Soen (Zen) club meets

Here’s the latest info from the Korean Zen club (slightly confusing to figure out what days to meet …) You can mail “Eunyoung Lee” < jayooda@gmail.com>”Young”: 087 593 8139 to confirm details …

Hi, everybody-

Hope this email finds all of you in peace and in wellness.

I would like to share the Hanmaum Seon Centre English session schedules: Currently we are running two different sessions alternatively with 2-3 weeks’ intervals: Here are the schedules of the session until the end of this year (Tentative):

1. Sutra Reading Sessions:

1) 8 October 2011 (Sat) 6- 8 pm (Heart Sutra)

2) 19 Nov 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm (Heart Sutra or other Sutra upon the participants’ agreement)

We have been studying Heart Sutra for the last four sessions and we would like to have one more two more sessions before moving on another Sutra. (Selection of the Sutra to read next time would be decided among participants. You are welcome to join the Session and suggest any Mahayana Sutra text you would like to study together.)

2. Regular Sessions:

1) 29 Oct 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm

2) 10 Dec 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm

This Session we read a book, a collection of the Dharma teaching by the Master Daehaeng, a head of the Hanmaun Branch of the Korean Zen Buddhism (Chogye Order). -Copies are available at the centre. (Or you may be able to purchase it at Kinokuniya in Bangkok). (http://www.amazon.com/No-River-Cross-Trusting-Enlightenment/dp/0861715349)

Everybody is welcome to join the reading and discussions!

General information is as follows:

Bangkok Seon Club

The Bangkok Seon Club is an English-language Zen group that meets monthly at the Bangkok Hanmaum Seonwon (One-mind Zen Centre) near Ekamai BTS (map and directions below) to share experiences and study Korean Zen in general, and the teachings of Zen Master Daehaeng Kunsunim in particular.

Meetings are open to all comers interested in Korean Zen, whatever your background in Buddhism or meditation.

Background:

Daehaeng Sunim The Bangkok Hanmaum Seon Center is an overseas branch of Hanmaum Seonwon, established by Seon Master Daehaeng Kunsunim (a female Seon master widely respected throughout Korea) in 1972, and part of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism – the largest Buddhist Order in Korea with a history stretching back over 1,200 years.

‘Seon’ by the way, is the Korean word for ‘Zen’, and Master Daehaeng’s teaching is to realize and awaken to our inherent nature, also called Buddha-nature, inherent mind, or Juingong.

Daehaeng Kun Sunim teaches people to

Believe in your foundation, Juingong, and entrust it with everything that confronts you. Then go forward while observing and experimenting with what you experience.

The Bangkok branch of Hanmaum Seonwon was established ten years ago and serves the spiritual needs of Korean residents and visitors in the city. It is very much a centre of the Korean Buddhist community, and many families attend regularly with children of all ages.

The founder does not reside at this branch temple, but it is run by two resident female sunims (monks) who arrange regular ceremonies and teachings.

Meditation

This Korean lineage differs somewhat from the more well known Japanese Zen schools in meditation style. One surrenders to ones own Buddha-nature (Juingong), a giving up of the self to the natural flow of Dhamma and wisdom. Instructions are given for the formal sitting period at the start of each meeting, so please arrive before time so as not to disturb the sitting.

A few points to note:

  • Please try to arrive in plenty of time as the meetings start with a short meditation, and we try to finish at 9pm sharp too.
  • There are no bare feet in Korean temples, it would be much appreciated if those wishing to come will remember to bring socks!
  • It is a good idea to buy a copy of the book we are studying, ‘No River to Cross’, if you intend to attend regularly. Copies are available at the centre.
  • This is a good chance here in Bangkok to study in a Zen Buddhist temple with fully ordained Zen monks in a close and supportive practice group. See you on Saturday!

Location:

The Bangkok Hanmaum Seon Centre
86-1 Soi 4 Sukhumvit 63
BTS Ekamai Station – Exit 1

Take Exit 1 from Ekamai Station, and go down Ekamai Road (aka Sukhumvit 63). Turn right along Soi 4 and go to the end. Turning left you will see the Centre on your right a few meters along.

A motorcycle from Ekamai can also take you there cheaply. Ask for the ‘Wat Gao-lii’ (Korean temple).

Click map for a lager version:

Korean-Temple

6 replies on “Soen (Zen) club meets”

  1. Hi Bhikku and Kun Young,

    Just to make it simpler:

    Sutra Reading Sessions:
    1) 8 October 2011 (Sat) 6- 8 pm
    2) 19 Nov 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm

    Regular Sessions:
    1) 29 Sep 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm
    2) 10 Dec 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm

    (Probably best not to put your email address on the Internet as email collecting robots eat them up to go into spam lists).

    Marcus _/_

    1. Dear Bhikkhu Cittasamvaro,

      Thanks for managing this info. We are continuing the Session and we would like to be able to update for the upcoming session at this site. I am wondering if there would be anyway I could update the info here without giving too much burden on you or anybody of littlebang management.

      Grateful of such consideration, with best regards,
      Young

      1. I stopped activity through the website a few months ago, and will not be managing it any more. Mainly as I must concentrate on my thesis before I lose my visa.

        however, in 6 months or so I may get chance to open a small centre, so will reassess then, presuming I can get the thesis done!

  2. Oh yes! I see! Thank you Bhikku!
    _/_

    Sutra Reading Sessions:
    1) 8 October 2011 (Sat) 6- 8 pm
    2) 19 Nov 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm

    Regular Sessions:
    1) 29 OCTOBER 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm
    2) 10 Dec 2011 (Sat) 6-8 pm

    1. HI, Marcus,

      Greetings from Bangkok! Hope everything is fine and well on your end. Happy New Year!

      Best,
      Young (Moon Do)

Comments are closed.