On Being Comfortable..................................................................
In 1997 or 1998, I went to Korea, sponsored by a
Korean Zen Master in Los Angeles, named Do Ahn Kim,
abbot at Kwan Um Sah. I was introduced to the inner
workings and power structure of Chogye Zen Buddhism
in Seoul. I was "shopped" around by Do Ahn's brother,
meeting all the high monks of the 6,000 temple order.
I did not have to do a thing. I was treated as
royalty, and the propaganda branch of this eventually
made me the first American World Teacher of Chogye
Buddhism, which authorized me to start a new branch
of Chogye Buddhism in the U.S. However, later I found
out that this was really a titular post, and that all
teachings were to be controlled in the background by
Do Ahn Kim. I did not know this when I was in Korea
though.
In any event, being treated like a king, a dignitary;
never having to carry money, I.D., or anything had a
profound effect on my psyche. I felt happy all the
time. Wherever I went I was honored and cared for. I
felt a profound relaxation as all details of everyday life
were taken care of by others, and I just was guided
from one venue to another to speak to groups or meet
Chogye elders; including the ruling inner circle who
wanted to emulate Soen Sahn Soen Sa's success in the
U.S., but with someone more under their control.