Why Do We Practice Seon Meditation?

Our thoughts or conceptual knowing constantly judge, compare, and proliferate. One thought leads to another, endlessly chained together. Emotions often attach to these thoughts. This is nothing other than the wheel of samsara, the six realms of rebirth. In such a state, suffering does not cease. It is only reproduced again and again. To break through this cycle directly, Korean Buddhism turns to Patriarch meditation, particularly the method of Ganhwaseon.

However, even for monastics, this is no easy path. Though one may grasp the principle intellectually, true realization requires spiritual maturity and capacity, something not all of us possess. Just as an adult may perform a task effortlessly, while a child struggles.

That is why various meditation methods are introduced, to offer a gateway to the path. These practices help one gradually step into Seon and begin the journey. Even if one does not reach Ganhwaseon, often called the pinnacle of practice, the aim here is to help us handle the present moment of our lives with greater ease. Seon meditation offers ways to lighten our current suffering, even if we cannot shatter the suffering all at once.

In the Seon Meditation Academy, experienced monastic teachers who have studied and guided many offer accessible meditation practices adapted for modern people. I see my role as amplifying and supporting this movement, helping it to take deeper root in our culture.

Since the modern revitalization of Korean Buddhism under Master Gyeongheo, many great teachers have followed, such as Mangong, Man-am, Gyeongbong, as well as Seongcheol, Hyanggok, and Hyeam. They all made great efforts to make Ganhwaseon more approachable for the public. Even though it became more well-known, unfortunately it didn’t fully take root in daily practice among laypeople.

The Seon Meditation Academy has worked within this historical context to integrate Seon into modern life. We've developed diverse Seon meditation methods suited to the mindset and emotions of contemporary people.

Buddhism, through its teachings of scriptures, disciplines, philosophical analysis is already perfectly logical and complete. Through history, it has always adapted to the consciousness of its time. Yet in today’s world, particularly among youth, traditional Buddhist language may feel distant or difficult to grasp. Therefore, one of our key challenges is how can we transmit the timeless Dharma, already complete in its logic, in a way that resonates with the language and understanding of younger generations.