what is truly right or wrong.

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Our Won Buddhist Scripture teaches us that All is Grace. But some things can definitely be unpleasant at times. How do we find Grace, even when things seem to cause us harm?

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In a divided world, deep listening and letting go of attachments to outcomes bring clarity and peace. Becky Daniel reflects on embracing diverse perspectives with humility and staying calm through life’s changes. Through love, compassion, and respect for all, we can all find hope and strength in practice.

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Hope is a powerful force that can transform and sustain us during challenging times. In this personal and inspiring dharma talk, Rev. WonGong shares her perspectives on hope's expansiveness and depth, and she reminds us that hope is not a naive wish but an important practice.

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A Spiritual Pride Service inspired reflections on embracing diversity and confronting biases with an open heart. Drawing on Won Buddhist teachings, Rev. Shaun Song highlights the importance of staying focused (single-practice samadhi) in both challenges and comfort, urging compassionate action for a more inclusive world.

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What does it mean, "to live an abundant life?" Won Buddhist practitioner, Jo Ann Reeves (JooAhn), dives into this question and reminds us that no matter what stage of life we are in, setting cornerstones of gratitude, contentment, and purpose are key. When developed through our practice, these living cornerstones become the foundation for a rich and fulfilling existence.

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The universe is full of catalysts! Some come into our lives in the form of great teachers, while others may appear as brief or subtle shimmers of nature. Rev. Shaun Song provides some wonderful examples of both in this multi-layered dharma talk, and he encourages us to use our minds of open inquiry to discover these special gems as we journey in dharma and practice.

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The way we cultivate the fields of our minds results in the harvest we experience. This truth is beautifully explored by Rev. WonGong in this enlightening dharma talk. She reminds us that diligent cultivation is good, but we must avoid judgment, as it will exhaust and parch the mind-field we are trying to nurture. Rev. WonGong encourages us to follow the instincts of our true mind and to seek support from the community so we can cultivate a healthy mind-field and reap a beneficial harvest.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Won Buddhist practitioners embrace the importance of integrating practice with our daily life. 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 coniuum of lives or in an afterlife? It is this question that longtime practitioner, Patty Daniel (Hwa Tawonim), addresses in this thoughtful dharma talk.

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The truths selflessly taught to us by nature and cicaadas 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.

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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.

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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.

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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."
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In this wonderful guide to the foundational teachings of Won Buddhism, longtime practitioner, Paige Doster-Grimes (Doh Jin), guides us through the "Turtle Chart." Named based on its shape, the Turtle Chart is a beautifully designed visual that shows how Won Buddhism's philosophy is expressed throughout its interwoven and interconnected teachings.
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Ven. Jooksanim, Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism USA, offers us motivational and insightful guidance for practicing meditation in the renewing season of spring.
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Podcast Notes: www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
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Podcast Notes: www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

Podcast Notes: www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

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Podcast Notes: https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations
Transcript: https://wonbuddhismnc.sharepoint.com

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

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"Whatever next? Predictive Brains, Situated Agents, and the Future of Cognitive Science"
Andy Clark; May 2013 Behavioral Brain Science Journal

"Making Health Habitual: The Psychology of ‘habit-formation’ and General Practice"
Jane Wardle, et. al. Dec 2012 The British Journal of General Practice

Bite Sized Dharma
bitesizedhamma.com/

The Tricycle Foundation Newsletter Subscription
tricycle.org/newsletters/

PDF Copy of the Red Book and other Won Publications
sotaesancenter.org/resources

Won Temple of North Caroli...

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The Relationship Between the Truth & Me

Longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, Kelly Denno (Won YeeSuh) transforms the abstract concept of Truth into an intimate part of her practice by embracing "don't know" mind and her true nature. She warmly invites us to try this practice out for ourselves.
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The graces of fellow beings can appear in a myriad of ways--some quite unexpectedly. In this tour of a journey to and from a retreat in New York, Rev. WonGong, colorfully and thoughtfully illustrates how mind practice helped her release expectations and open windows to unanticipated grace and healing.

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Longtime Won Buddhist practitioner, Patty Daniel (Hwa Tawonim) unfolds each aspect of the Threefold Practice (equanimity, wisdom, and choice) in this friendly and accessible dharma talk. As she does so, she points out that with consistent practice, these aspects beautifully and dynamically intertwine and shape our minds, bodies, hearts, and energy.

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As a scientist, temple practitioner John Miller knows what the word "spontaneous" means. Unexpectedly bumping into this familiar concept during a retreat, and diving into what both Won Buddhism and the Tao Te Ching have to say about it is captivating journey.

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Meditation in a sitting position is often the first kind many practitioners experience, yet, Buddhism is home to a variety of techniques and methods. As Rev. WonGong explores the world of meditation in her instructive dharma talk, she also guides us to its heart and purpose.

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The aspiration to see the universe through a pure mind is beautiful in principle, but manifesting it in real life can sometimes be daunting. It is this very challenge that Rev. WonGong thoughtfully explores as she reflects on Sotaesan's wisdom and the opportunities to practice it in our lives.
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For some, the term, "Middle Way," might seem like a recommendation for blandness. However, Won Buddhist practitioner, Christine Donovan Ball, shows just the opposite is true in this dharma talk. Through personal reflection, she beautifully illustrates how deeply profound and impactful the practice of the Middle Way can be. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

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Doorways can be transformative portals, and in this reflective dharma talk, longtime practitioner, Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu), highlights how the accessible teachings of Won Buddhism were designed with inclusiveness as a goal. As we practitioners pass through these dharma portals, we are invited to be in relationship with what we discover upon entering. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

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In this powerful dharma talk, Rev. ZiYoung Kang dives into the heart of the universal Truth of Il-Won and shows us how we can nurture and manifest this Truth in our daily lives. Step-by-step, she unloosens the threads of "voidness," "completeness," and "rightness" and shares how these fundamental qualities of Truth can be woven together into a beautiful and meaningful practice. https://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/donations

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What does it mean to return home? This is the question practitioner Cassie Hanson asks and answers in this poignant and moving dharma talk. Unlike the shifting comfort we experience from our temporal homes, the true home of our Buddha nature is ever-present and embraces us without limitation.

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Through wisdom gained in the garden, Rev. WonGong shares an essential truth with us in this bright and focused dharma talk. She notes that just as healthy roots are the foundation of plants, the health of our practice is determined by the quality of the spiritual roots we grow and nourish.
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