 |
|
Zen Master Seung Sahn, Founding Teacher
Zen Master Soeng Hyang (Barbara Rhodes), School Zen Master
Zen Master Dae Kwang, Abbot
International Head Temple Providence Zen Center
Zen Master Seung Sahn, founder of the international Kwan Um School of Zen, died on November 30, 2004, at Hwa Gye Sah temple in Seoul, Korea. He died peacefully, surrounded by his students. He was 77.
In June 2004, he had received the title “Great Master” from the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in appreciation for his lifetime of teaching. This is the highest honor the order confers.
In November 2007, Zen Master Seung Sahn’s students marked the third anniversary of his death with a memorial trip to Korea and an exhibition presented at the headquarters of the Chogye Order. You can view this exhibition, and photos from the trip, at www.dssn2007.com.
On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of his death, students at Su Bong Zen Monastery in Hong Kong prepared a tribute presentation.
Full biography of Zen Master Seung Sahn
Coming empty-handed, going empty-handed -- that is human.
When you are born, where do you come from?
When you die, where do you go?
Life is like a floating cloud which appears.
Death is like a floating cloud which disappears.
The floating cloud itself originally does not exist.
Life and death, coming and going, are also like that.
But there is one thing which always remains clear.
It is pure and clear, not depending on life and death.
Then what is the one pure and clear thing?
The Kwan Um School of Zen is an international organization of more than a hundred centers and groups founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn, the first Korean Zen Master to live and teach in the West. The School's purpose is to make this practice of Zen Buddhism available to an ever-growing number of students throughout the world.
The heart of the Kwan Um School of Zen is the daily practice which goes on in its Zen centers and groups. Students and visitors eat together, work together, and meditate together -- gradually attaining a clear compassionate mind which moment to moment is able to help all beings.
We offer training in Zen meditation through meditation instruction, daily morning and evening practice, public talks, teaching interviews, sittings, retreats and workshops. Our programs are open to anyone regardless of previous experience and are often offered at no cost.
The founding teacher of our School is Zen Master Seung Sahn, the 78th Patriarch in his line of transmission in the Chogye order of Korean Buddhism. In 1972 he came to the United States and started the Providence Zen Center, the first center in what is now the Kwan Um School. He and his students have founded over a hundred temples, centers, and groups around the world. His books include Ten Gates, The Compass of Zen, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, Only Don't Know and The Whole World is a Single Flower -- 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life.
Zen Master Seung Sahn has given transmission to Zen Masters and "inka" -- teaching authority -- to senior students called Ji Do Poep Sa Nims (Dharma Masters).
 |
Primary Point Press |
Our Primary Point Press offers books, videos, and audio on the teaching of Zen Master Seung Sahn and the Kwan Um School of Zen.
About MembershipMembership entitles one to reduced rates for retreats and other Zen Center events, as well as subscriptions to our newsletters and Primary Point, the journal of the Kwan Um School. Dues help support your Center, the School and the transmission of Zen teaching.
Printable membership application
If you live in North America, you can become a member or pay your dues online.
Donations to the School are also welcome, including in the form of securities.
Other international sites
Major links on this site
National sites
Zen Center sites
Other Buddhist sites
Zen Master Seung Sahn
Practice forms guides
Chanting
Sangha organization and gatherings
Publications
Contact us at:
The Kwan Um School of Zen
99 Pound Road
Cumberland, RI 02864-2726
Telephone 401/658-1476
Fax: 401/658-1188
info@kwanumzen.org
Looking for retreats and programs at our international head temple in Cumberland, Rhode Island? Please visit the Providence Zen Center site
This page Copyright © The Kwan Um School of Zen
Virtual Server provided by LunarPages
