The Heart Of Practice NC

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?

A student asked, "What was the substance before the myriad of things in heaven and earth came into being?" Nate Jackson (Won Jay Son) shares his reflections on Master Sotaesan's thoughtful response to this question as it relates to his journey.

How can we maintain the mind of equanimity we cultivate during meditation throughout the rest of the week? How can we practice at home with the same Zeal as at a retreat center? In this COVID-era dharma talk from July 2020, Reverend WonGong explores how to sustain our practice in daily life. Through cultivation, inquiry, and mindful choice, and employing the strategies she offers in this talk, the deep energy and mindfulness of a retreat are always available to us—right in the midst of daily life.

Spring is in full bloom and love in the air. So let's look back at this Dharma Talk from February of 2019, right around Valentine’s Day. Is there only one love, or are there many kinds? Although the word “love” rarely appears in Buddhist scriptures, Reverend WonGong So reflects on the concept of Maitri and how it applies to the Western understanding of the word. True love, she suggests, exists in the selflessness of "no-self." This perspective goes far beyond romantic love, offering a deeper understanding of what it truly means to love unconditionally.

Discover how love is expressed in Won Buddhism through the profound teachings of loving-kindness and compassion. In this talk, we explore the “two faces” of love—joy and sorrow—and how an awakened heart celebrates the wellbeing of others while tenderly embracing their suffering.

Rev. WonGong gives a talk on the theme "We Are One, We Are Whole" and invites us to introduce into our practice a mantra, "I am enough, I am whole."

Even a few minutes can transform your mind when you bring true presence—discover how the quality of your meditation matters more than the quantity. Take a moment to listen and reconnect with the depth already within you.

Do your actions always align with your wishes? This is the question Won Buddhist practitioner, Paige Doster-Grimes, explores in this bright and clear dharma talk. Using the curiosity of children as inspiration, she shows us how answering that question can aid our practice.

In this insightful Dharma talk, Eric Priest explores the delicate distinction between our true nature and the ego. Using the classic Zen analogy, he reminds us that while our ego may point toward the truth, it is merely the finger pointing at the moon—not the moon itself. Eric cautions practitioners against the subtle traps of the spiritual path, where one might mistake a fleeting moment of insight for mastery. Just as tasting a slice of cake does not make one a chef, clinging to spiritual ideas does not constitute realization. He emphasizes that true spiritual progress is found not in the concepts we hold, but in the sincere actions we take in our daily lives. Join us as we reflect on how to move beyond the delusions of the "self" and ground our practice in lived experience.

Join our good temple friend, Nik (Won HaeWol), as he shares insights on journaling and his intention to begin a new journaling practice. In addition, he explores how some simple habits in the day can help relieve stress and return to mindfulness. Please leave any thoughts or reflections in the comments