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Zen means keeping correct situation, correct relationship and correct function moment to moment. That is correct life.
– Zen master Seung Sahn

These days, it is a challenge for many of us to stay focused and clear in our life. We are constantly bombarded with all kinds of distractions and the fast-paced life in the 21st century keeps most of us in chronic stress.

Various styles of meditation can help us to perform well at work, develop good relationships, and maintain good health. Practicing Zen also can help you to achieve that. That is wonderful, but can we also find deep meaning of in our existence? Many things are important in life, but what is most important?
What is our life’s direction?

Zen means understanding your true self…what am I?

In this whole world everyone searches for happiness outside, but nobody understands their true self inside. Everybody says,
“I” — But nobody understands this “I.” Before you were born, where did your “I” come from? When you die, where will your “I” go?
If you sincerely ask, “What am I?” sooner or later you will run into a wall where all thinking is cut off. We call this “don’t know.”
Zen is keeping this “don’t know” mind always and everywhere.

– Zen master Seung Sahn

When we return to don’t know, our thinking and emotions are cut off and we can see clearly our correct situation, our correct relationship and then act accordingly for the benefit of ourselves and others. We call that Great Love, Great Compassion and the Great Bodhisattva Way.

Student: What kind of Buddhism do you teach?
Zen master Seung Sahn: I only teach don’t know.

The teaching provided at Zenseoul is in the Kwan Um School of Zen tradition, its founding teacher being Zen master Seung Sahn, the first Korean Zen master to teach in the West. He is the 78th Patriarch in his lineage of Zen masters in Korea and established the international Kwan Um School of Zen in 1983 in the U.S. Subsequent growth of Zen centers and groups worldwide including Zenseoul, offer regular Zen meditation, retreats and teaching to an ever-growing global community of practitioners in-person and online.

The late Zen master Seung Sahn taught in Asia, U.S., Europe and worldwide since the early 1970’s, connecting with people from all walks of life and introducing them to the path of Zen – so that they can wake up to their true nature and become Buddha.

Buddha never said, “Follow me.” Instead, he encouraged students to put what they learn into practice and make it theirs. Buddhism has two parts: exposition and application. Get clear instructions, then put it into practice and see how it works for you in your life. At Zenseoul, we value a strong foundation and consistent feedback as priorities for Zen training. It’s called, ‘’Showing the Way.” One-on-one kong-an interviews and hands-on consultations with the guiding teachers provide direct support for our practice. Regular dharma talks with Q & A after sitting are opportunities to ask questions and hear Zen teachings that help digest our experience on the meditation cushion. Workshops and additional training programs nourish and support us with strength and wisdom from teachers and the community of practitioners.

Zenseoul Guiding Teachers

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