The core elements of Yun Hwa Meditation Practice consist of meditation (sitting and walking), chanting, mantra, prostrations (bowings) and Ki Song (physical exercises).

In our course, we will briefly look at each element on an introductory level. You can find a full list of the Videos in this course down below:

1. Prostrations (Bowings)
2. Chanting
3. Mantra
4. Meditation
5. Ki Song
6. Individual Practice
7. Practice as a Community
8. What happens at a young sangha retreat?
9. What are Sutras?
10. Introduction to Buddhist Terminology, Episode 1

The prostrations or bowings…

…are an essential part of the Yun Hwa Meditation practice. Yun Hwa Practitioners aim to do 108 bows every day, which is the standard within a daily set of Yun Hwa practice.

These can be challenging in the beginning, but like with each element of our practice, start small and build your habit step by step.

Pro-Tip 🔥: Going to a retreat is usually a great way to give yourself a kick-start.

When to do the bowings:

• 108x as part of the Morning practice
• Bowings are part of our retreat program and practice days at local centers.
• Whenever you feel like it, essentially. The prostrations are an ideal way to balance the body energy, especially when our emotions are imbalanced.
• The bowings are a way to clear our mind, to let go of our karma, and repent to become and stay humble.

Chanting is a form of collective Buddhist practice that takes place in centers or monasteries. It not only offers a way to leave everyday life behind and strengthen concentration, but also serves as an expression of gratitude and respect towards Buddha and his teachings.

When to do chanting:

• Moon Celebrations
• Evening Practice
• Formal Morning Practice

Chanting provides:

• Communal Experience
• Personal Relief
• Musical Connection

In this video you can learn what the mantra is, why and how we do it and why we are thankful, that we have this special practice.

The mantra can help you on many different levels for example bringing forth the power of concentration. 

When to do the Mantra:

• In your daily life
• Meditation
• Chanting
• Morning and Evening Practice

Meditation and practice…

…is a habit that we need to develop, like a muscle that needs to be nurtured to grow stronger.

There is so much to say about meditation and Ji Kwang Dae Poep Sa Nim has relayed many teachings and techniques on how to meditate. This Video is intended to be the first part of a series, helping you to start, restart or revitalize your meditation habit.

3 Steps to start your meditation habit from zero:

1. Select a timeframe you want to commit to. 
2. Sit comfortably in an undisturbed space.
3. Let your thoughts pass by like clouds in the sky.

Individual practice is all about developing a way of integrating the practice into your life. It is crucial for sustainable change and self-development.

Your needs, life circumstances, and goals play an important role. When you start to practice, it helps to find methods and techniques within the Yun Hwa practice that are most effective and meaningful for you. Starting to practice is about gradually building your practice habits. 

The daily practice includes:

• • Prostrations (Bowings) 
  • Meditation 
  • Ki Song 
  • Mantra Counting 

Practicing alone is essential and is what most practitioners spend the majority of their time with. However, equally important is the practice together with our community, the “Sangha.” Which has many aspects to it, learn about some of the essentials here in this video.

What kind of Community practice is there:

• Morning and evening practice at the center, including chanting.
• All chanting is usually done together at a communal practice session.
• Moon celebrations 
• And specific Buddhist special events
• All communal practices take place at officially certified Yun Hwa Meditation centers

The “Young Sangha” began in Vienna as the result of a handful of practitioner friends. Our intention was to create a framework for people in similar phases of life to practice, exchange and grow together. 

What does “young” mean?

A guideline, we have set ourselves between the ages of 18-38. The age limits are fluid and anyone who feels they belong is welcome to contact us.

What awaits you?

• Exchanges with young people from all over Europe
• Joint reflections on different subjects, based on Buddhist teachings 
• Introduction and deepening of the theory and practice of Social Buddhism
• Meditations in stillness and movement
• Traditional Chanting
• Ki Song – energizing body exercises
• Study and discussion of selected teachings
• Practice under the guidance of an enlightened master
• Social Evenings

The Daily Reminders by Dae Poep Sa Nim are texts written daily, specifically tuned to the energy of each day, offering timeless insights and covering a wide range of topics to support practitioners in their daily life and spiritual development.

How we apply the Sutras:

• Guidance and Inspiration: Read the Sutras regularly for deeper insights and inspiration in your spiritual practice.
• Integration into Daily Life: Apply the teachings of the Sutras in everyday life to promote more conscious decisions and actions.
• Community Exchange: Discuss the Sutras with others to deepen your practice and gain diverse perspectives.

The following video gives you a short introduction to some important Buddhist Concepts.

Please note that terms in Buddhism have a much broader and deeper meaning than we can present here in a video. 

Key Terms discussed in this video:

• The Three Jewels Buddha (absolute Truth), Dharma and Sangha
• The Four Noble Truths
• The Eightfold Path