the Won Institute of Graduate Studies marked its 24th anniversary with a series of deeply meaningful gatherings. To commemorate this sacred time, the Won Institute Temple welcomed Venerable Juksanim Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism USA, for a special visit
On April 9, he offered a meditation lecture to acupuncture students and joined the community for a faculty Dharma service, sharing words of encouragement and vision With a welcome from President Wonsun Oh and reflections from faculty and staff, the gathering affirmed the Institute’s aspiration to serve as a spiritual training ground, a center for healing, and a place where morality and science grow together for the benefit of the world
On April 12, a Sunday Dharma
nine new members
Surrounded by faculty, temple members, familie and friends, the initiates received their Dharma na personally written by th Head Dharma Master an prayer beads as symbols their new beginning He encouraged them to carr the meaning of their nam into lives dedicated to the public good President Oh presented e initiate with the Won Buddhist scriptures, and Board Member Bokhyae K offered a communal mea bringing warmth and uni the occasion
In heartfelt reflections, representatives of the initiates shared how meditation has transform their lives, deepened thei connection to Won Buddhism, and illuminate new path forward
Reflections
JESSICA TRACY ACUPUNCTURE STUDENT
DHARMA NAME RECIPIENT
valuable modalities but has also allowed me to bring these tools to my clients Meditation has been an integral part of this journey
I came into meditation very gradually about 5 years ago when I took a few meditation courses Honestly, at first, the anxiety was so strong that it actually scared me to sit with myself So I began by listening to guided meditations for months, then for weeks, I would practice sitting for one minute, then three minutes, then five, then 20 - and eventually, meditation became a consistent practice that I genuinely enjoyed. The most notable change from meditation has been becoming centered in my being - which is where I feel closest to my truest Self In dealing
to rewire that connection.
My Dharma name is Jinkyung (眞境) and this means “True Realm” or “True State ” It speaks to perceiving reality as it truly is - beyond illusion or distortion - and living that truth daily.
As someone who strives to live through the truth of my heart, receiving this name is an incredible honor I feel deeply called to support those who have struggled through trauma and betrayal, because I know how hard it can be to reestablish truth and trust Yet I also know it’s possible, and I’m excited to help others find that connection again.
I accept this name and purpose with deep honor, and I walk in devoted alignment with this dharma
Cultivating Stillness and Community
Won Institute hosted a heartwarming meditation retreat for older adults, welcoming participants from senior living communities across Bucks and Montgomery Counties The gathering offered an enriching blend of seated meditation, reflective discussion, and community connection.
Bridging Traditions Through Shared Experience
ASSISTANT TOWNSHIP MANAGER, JILL MAIER, ENGAGED IN WRITING MEDITATION
Wellness Wednesdays at Warminster Township
Wellness Wednesdays at Warminster Township continue to thrive, with growing interest from leadership Each quarterly session provides a welcoming space to pause recharge and
Students from Bryn Mawr College visited the Won Institute for an enriching interfaith experience. During their time on campus, they were introduced to the principles and practices of Won Buddhism, explored the healing art of ear acupuncture, and engaged in a guided tea meditation.
