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Bodhicitta Sangha
Bodhicitta Sangha

A practice-based Buddhist community

Bodhicitta Sangha

Seon (Zen) Meditation

for Peace, Joy and Liberation

All are welcome.

Our Sangha

The Bodhicitta Sangha gathered with hands in añjali on Vesak at Bul Kwang Zen Center.

Photograph 1 of 5: The Bodhicitta Sangha gathered with hands in añjali on Vesak at Bul Kwang Zen Center.

Upcoming

Every week

Wednesdays

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)

Every week

Saturdays

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Chanting, Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)

Bul Kwang Zen Center · 104 NY-303, Tappan, NY 10983Get directions ↗

What is Bodhicitta?

The Awakening Heart

Derived from the Sanskrit words Bodhi (wisdom or enlightenment) and Citta (heart/mind), Bodhicitta is the “Awakening Heart.” It is the deeply held intention to achieve perfect enlightenment not for personal gain but for the sole purpose of helping all living beings find liberation from suffering.

Why practice with us

Bodhicitta Sangha is a practice-based Buddhist community dedicated to the pursuit of inner peace and global harmony. We believe that personal transformation is the essential first step toward a peaceful world; by gathering to cultivate the timeless qualities of wisdom and compassion, we provide a refuge for practitioners of all levels to elevate their consciousness and deepen self-awareness. Join our community as we walk the Middle Way together nurturing our own inner joy and fostering a life of clarity to better serve the collective harmony of the world around us.

Teacher

Venerable SooSeong

A Bhikkhu of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

Venerable SooSeong

Currently serving as the Buddhist Chaplain at West Point and Guiding Meditation Teacher for the Bodhicitta Sangha, he discovered the transformative power of meditation while healing from his combat deployments. Following a 20-year career in the U.S. Army and a tenure as a healthcare executive, he also became a certified Life and Leadership Coach prior to becoming an ordained Zen monk. By weaving together Zen wisdom and modern leadership, he guides students toward their own inner awakening through the pillars of Wisdom and Compassion.

Read his full story →

What members say

  • If I had to choose one word to describe my experience in Bodhicitta Sangha, it would be accepted. Accepted as new, accepted where I am in practice, and accepted as part of the Sangha. Venerable SooSeong is a kind, compassionate, and wise teacher. All are welcome.

    Elaine

  • Becoming a member of Venerable SooSeong’s Sangha has made a profound difference in how I see myself. I am more focused on what needs to be done rather than worry and blame. The daily reflections have also strengthened my practice. Much gratitude to Venerable SooSeong.

    Andrew

  • Venerable SooSeong’s teachings have deeply supported my practice, and the daily journaling practice has increased my motivation to practice each day. I am truly grateful to have met a monk who has gone out of his way to pass on the authentic Dharma to English speakers.

    Sandra

Where to begin

  1. 01VisitBegin HereYour first sitting, and what to expect when you arriveWednesdays 7:00 PM · Saturdays 10:30 AM · Bul Kwang Zen Center, Tappan NYPlan your visit
  2. 02StudyThe DharmaNine teachings at the heart of the Buddha-DharmaThe Four Noble Truths · The Eight Noble Paths · Unveiling the Mystery of Zen · and six moreRead all nine
  3. 03PracticeThe PathA practice that deepens, in three ascending tiersHealing & Transformation · The Spiritual Life · The Bodhisattva WaySee the path
  4. 04BelongOur VisionA sanctuary for spiritual awakeningBuilt on three pillars: Wisdom · Interdependence · CompassionRead the vision
  5. 05GiveGenerositySupport the sangha and its practiceDana (giving offered from the heart) is warmly welcome, never expected.Ways to give

Common questions

Do I need meditation experience to attend?

No experience is needed. Bodhicitta Sangha welcomes first-time visitors and longtime practitioners alike, whatever your background.

When does Bodhicitta Sangha meet?

Wednesdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)); Saturdays, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Chanting, Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)). All gatherings are in English.

Where is Bodhicitta Sangha located?

At the Bul Kwang Zen Center, 104 NY-303, Tappan, NY 10983, in Rockland County, New York.

Who leads the sangha?

Venerable SooSeong, a Bhikkhu (ordained monk) of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the Buddhist Chaplain at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

What happens during a gathering?

You arrive about ten minutes early and leave your shoes at the entrance, so bring or wear socks for the Main Hall. Someone will meet you and show you where to sit; there are cushions on the floor and chairs at the back, and either is completely fine. We sit together in silence, and a bell begins and ends the sitting. If your legs ache, shift. If you need to step out, step out quietly. On Saturdays we chant before sitting, and the words are provided, so you can follow along or simply listen. Venerable SooSeong then gives a Dharma talk, and afterward anyone may ask a question, or not. We finish on time, and people usually stay a few minutes to talk. There is nothing you need to know beforehand.

How much does it cost to attend?

Dana (giving offered from the heart) is warmly welcome, never expected.

Do I need to register before coming?

No need to register. Simply walk in.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, abdomen, and knees. You must wear socks when entering the Main Hall.

Is parking available?

Plenty of parking is available on-site.

All are welcome.

Wednesdays · 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM · Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)

Saturdays · 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM · Chanting, Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)

Bul Kwang Zen Center · 104 NY-303, Tappan, NY 10983Get directions ↗admin@bodhicitta.us
Cost
Dana (giving offered from the heart) is warmly welcome, never expected.
Registration
No need to register. Simply walk in.
Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.
Parking
Plenty of parking is available on-site.

Before You Arrive

For those joining our weekly practice at the Bul Kwang Zen Center, please keep the following in mind.

Wear comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, abdomen, and knees. You must wear socks when entering the Main Hall.