Biography
I began formally practicing Korean Buddhism in 2002 at Jogye Sa Temple (Kwanum School of Zen) in Manhattan, New York City. In 2005, I relocated to New Jersey and joined Borisa Temple (Jogye Order), located just four miles from my home. In 2008, I was 33 years old when I received my novice ordination within the Taego Order of Korean Seon Buddhism. In 2010, I founded Taego Zen Center in my house. After receiving Bhikkhu ordination in Korea in 2012, I resigned from my position as Manager of Technical Engineering and Design in NYC to dedicate myself fully to growing Taego Zen Center.
Over the years, Taego Zen Center has evolved into a vital practice center and a hub for community engagement, particularly for Americans seeking a deeper connection with Buddhist teachings. Our clergy consists of myself and three committed and compassionate Dharma teachers.
In 2015, I joined the Air Force Reserve (USAFR) to secure health benefits while continuing my work at the temple. I currently serve as a Master Sergeant in the USAFR, where I serve as the Law Office Manager for the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Office. My reserve position led to a full-time role in the federal government as an accident claims paralegal (DoD). I hold multiple associate degrees in Psychology, Paralegal Science, Design Technology, and Buddhism, as well as a BA in Psychology. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree at Rutgers University. I also hold two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from Bellevue Hospital in NYC and have numerous leadership course certificates from the military. I am 50 years old and have been married for 21 years. I have a 17-year-old son who will be leaving in August for boarding school in Connecticut, where he will pursue his dreams of playing Division 1 hockey at university thus allowing me the time to focus on our overseas parish.
I have served the Taego Order as Vice Bishop on three separate occasions, where I supported the Bishops, provided guidance to junior clergy, assisted in coordinating parish activities, and contributed to managing inter-temple relations. I have contributed to the broader Buddhist community in various ways. I am a member of the New York City Buddhist Council and teach semi-annually at the Columbia University Buddhist Association, where I offer courses on Buddhist thought and meditation practices. My outreach includes leading a Buddhist children’s education program for a local private junior high school, which has brought over 200 students (ages 12–14) to the temple to learn about Korean Buddhism, meditation, mantra, and temple culture.
Linguistically, I am proficient in reading Korean and have transliterated several essential chants that are included in our Taego Order Manual. This work has helped make traditional practices more accessible to English-speaking practitioners. My wife, a native Korean, has played a key role in our temple’s engagement with Korea, assisting with translation, coordinating the import of monastic robes and supplies, and facilitating communication with Taego Headquarters.
Candidate Statement
Vision for the Future of the Parish
My vision for the future of our Parish centers on sangha—the deep sense of unity and support among Taego clergy. I believe our strength lies in connection: connection to one another, to our shared tradition, and to the resources we collectively hold. To cultivate this unity, I will prioritize improved communication and a renewed sense of belonging within our international community.
Specifically, I propose annual in-person retreats that enable clergy to reconnect, share practice, and collaborate. In addition, I will facilitate regular half-day online retreats through Zoom or FaceTime, providing more accessible opportunities for practice and dialogue across regions. These gatherings will build mutual trust and a shared vision, laying the groundwork for stronger cohesion within the sangha.
The Optimal Relationship Between the Parish, the Order, and Practice Centers
The Parish should serve as both a bridge and a family. A bridge between the Taego Order headquarters in Korea and overseas clergy, ensuring accurate record-keeping, transparency, and active communication. And as a family in which members support each other’s practice and uphold the Dharma in unity.
To fulfill this role, we must establish clear lines of communication with multiple reliable channels. Parish activities from overseas centers should be reported by the Parrish Board quarterly or semi-annually and submitted to Taego HQ regularly. Reporting our activities ensures our centers are active in our Buddhist vows and maintain both administrative accountability and a living connection to the central Taego Order in Korea.
Additionally, the Parish should serve as a facilitator, uniting different Zen centers and clergy. We should share Dharma talks, rituals, business structures, and Korean Buddhist education. While participation is not mandatory, fostering a sense of unity is essential, as many centers and practitioners often feel isolated or disheartened in their practice. To address this, we must recommit to the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and our Taego Constitution, holding one another accountable for our vows and responsibilities as monks and Dharma teachers.
Leadership and Decision-Making in the Parish
I believe effective leadership blends hierarchy with democracy. For this reason, I advocate for a board of directors composed of seven members: the Bishop, Vice Bishop, and five appointed board members from each region. The Bishop will select these members to form a cabinet that will advise and support decision-making. To maintain structure while allowing for diverse input, I propose the following voting system:
- The Bishop’s vote counts as three votes.
- The Vice Bishop’s vote counts as two votes.
- Each of the five cabinet members has one vote.
This results in a total of ten votes. In the case of a tie, the Bishop’s vote serves as the tiebreaker, preserving leadership continuity.
This model reflects the reality of our Parish: like a republic made up of states, each Taego center or region should have representation in the governance of the Overseas Parish. This system allows for both strong leadership and inclusive dialogue.
Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Short-Term Goals:
Form the cabinet and confirm board membership.
Schedule tentative dates for the next in-person retreat.
Host our first online retreat within four months of taking office.
The focus in the short term is unity—reconnecting our sangha and creating the groundwork for growth. Communication, collaboration, and shared practice will be the cornerstones of this initial phase.
Long-Term Goals:
Having served as a Taego monk for almost 18 years, I’ve seen a wealth of programs and ideas developed by our clergy—but many of these remain unimplemented. My long-term goal is to conduct a thorough review of all these initiatives, evaluating which can be adapted and activated to benefit our community.
I plan to develop a comprehensive online educational platform for Korean Buddhist training, encompassing topics such as chanting, bowing, and service structures. Regular online retreats and training sessions will support clergy development and help standardize practices across centers while allowing for local expression and flexibility.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I aim to reconnect and revitalize our Overseas Parish. We are stronger when we move together, and I believe we are ready to build something lasting. Through unity, transparency, and mutual support, we can honor our lineage, strengthen our practice, and carry the Dharma forward—together.
Palms together,
Haejin Sunim