This booklet is the translation from the manuscript of The Method of Sitting Meditation, written by His Holiness Venerable Chwasan, the Fourth Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism. This translation is a contemporary and practical explanation of the method of sitting meditation. There are many books on the subject of meditation but this writing differs from others in the following ways:

First, the explanation is very practical and it includes specific guides which can be used by all levels of practitioners. The writing is based on the lengthy meditation experience of His Holiness and his lifetime of teaching many students from diverse backgrounds.

Second, while there are many approaches to concentration, the Danjeonju method - placing the awareness on the Danjeon, the largest energy reservoir located in the lower abdomen - is a very accessible way to stay focused. For example, the sensation of the rising and falling of the lower abdomen stands out more than the tactile sensation of air coming in and out of our nostrils. In addition, this method allows chi, the life force energy, to gather at this energy reservoir because chi energy is collected where the mind dwells. Therefore the method serves a dual purpose by perfecting both meditative absorption and physical health. Many people in contemporary society are interested in their physical health, and will find this approach very rewarding.

As a Buddhist priest, I have taught sitting meditation for more than twenty years and often worked with the koan method, which is very popular in the Rinzai Zen tradition. This can be a good approach for the very mature practitioner or for one who is highly motivated to attain enlightenment, but I discovered that many people cannot fundamentally generate the questioning mind required by the koan technique and come to lose interest in meditation. Also, many practitioners use their “thinking” minds when they contemplate a koan, which poses an obstacle to remove wandering thoughts and dissolving dualistic mindset.

The Danjeonju method taught here is far more accessible than other techniques and will assist many practitioners who want to deepen their meditation.

Third, in addition to providing an explanation of sitting meditation, this booklet deals with the concepts of mindfulness, chanting meditation, One Mind, and stages of meditation. Readers can learn how to maintain a focused state of mind in their daily lives. They can also check their own level of practice by using the suggested guidelines.

The Danjeonju concentration technique has been widely practiced in Taoist and Zen traditions, though its detailed explanation is not easily available in the West. I decided to translate and publish this book because many temple members and dharma friends asked me to present this material for the benefit of a wider audience. Many of them said that the writing is both simple and profound: beginners and very experienced meditators can both receive value from it.

This booklet was originally translated by Ms. Yunsoo Park and me. After the first translation many people participated in proofreading and editing to make the contents reader-friendly without losing the original meaning.

I especially appreciate the efforts and talents of Dr. Nancy Smith and Marian Caprino for their meticulous editing. Also, without the financial help of my teacher, His Holiness Chwasan, and my Uncle Dukwha Lee and Aunt Hyechon Kim, who have taken care of me with great parental love, this book could not have been printed.


Rev. Dosung Yoo, Retreat Director of the Won Dharma Center