Bulkwang Zen Center: the Pinnacle of Korean Buddhism in America

“A Place to Learn and Share Buddhism, as well as Harmony”

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The word “Tappan” means ‘a cold river’ in the language of an Eastern Native American tribe.

Compared to the name of the large river nearby, which was named after Henry Hudson, the first British man to set foot on the land, the name Tappan seems warmer and more indigenous. After crossing the George Washington Bridge from Manhattan, and driving along the Palisades Parkway for 30 minutes, one comes to a sign reading “Tappan.” Exiting the south end of the parkway onto Route 303 and driving another five minutes, the head of a Buddha statue and a stone lantern come into view on the right, just after the Chrysler parts depot.

Like two totem poles, signs for “Bulkwang Zen Center,” one written in Korean and another in English, stand side by side. Twenty meter-tall leafy trees greet you just inside the entrance, and you may be blinded for a moment as your eyes fall upon the Dharma hall, newly constructed in 2009, shining brightly in the sun.

At the entrance to the Dharma hall, the main office can be found on the first floor, as well as a couple of rooms used for youth group Dharma talks and the living quarters for resident monks. Across the spacious lawn lies the Gwaneumjeon or Avalokitesvara Hall, which was the residence for the monks before the new building was built. This cultural landmark, well over 200 years old, seems rather small and insignificant from the outside. Once you enter the building, however, it is quite spacious, including a children’s Dharma room, living quarters, and dining hall, as well as a library for kids in the basement.

In the past, Bulkwang Zen Center was able to assist monks with their scholastic endeavors. If a monk or nun came to the center eager to learn, the temple supported their language education. If they excelled further, additional support was provided until they could complete a master’s or doctoral degree, as monk and nuns are the future of Buddhism and the world.

Unfortunately, Bulkwang Zen Center was not that rich. Most influential people in America are Christians, and so they often share their wealth with Christian causes. In those days few donations were offered to the temple, so it was on a tight budget. Regardless, the collective efforts of a few core members formed a scholarship fund during the second year of its establishment. Twenty people collected $50 each and created a huge mountain of funding.

During the financial crisis in South Korea, a number of students were having difficulties, so the scholarship fund started providing support for them to whatever extent possible, though there wasn’t much to offer. During this period, many monks, such as Venerable Harim, Ilmi, Jeongbeom, Hyemin, and Seonmun moved past this dark time and focused on learning with conviction, lighting the way to cultivation. One of them graduated from Harvard University, obtaining a doctoral degree and becoming a professor, and another became a cymbal dancer for barachum dancing and drumming. Another went back to South Korea and became an abbot fluent in English, leading the practice of faith. Once their relationship ended, the rest just went on to their paths without any trace.

In midst of these ups and downs, the new Dharma hall was completed and enshrined with the Medicine Buddha. Afterwards, at the end of 777 days of chanting for the Medicine Buddha, the temple was free of debt.

On Saturday afternoons, the Gwaneumjeon or Avalokitesvara Hall is full of noise. Children practice Korean and make friends at the Korean Cultural School. Some of them seem more comfortable speaking English and sitting in chairs than on the floor. Regardless, the young ones always talk joyfully among themselves.

The abbot, Venerbale Hwigwang, considers children to be the most important of all. Beyond Korea, Buddhism is spreading to the world! The future of Buddhism depends on children. There will always be children playing on the lawn of Bulkwang Zen Center. A little baby in the arms of a Korean nun at Bulkwang Zen Center twenty years ago has now gone through childhood, junior and high school, the youth group, and finally become a 24-year-old adult. At last, he took the first step into society as a confident member of the community, having graduated from his university under the care of Buddha. All things pass, and time continues to march forward.

Bulkwang Zen Center is always full of joy!

Address: 104 Route 303, Tappan, NY 10983

Telephone: 845-359-5151

Homepage: www.bulkwangzen.org

Dharma Services:

*Sunday Dharma Talk: 11 A.M. every Sunday at the Main Dharma Hall

*Dharma classes for youth, teenagers and children: 11 A.M. every Sunday

*Bulkwang Korean Cultural School: 9:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. every Saturday at the Main Dharma Hall

*Various Activity Clubs: transcribing The Diamond Sutra; meditation; mutual-aid; hiking; golfing; scholarship foundation; dance sport; and sponsorship & volunteering

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