On October 22,2022, LATahlmahsa (Abbot: Ven. Geumseon) 

held a Dharma ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary 

of LATahlmahsa and the propagation of Buddhism in the 

USA by Master Seung Sahn. During the ceremony, the 

congregation also received the Bodhisattva precepts.The 

ceremony was attended by about 40 monastics including 

Master Seoljeong, the former senior teacher of the Deoksung 

Lineage, Ven. Jeongmuk, the abbot of Sudeok-sa Temple in 

Korea, Ven. Heuigwang, the abbot of Bulgwang Seon Center 

in New York, and Ven. Jeongbum, the deputy director of the 

Special Overseas District of the Jogye Order, as well as over 

300 lay Buddhists.

The 1st part of the ceremony consisted of a Dharma drum 

performance by Ven. Jeonggyeong from Sudeok-sa, and the 

renaming of LATahlmahsa as the USA Midwestern branch 

of Sudeok-sa by dedicating a new name plaque. In the 2nd 

part of the ceremony, Master Songwon Seoljong, daejongsa, 

officiated the reception of the Bodhisattva precepts in the 

main Dharma hall. The local congregation was joined by

45  pilgrims  from  Korea  in  receiving  the  precepts.  The  3rd 

part of the ceremony started with the ringing of a Brahma 

bell, followed by a video congratulatory message from 

Master Usong, the current senior teacher of the Deoksung 

Lineage, songs praising the Buddha, the introduction of the 

honored guests, and the offerings of flowers and incense to 

the Buddha. Then, Ven. Jeongbum introduced the 50-year- 

long history of LATahlmahsa, and Ven. Jeongmuk and Ven. 

Huigwang delivered congratulatory remarks. After the plaques 

of gratitude were presented, the ceremony came to an end 

with a grand finale with the singing of the South California 

Buddhist Association Choir