Haju Sunim‘s Dharma Talk (4 of 5) from the Farm Retreat 2026

In this fourth dharma talk from the 2026 Farm Retreat, Haju Sunim reflects on the transformative power of storytelling in Zen practice, sharing a deeply resonant story from Sosan Sunim’s lineage about his disciple Pyonyoung Ongi. The tale recounts how Pyonyoung, after leaving the monastery, lived as a beggar, shepherd, water seller, and charcoal seller—each role becoming a living meditation. Through silence, simple acts, and unassuming presence, he embodied Zen in the most ordinary and chaotic settings, earning nicknames like "Mr. Mu'utko" and "the eating grandfather." His journey illustrates how spiritual practice need not be confined to temples or cushions, but can be lived fully in the world. Haju Sunim draws a parallel to a modern 17-stage practice system that moves from seated meditation to practicing in complex social situations, emphasizing the importance of maturing one’s practice beyond comfort zones. The talk concludes with a call to bring mindfulness into every moment—art, rest, conversation—so that practice becomes not a separate activity, but an expression of interbeing.