So Shim Sa Zen Center

So Shim Sa Zen Center is a Buddhist organization based in New Jersey, United States, dedicated to the teachings of Korean Seon Buddhism. Established in May 2009, it operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, aiming to foster the dissemination of Buddhist principles.

History and Mission

The roots of So Shim Sa are tied to the vision of its founder, Ven. Il-Cho Dosanim. Since arriving in the United States in 1975, Ven. Il-Cho Dosanim harbored a mission to establish a temple that would serve as a center for Buddhist teachings. The organization formally came into being in May 2009, building upon decades of foundational work.

Leadership and Programs

Today, the center is sustained by three principal disciples of Ven. Il-Cho Dosanim. Ven. Duhk-Song Sunim, who has studied under Ven. Il-Cho for over thirty years, leads the center's outreach initiatives, including the 1000 Hands program. Ven. Mooh-Sang Sunim, holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, oversees education and wellness programs, leveraging her expertise to benefit the community. Ven. Myong-Ahn Sunim, ordained in 2003 after beginning studies with Ven. Il-Cho in 1997, serves as the appointed Abbot and also leads the Soshimsa Buddhist Fellowship's campus chaplaincy at Rutgers University, though this chapter is currently on pause.

Fellowship and Affiliation

So Shim Sa Zen Center is affiliated with the Taego Order of Korean Seon, a prominent school within Korean Buddhism. The Soshimsa Buddhist Fellowship, an extension of the center, previously established a campus chaplaincy at Rutgers University in September 2010, demonstrating its commitment to engaging younger generations with Buddhist philosophy and practice.