Won Dharma Center

Photo: Michael Moran/Otto

Photo: Michael Moran/Otto

The Won Dharma Center is the International Headquarters of Won Buddhism. It was established in Claverack, New York in 2011. A 10-minute drive to Hudson, New York, the Center is on 426 acres and has a beautiful view of the Catskill Mountains. The buildings have a modern design.

“Won” means circle in Korean, and represents the basic tenant of the philosophy: that universal truth is based on cause and effect and that there is no beginning and no end to anything. This religion arose in 1916  in Korea under the teachings of Master Sotaesan, who, after becoming enlightened, felt that Buddhism best represented his own awakening, so he retroactively claimed Shakyamuni Buddha as his own spiritual guide. Won Buddhism also incorporates Taoism, which uses the cycle of nature as a guide to living, and Confucianism, with its respect toward family members and fellow beings as a guide to mutually beneficial conduct.

Find out about the Won Dharma Center’s programs.