Interfaith Affairs

Hwang Ich’ŏn. Image courtesy of the author Wŏn Buddhism emerged during one of the most turbulent periods in modern Korean history. Founded by Sot’aesan (1891–1943), the movement developed under Japanese colonial rule at a time of rapid industrialization, political oppression, and cultural assimilation.

Excerpt from The Principles of Mind Training for Everyday Life by Venerable Juksanim (Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism USA) To live with a sound mind means being able to clearly discern, in every action, what to take up and what to set aside, a practice known in Won Buddhism as chwi sa (choice in action). When we use our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind (our six senses), we should adopt what is wholesome and let go of what is unwholesome.

Excerpt from The Principles of Mind Training for Everyday Life by Venerable Juksanim (Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism USA)* In Buddhism, the body is understood not as a fixed or isolated self, but as a collective formation shaped by karma. This body moves and lives within a web of relationships, constantly influenced by the world around it. But what truly governs our actions and movements? It’s the mind.