Returning to My Original Vow

Returning to My Original Vow

Author: Won Buddhism of North Carolina December 23, 2025 Duration: 0:00
A Bodhisattva takes the Four Great Vows. Reverend Wongong So reflects on how, in moments of self-doubt and spiritual ennui, returning to our original vows can help us remember the ultimate reason for our practice: Liberating ALL sentient beings.

At its core, The Heart Of Practice NC is an invitation to explore a living tradition. Created by the Won Buddhism community of North Carolina, this podcast offers a direct experience of how ancient Buddhist principles are woven into the fabric of contemporary life. Each episode feels like a quiet conversation or a shared moment of practice, moving beyond theory into the tangible rhythms of daily cultivation. You’ll hear dharma talks that address modern questions with timeless wisdom, sessions of healing chants meant to soothe and focus the mind, and guided practices like QiGong that unite breath, movement, and intention. The aim isn't to present a rigid doctrine, but to share the tools and reflections that actually help people on their path. Whether you are deeply familiar with Buddhist practice or simply curious about mindfulness and self-improvement, this series provides a grounded space to listen and engage. It’s about finding the essential pulse within the practice itself-the heart of it. By tuning in, you join a community exploring how these arts of mind, body, and spirit can foster resilience, clarity, and compassion right where you are. This podcast is a doorway into that ongoing exploration, a resource for anyone seeking to integrate these principles into their own story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 103

The Heart Of Practice NC
Podcast Episodes
Is There a Place for Anger? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Telling the story of her father's imprisonment in an Indian internment camp, Yeeva Cheng talks about the way anger can ripple outward (and downwards) from an experience of powerlessness or trauma. However, Yeeva argues,…
Dying With Grace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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We are often told how to live well, but rarely told how to die well. But death, in Won-Buddhism, is simply the reflection of life, so dying well is fundamental to practicing well. In this talk Nik shares some experiences…
What is Tao? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this deep dive on the influence of Taoist thought in Won Buddhism, Reverend WonGong teaches us that going with the flow also means mindfully fulfilling our role in professional and personal relationships.
Do You Believe in Buddha? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Reverend Shaun was inspired to give this talk after receiving a call at the temple residence from someone asking him if he believed in God. His answer may surprise you.
Why Do I Meditate? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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There are many benefits to meditation and many ways to meditate. But what if the real reason we meditate is to increase our cool factor? Patty Daniels (HwaTawonym) discusses how gaining freedom of mind comes only through…
Releasing Judgement; Finding Gratitude [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Listen to this talk to hear how the practice of bringing oneself back to the breath helped release self-judgement for one temple member. Keep listening to hear how the release of self-judgement, when combined with a grat…
Be the Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Upon his great awakening, Sotesan, our founding master, said: When the moon rises while a fresh breeze blows, the myriad forms become naturally clear. In this dharma talk, Reverend WonGong teaches us the meaning of this…
Self Examination [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this talk on using the Dharma to combat depression, Anne Freeman imagines a conversation between herself, Master Sotesan, the founding teacher of Won Buddhism, and Emily Dickinson. What do these two figures say about…
The Mirror of Practical Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This talk explores mindfulness tracking using diaries, apps, or small objects like beans. Kathleen Herr (Won HerrJu) shares personal experiences with tracking habits, including arriving early and speaking kindly. By obse…
Numinous Awareness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Reverend WonGong explores the concept of numinous awareness, a deep knowing beyond ordinary perception. She connects it to Buddhist teachings, nature, and meditation, emphasizing its role in understanding our true nature…