Program & Training

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.

*Note:

Throughout the year at Musangsa, we observe Kyolche (결제) and Haeje (해제) periods, which are important parts of the practice cycle.

• Kyolche (결제): This term translates to “tight dharma” or “intensive practice.” It refers to a three-month meditation retreat held twice a year—once in summer and once in winter. During Kyolche, practitioners dedicate themselves to deep meditation, study, and strict discipline, often following a rigorous schedule with minimal distractions.
• Haeje (해제): This means “loosening” or “release.” It marks the end of Kyolche, when the intensive retreat period concludes, and practitioners return to a more flexible routine, normally during spring and autumn. During Haeje, practitioners may travel, engage in community activities, or take on different responsibilities outside the retreat setting.

These cycles help maintain balance between intensive practice and engagement with the world, ensuring continuous spiritual growth.

For applicants new to Musangsa who wish to participate during the Haeje period, the earliest arrival date is two weeks after the conclusion of the previous Kyol Che retreat.

Entry Requirements

Becoming part of the Musangsa Practice Community means committing to a shared practice experience, which can be both fulfilling and demanding. To ensure a smooth transition, we generally accept individuals who have practiced for a certain period at one of the Kwan Um School of Zen Zen Centers and have a recommendation letter from the guiding teacher at that center.

For those without prior experience at a KUSZ Center, the applicant must first complete a preliminary period of at least one week before formal acceptance into the community.

Step 1: Initial Stay at Musangsa

If you do not have prior experience practicing at a Kwan Um School of Zen (KUSZ) Center, you must first stay at Musangsa through one of the following options:

• Temple Stay Guest – A paid visitor experience lasting at least one week (only available during the Haeje Period).
• Work-Exchange Volunteer – A free stay in exchange for work lasting at least one week(only available during the Haeje Period).
• Retreat Participation – Experience a retreat and stay at Musangsa for at least one week. Options include:

• • A weekend retreat during the Haeje Period (Since the weekend retreat lasts only two days, applicants choosing this option must stay as a volunteer or Temple Stay guest for at least five additional days.)
  • A minimum one-week retreat during the Kyolche Period.

This initial stay, lasting at least one week, allows both you and the community to get to know each other.

Step 2: Evaluation by the Guiding Teacher

After your initial stay, the Musangsa guiding teacher will assess whether you can proceed as a Haengwon. If you are not accepted, it’s recommended to plan alternative arrangements in advance, such as:

• Purchasing a one-way ticket instead of a round-trip ticket.
• Getting a changeable round-trip ticket for flexibility.

Alternative Path: Experience at Another KUSZ Center

Another option is to first practice at a KUSZ Center near you for an extended period. If, after this experience, you still wish to become a Haengwon, you may request a recommendation letter from the guiding teacher at that Zen Center. With this recommendation, you can directly join Musangsa as a Haengwon.