Name: Meer M.
Dharma Name: Won Sang Won (원상원, 2013)
Practice Background: My spiritual search began around 2010. I was seeking a spiritual practice after loosing faith in my previous religious upbringing which was not supportive towards me after I came out as a gay man. Asides from this experience, I wanted to let go of my attachment towards an ex boyfriend after our relationship ended.
The meditation practice helped realize that my attachments were the causes of my sufferings. The practice brought me peace of mind and as I cultivated a calm mindset which lead me to access to my wisdom mind. My practice guides me towards the next steps of my spiritual and life journey.
Won Buddhism Background: I encountered Won Buddhism in November 2011. Hard to believe this was almost 15 years ago. I was seeking a community to practice meditation together. I was introduced to Won Buddhist Manhattan temple via an old housemate.
Profession: I work full-time at a contemporary art Museum in lower manhattan. Aside working I am cofounder of Transcenderart an artist community and monthly artist talks that i co host with another artist friend. These monthly events are held at Equity Gallery in lower manhattan. I like to practice Yoga and meditate in my free times aside enjoy reading and exercising.
Hobbies or Interests: I enjoy drawing and painting as well as journaling, writing and reading. I enjoy going for hikes and taking photographs which inspires my painting practice. I enjoy practicing mindfulness through out my day.
A Dharma book or two you recommend: I learned and studied “the Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness”
A Book by Culadasa, Jeremy Graves, and Matthew Immergut which taught me much about meditation practice and their connections to our brain’s functions. “ What the Buddha Taught, by Walpola Rahula” an inspiring read to learn about the core teachings of the Buddha.
A Dharma phrase or teaching that stays with you: “This too shall pass.” The phrase helps to remember all events and experiences are changing, they are all part of our life experience.
What brings you joy or makes you laugh these days? Meditation daily. Going for a walk outside or nearby parks. Painting and listening to music. Traveling and cooking with my husband and our new kittens.
A favorite moment or memory from your practice or time with the Sangha: I enjoyed having the opportunity to share my insights and meditation experiences and practice with our sangha several occasions over the years. I love it when what i share with others inspires them to continue their practice and helps them to have more faith in the meditation and dharma practice that they are doing on their own.
Advice for someone new to practice: I have found out that pain is inevitable and suffering is optional. The path towards end of suffering is within our reach.
Would you like to share your contact info so Dharma friends can connect with you?
http://www.memuarts.com
IG: @memuarts
Anything else you’d like to share or add? I am grateful to our dharma teachers and our wonderful sangha for nurturing my practice.