A Profile of Zen Buddhist Temple in Lake View

September 10, 2006

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

On September 10, 2006 the Chicago Sun-Times reported, "Name:Zen Buddhist Temple. The temple is a member of the Buddhist Society for Compassionate Wisdom. Location: 1710 W. Cornelia in Lake View. Year founded: 1992. Congregation: Membership is about 100; non-members drop in for Sunday meditation services and special events. Spiritual leaders: The resident priest, the Rev. Sanha Jung Soon Park, lay dharma teacher Kosu Diane Snider and founder Venerable Samu Sunim, who trained as a monk in Korea and came to the United States in 1967 to help establish Buddhism in the West. Public services: 9:30 a.m. Sunday meditation with two 25-minute meditation sittings, chanting and a Dharma Talk. People can come as late as 10 a.m. and join the second sitting. A 4 p.m. Dharma Service includes one meditation sitting, chanting and a question-and-answer session. Largest service: 'Our popular New Year's Eve service, the Kindling Light of Wisdom Heart,' Park said. 'It offers a period of contemplation, burning of defilements [bad habits/anxieties] and candle procession. It provides an opportunity for taking stock of one's life and renewing one's commitment to living a peaceful, helpful and happy life,' Park said. Wish list: 'We hope that people would make their spiritual cultivation part of their everyday life,' Snider said. 'To set aside a time for meditation and study.' Biggest issue: 'Our goal is to help establish Buddhism as a viable spiritual path in the West and to transform the Asian trappings of Buddhism into forms suitable for Westerners,' Park said."