Zen Hall Opening Ceremony

Apr 4, 2010

On Sunday, April 4, 2010, Won Kwang Sa, the Temple of Original Light, held an Opening Ceremony for its new Zen Hall. Over 150 Sangha members from Europe, Korea, USA and Israel arrived to share this special moment in our lives. Some of the greatest teachers of our School as well as respected monks from three Korean temples attended the ceremony, among others Zen Master Soeng Hyang, Zen Master Dae Bong, Zen Master Wu Bong, Seol Jeong Kunsunim, and all teachers from the European Kwan Um School of Zen.

After the opening bell was hit, Zen Master Wu Bong began the ceremony with a short speech. After that we all chanted Sogamuni Bul, Kwan Seum Bosal kido and Korean Heart Sutra, following the moktak hit by Zen Master Soeng Hyang. The chanting flowed through the doorways, into the valley, deep and resounding. We all sensed the unique nature of that day, the fact the we are spreading the Dharma in this world, just by being together and practicing.

After chanting and short meditation, the congratulatory talks began. These were given by the Hyan Choeng Sa Juji - Boep Jong Sunim, the Hwa Gye Sa Vice Abbot - Su Am Sunim, the Mu Sang Sa Jo Shil - Dae Bong Sunim, the Munich Soen Won Jang - Hyon Gak Sunim, and the Abbess of the European Kwan Um School of Zen, Jo Potter JDPSN. During those talks the strong vision, hard work, everlasting energy, enthusiasm and courage of Chong An Sunim, the founder and Abbot of Won Kwang Sa Temple and his team has been appreciated.

After the congratulatory talks the main formal Dharma talk was given by the Su Dok Sa Bang Jang - Seol Jong Sunim. He urged everybody to have faith in our minds and help this vision become reality. He more than intimated that our mind, our faith mind, has inherent power, and that those who get involved will be rewarded. He encouraged everybody to lend any type of energy - either our physical effort, our mind, pocketbook or helping energy of any other form, in order to support and help Won Kwang Sa to more easily move through all those challenges that lie ahead.

The main talk was followed by a poem written for Won Kwang Sa Zen Hall Opening Ceremony by Zen Master Soeng Hyang:

Green grass has no color.

Original Zen Hall has no walls or roof.

The patriot lion roars.

Shatters space and time.

Where is the true Dharma Hall?

[Hits the stick on the table.]

Everyday chanting echoes through the Pilis Mountains.

At the end of the ceremony Chong An Sunim spoke words of appreciation. During his speech the most important Sangha helpers and supporters, as well as the hired workers (carpenters, window-makers and masons) have been acknowledged and thanked.

The Zen Hall was completely packed, some people were even standing outside, taking part in the ceremony by listening through the open doorways. The space was shining with Dharma energy and the appreciation for the wonderful Sangha and Dharma that we have and take refuge in.