Grace

Grace, a native of Toronto, Canada, was born into a unique blend of religious backgrounds – her father a devoted Won Buddhist and her mother, a hybrid of Won Buddhism and Presbyterianism. Raised amidst the teachings of Won Buddhism, Grace’s exposure to its practices deepened during family trips to Korea. Although she initially attended the temple due to her parents, her true connection to the faith emerged during her university years.

Facing the harsh reality of her father’s battle with cancer, Grace found solace in Won Buddhism’s meditation, prayer, and the 49-day ritual. Witnessing her father’s transformative journey through the teachings, she recognized the healing potential within the practice. This revelation led her to ordain, driven by the desire to help others find similar solace.

Grace’s multicultural upbringing in Toronto presented challenges, as she often felt like an outsider among predominantly Christian peers. Despite pressure to conform, her father’s unwavering faith in Won Buddhism inspired her to embrace her identity. She observed his loyalty to the teachings and his teacher, even in the face of the minority status of Buddhism in their community.

A pivotal moment occurred when Grace experienced the energy and presence of Won Buddhist teachers in Korea. Their embodiment of the teachings, expressed without words, left a lasting impression on her. The non-proselytizing nature of Won Buddhism also resonated with Grace, providing a welcoming space where different paths to truth were acknowledged and respected.

Ultimately, Grace’s journey reflects a profound connection to Won Buddhism, influenced by her father’s steadfast faith, transformative experiences in Korea, and the embracing philosophy of the faith itself.

For Grace , Won Buddhism is more than a spiritual tradition—it is a practice woven into the ordinary moments of life. Raised between Korean Buddhist heritage and a multicultural Western upbringing, Grace’s relationship with the Dharma deepened through the illness and death of her father, when meditation, prayer, and the 49-day ritual became sources of healing and transformation. Her journey eventually led to ordination and a commitment to making Won Buddhist teachings accessible to modern Western practitioners.

Grace sees Dharma not as something confined to meditation or the temple, but as a way of meeting life itself. “Dharma isn’t limited to the cushion—it’s everywhere.” From relationships and adversity to death and rebirth, her practice centers on awareness, responsibility, compassion, and discovering the possibility of grace within even the most difficult experiences.

In reflecting on her father’s passing, Grace finds a profound teaching in the idea that from harm can come grace. Despite initially expecting everything to be ruined, she discovered unexpected positive changes, especially in her relationships with her mother and sister.

As Grace progresses on her spiritual journey, she recognizes the challenge of avoiding arrogance and the trap of thinking she knows everything. She acknowledges the danger of entering the intermediate stage where one might feel they no longer need a teacher.

In her role as a Won Buddhism practitioner and community leader, Grace often explores the motivations of members attending the temple. The recurring answer revolves around the sense of welcoming community, a hallmark strength of One Buddhism. Grace emphasizes the inclusivity of the tradition, noting that anyone, regardless of their background or religious affiliation, is welcome to join and deepen their practice.

The practicality of One Buddhism teachings resonates with members, who appreciate the precision, rationality, and logic embedded in the practice. Grace notes that individuals find transformation in applying these teachings to their daily lives. The lack of a standardized architectural style for Won Buddhist temples is intentional, allowing for diversity in building types, from simple office spaces to traditional wooden structures.

Grace highlights the importance of community in supporting individual practice, with dharma friends and teachers playing crucial roles in answering questions and providing guidance. The welcoming atmosphere extends to those who may not seek leadership roles but are keen on deepening their practice.

Won Buddhism temples offer a variety of activities beyond regular services, including study groups focused on texts or scriptures, as well as diverse interest-based groups like art therapy and yoga. Retreats, considered integral to One Buddhist training, come in various formats—fixed term training with designated periods and daily training to prepare individuals for the challenges of their everyday lives. Grace underscores the value of these practices in cultivating and strengthening spiritual abilities.

Grace reflects on the teachings she received from elders, particularly focusing on their perspectives on death. Recounting her experience with a teacher who was preparing for death, Grace learned that priorities in life extend beyond the visible world. Her teacher, physically uncomfortable but unafraid, emphasized preparing for death as a natural part of life’s cycle.

Grace found beauty in her teacher’s approach, witnessing a minimalist lifestyle as her teacher gradually gave away possessions before passing away. The teacher’s belongings were offered to the community, reinforcing the idea of returning to the Earth with minimal attachment. Grace expresses a desire to age and pass away similarly, appreciating the simplicity and return to nature.

Won Buddhism’s approach to death involves cremation and a unique method of spreading the ashes in the soil, symbolizing a return to the elements. There’s no specific burial site; instead, a tablet with the names is placed in the Earth, emphasizing the connection to nature.

Grace notes that One Buddhism includes practices like the nine-day deliverance service and the 49-day deliverance service, providing guidance on supporting the transition of the spirit to the next life. These practices offer comfort and a sense of purpose during times of loss, as demonstrated during her father’s passing when the community supported the guidance of his spirit over a 14-day period.