Seung Sahn International zen center Musangsa is open to
anybody who seeks true meaning of life and its direction
disregarding race, religion, nationality and
age. Musangsa walks together with you on the
Boddhisattva path. Through practicing with us, you will be
able to find your true self and help your neighbors, society
and whole world with your compassionate mind.
Haeng Won Volunteer Program
What is Haeng Won Program?
What is Haeng Won Program?
In Korea, Bo Hyun Bosal is often called, “Bo Hyun Haeng Won” (보현행원): “Samantabhadra of the Action Vows.” These vows are found in the final chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra. There, Bo Hyun Bosal teaches that wisdom only exists for the sake of putting it into practice and is only good insofar as it benefits all living beings.
Purpose and Significance
It is in the tradition of these great vows that Musangsa would like to introduce the same practicing forms and teaching of the KUSZ. Musangsa was founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn in 2000 to host practitioners from all over the world. As we are in Korea, the program at Musangsa is also influenced by the Korean Buddhist 1700-year-old tradition and culture. But Musangsa is not a traditional Korean Buddhist temple.
Participants of the program deepen their practice by getting in touch with Zen Master Seung Sahn’s teaching, while practicing with the Kwan Um School in a temple environment.
The program provides the opportunity for unique development of both wings of Zen practice: Meditation and wisdom—cultivated through 5 hours of daily formal practice, weekly kong-an interviews, community living and 5 hours of daily work practice.
Community living in the temple simplifies our lives so that practitioners can clearly perceive and digest their karmic habits. Working for the Sangha provides the opportunity to express our Bodhisattva vows, while enabling your formal practice to take root in the ground of its history and tradition.
This program can function either as an entrance to a future monastic life in Korea or as an enriching experience of intensive practice to share with your home Zen Center in the West.
Quick Reference Glossary of Practice Periods
Understanding these Korean terms is essential for planning your participation:
| Term | Meaning & Context |
|---|---|
| Haengwon (행원) | The **participant/volunteer** in the program. This is the official title for a program resident. |
| Kyol Che (결제) | The **Intensive Retreat Period** (Summer & Winter). Features a more rigorous daily schedule (~10 hours total work/practice). Please check the calendar on our homepage to view the dates for the Kyol Che Retreat. |
| Hae Je (해제) | The **Non-Retreat Period** (Spring & Autumn). Features a more flexible daily schedule. **Crucially, this is the only time Work-Exchange and Temple Stay options are available.** |
Commitment and Daily Schedule
The Haeng Won Program requires a minimum commitment of one month (30 full days). Participants receive free room and board in exchange for temple duties.
Daily Schedule Comparison (Approximate Hours)
| Kyolche (Intensive Retreat) Period | Haeje (Non-Retreat) Period | |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Practice (Meditation) | ~5 hours / day | ~3 hours / day |
| Work Practice / Temple Duties | ~5 hours / day | ~5-6 hours / day |
| Total Daily Commitment | ~10 hours | ~8-9 hours |
| Key Notes | Stricter discipline. Minimal distractions. | More flexible routine and daily life. |
How to Apply(Choose Your Path)
We require all applicants to submit their application form at least one month before their intended entry date.
Path A: For Applicants with Prior Kwan Um School of Zen (KUSZ) Experience
This is the most direct path for those already established in the KUSZ tradition.
- Eligibility: You have practiced for a period at an official KUSZ Zen Center.
- Requirement: Obtain a **Recommendation Letter** from the Guiding Teacher at that KUSZ Center.
- Application: Submit your completed application form and recommendation letter. Upon acceptance, you can begin your program on your agreed-upon start date.
Path B: For Applicants New to the Kwan Um School of Zen
Applicants new to KUSZ must first complete a preliminary stay of at least one week (7 full days) for mutual assessment before being formally considered a Haengwon.
- Complete a Preliminary Stay (Minimum 7 Days): Choose one of the following initial stay options:
- **Options Only Available During the Haeje Period (Spring/Autumn):**
- Work-Exchange Volunteer: A free stay in exchange for work (minimum one week).
- Temple Stay Guest: A paid visitor experience (minimum one week).
- Alternative Retreat Stay: Attend a Weekend Retreat or Chu Seok Retreat(Haeje only) + additional days as a volunteer or Temple Stay guest.
- **Options Only Available During the Kyol Che Period (Summer/Winter):**
- Retreat Participation: Attend a minimum one-week retreat during the Kyolche Period as a paid participant.
**Important:** If you wish to apply during the Kyolche period, a formal retreat is the only accepted preliminary stay option.
- **Options Only Available During the Haeje Period (Spring/Autumn):**
- Guiding Teacher Evaluation: After your preliminary stay, the Musangsa guiding teacher will assess your suitability to join the community as a Haengwon.
- Formal Acceptance: If accepted, you will then proceed with the full Haengwon application and confirmation of your start date.
To be flexible mind and body.
Temple schedules often change due to special ceremonies or unexpected guests at certain times. Such situations often occur. Please understand that sometimes practice times or jobs can be adjusted. A flexible and accepting posture is very helpful for practice.
To respect cultural differences
Please be aware of the differences between Western Zen Centers and Korean Temple culture. Heangwons learn to live in accord with Korean temple etiquette. For this reason, we prefer that couples do not participate in this program together.
To work in harmony with the temple community
Practice and wisdom are ultimately about putting down our Small ‘I’. It means a life in wise harmony with others, the community, and even the whole world. Because they represent Musangsa, residents should be examples of respectful and harmonious behavior in their relationships with each other and the temple staff. Their formal practice schedule should not interfere with their work. Additional practice, outside their schedule, should first be approved by a Guiding Teacher.
To be responsible for health and travel costs.
Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from Musangsa, as well as any health or insurance needed during their stay. Please understand that Musangsa cannot cover the cost of visa renewals, should a participant decide to extend the length of their stay.