Research Colloquium
Dr John D Luetzow presented a compelling talk exploring the intersection of trauma, neuroscience, and mindfulness. Drawing from both scientific research and Buddhist thought, he examined how trauma impacts the brain and how mindfulness supports healing
Retreat for Undergrads
Students from UPenn and Swarthmore came together at the Won Institute for the Awakening to the Power of Mind retreat, where lunch was provided and participants explored a variety of meditation modalities, including walking meditation
WEBINAR WITH DR. DAGG-MURRY
Golden Needle Ceremony
Second-year acupuncture students at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies marked their transition from preclinical study to Clinical Internship through the Golden Needle Ceremony
Beginning their work in the Student Clinic under the supervision of clinical faculty, interns take an important step into hands-on patient care Established in 2008, the ceremony modeled after traditions in other healthcare fields culminates in the presentation of a framed gold needle by Clinic Director, Doreen Lafferty, symbolizing their readiness to begin clinical practice
International Visitors in Social Welfare
We were honored to welcome a delegation of visitors from Korea working in the field of social welfare as part of their study tour across the U S and Canada During their visit to the Won Institute, they learned about our programs and community-based initiatives, expressing deep appreciation for our integrative approach to education, wellness, and service Their visit was a meaningful exchange of
Exciting Growth in the Won Student Ambassador Program
The Won Student Ambassador program continues to thrive and expand! We are proud to announce that Patrick VanDyke and Jessica Sanfilippo have both been promoted to the role of Senior Ambassadors Please join us in congratulating them on their leadership and dedicated service to our Won community
In February 2026, we were also thrilled to onboard seven new Student Ambassadors, all of whom are currently in their first year at Won These individuals bring a diverse range of passions and experiences to our team Please join us in offering a warm welcome to our newest Student Ambassadors:
Nikki Coller is driven by a passion for orthopedic acupuncture, with a specific goal of treating athletes and sports-related injuries through holistic recovery rather than pharmaceutical intervention Outside of her studies, Nikki manages a busy schedule as a wife, a mother of two teenage boys, and a dedicated professional on her non-school days
Isabelle Martinez has found a deep resonance with medical theory, specifically learning
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element theories She particularly values the multidimensional learning experience provided by the Won faculty, noting how their varied teaching styles have enriched her education
Abbey Allen focuses her interests on women’s health and Five Element theory Abbey has found a supportive home at Won. She highlights the close-knit bond of her cohort and the inclusive, welcoming environment of the school as highlights of her journey so far.
Elyssa Donnelly joined the program after acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine restored her own health when Western providers were unable to find a solution. She is currently finding profound meaning in her studies, particularly within the Won Buddhism Canon I course.
Kevin Quasti is exploring the intersection of acupuncture and sports medicine, as well as its efficacy in treating modern societal issues like anxiety and burnout He is deeply committed to social equity and aims to serve low-income populations and those who have felt underserved by the Western medical system
Elliot Polinsky is captivated by the study of the acupuncture channels and is eager to deepen his
STUDENT AMBASSADORS: MONICA MCGROW, PATRICK VANDYKE, JESSICA SANFILIPPO
Student Stories
y y g y care available to underserved communities
This work closely aligns with the mission of the Won Institute of Graduate Studies by emphasizing service, compassion, and community-centered care Through our annual medicinal plant sale and herb walk, we raise funds to support free and low-cost classes, educational programs, and herbal clinics. Last year, we raised over $800, which funded ten herbalism classes, the installation of a culturally-relevant medicinal herb garden, and a free Heart Health clinic in partnership with the Won Institute This clinic offered ear acupuncture from Won's Clinic Director and interns, heart healthy herbal tea blends, aromatherapy for stress relief, and screenings for blood pressure and diabetes, serving a local nonprofit that supports the Latine community.
This initiative also creates meaningful opportunities for Won Institute students, particularly those studying herbal medicine, to engage in community care and gain hands-on experience in accessible, culturally responsive healing work. Students can participate in growing medicinal plants at the farm, tending our community partner’s garden, creating herbal preparations, and assisting with workshops that provide these remedies directly to the community We welcome new members and volunteers who want to be part of this effort
Email me at lynn roberts f23@woninstitute edu for more information, and we hope to see you at this year’s annual Medicinal Plant Sale and Free Guided Herb Walk on Sunday, May 3rd at Parking Lot #5 in Norristown Farm Park The sale runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by the guided herb walk from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.
LYNN IN HER GREENHOUSE
Song of Serenity by Pyeonghwa Yang (Won Buddhist
Oh sparrows on the wind-stilled field, how unhurried your steps within that calm For the inner winds of beings are never stilled, yet we long to frolic in your serenity
O you chatterers amid the wave-tossed sea, what restless seeking drives you without cease? Even the roaming winds have fallen still unbidden, yet deluded beings wander ever outward.
Studies)
I slip a ring through the nose of the weeping, wayward self, fixed to its post, I sit alone and watch the mind. The wind lies still; the rising waves have grown quiet yet still the sparrows chatter on and o
O friends, O friends, have a look at this From crying infants to frail old folk, no Nor need one leave the world to seek Watching the mind alone, have a look
