About Us

About Soshimsa Zen Center, USA
International Headquarters
소심사 세계본부

The sky does not discriminate and the Earth supports all equally, yet the wonders of the Universe are revealed to those with the eye and heart of longing. Those thirsty for knowledge cannot drink deeply of shallow waters. Theoretical pursuits are like a rain puddle while direct experience is like a great ocean. Since the time of Dalma Daesa (Bodhidharma) the knowledge of mountain dwelling sages has been passed down from Master to disciple in an uninterrupted lineage. The mountain hermits are the spring source of the rivers of wisdom that flow freely.

Soshimsa Zen Center is an oasis in this turbulent world. We keep the waters of wisdom pure; we welcome all who thirst; we are Soshimsa Zen Center.

Rooted in the Korean Zen Buddhist tradition and headquartered in New Jersey, USA, Soshimsa has grown into an international Sangha, bringing together practitioners and disciples across borders through Buddhist practice, teaching, service, and online training.

From our International Headquarters in the United States, we serve our local community while cultivating a growing Sangha that extends beyond it—carrying the Dharma wherever sincere practice takes root.

Our Mission: Your Well-Being

At Soshimsa Zen Center, we're dedicated to guiding individuals in overcoming karmic obstacles, reducing suffering, and embracing happiness, wisdom, and compassion. We achieve this by harmonizing spirituality and holistic well-being through the teachings of Buddha Dharma, meditation, and health exercises.

Our inclusive approach incorporates traditional prayer and practice, along with non-secular activities to introduce the transformative power of Buddhist philosophy to everyone – fostering kindness, self-discovery and positive change.

We wholeheartedly invite you to explore our services and programs, finding the path that resonates with you. Together, through a supportive community, we envision a harmonious world where personal growth becomes a gift to all. Come, join us, and embark on this remarkable journey toward a brighter, more compassionate existence.

Soshimsa Zen Center is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) Buddhist temple and public charity.

Teachers

Our Zen Monks (Sunims)

Venerable
Mooh-Sang Sunim
Director of Wellness Outreach
Soshimsa Zen Center, USA — International Headquarters

Venerable Mooh-Sang Sunim / Dr. Ruben Lambert is a licensed Psychologist (NJ Lic. No. 35SI005107) specializing in Mind/Body Wellness Interventions. He is also a Zen monk in the Korean Zen Tradition. In the Zen Tradition, he was given the name Mooh Sang which means Dispeller of Delusion. As a native Spanish Speaker, Dr. Lambert provides services to the Latino Community.

Dr. Lambert also integrates the wisdom of zen with modern day scientific psychological research to provide training and interventions that target the mind, body and spirit. His approach is simplistic and the goal is to provide practical techniques for achieving optimal wellness moment to moment in daily life.

Venerable
Myong-Ahn Sunim
Abbot
Soshimsa Zen Center, USA — International Headquarters

Venerable Myong-Ahn Sunim carries out his monastic vows within the context of urban and city life. He leads a life of service where his central focus is assisting people in achieving their own personal peace and freedom from suffering.

Myong-Ahn Sunim was born in Poland and moved to the United States as a teenager. His training in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo and self-defense coincided with his introduction into Buddhist philosophy and the practice of meditation.

He speaks widely on the topics of meditation, stress, spirituality, and the pursuit of happiness and skillfully merges the time-tested ancient meditation techniques and Zen philosophy with the modern way of thinking, making the esoteric easily accessible to the public.

Myong-Ahn Sunim is the abbot of Soshimsa Zen Center. He is a Master of Taekwondo, Tong-Gong Healing Arts, and Chon-Do Reiki System of Natural Healing. He is a Founder of Lotus Scouts, a scouting organization guided by Buddhist ideals, the Principal of Deer Park Academy, and a compassionate and caring beekeeper.

As Abbot of Soshimsa Zen Center, USA — International Headquarters, Venerable MyongAhn Sunim guides a Sangha that now extends beyond the United States. Through in-person and online teaching, discipleship, Buddhist formation, recovery outreach, and international development, he continues to cultivate Soshimsa as a living community of practice rooted in Korean Zen tradition while accessible to people wherever they may be.

He wears many hats, but when asked he always says he's just a monk.

Venerable
Duhk-Song Sunim
Director of Recovery Outreach
Soshimsa Zen Center, USA — International Headquarters

Venerable Duhk-Song Sunim is a fully ordained Zen Monk and the Director of Recovery Outreach at Soshimsa Zen Center. He has been studying meditation, healing arts, breathing, and relaxation techniques in conjunction with martial arts, Tong-Gong, and Tai Chi for over thirty years.

Ven. Duhk-Song Sunim is also a meditation instructor at the Zen Center and has played an important role in Soshimsa’s growing work within the recovery community. He teaches ongoing meditation and healing arts classes at drug and alcohol recovery facilities, bringing meditation, Buddhist teachings, breathing practices, and compassionate spiritual support directly to individuals working to rebuild their lives.

As Director of Recovery Outreach, Duhk-Song Sunim helps oversee Soshimsa’s expanding relationships with recovery facilities and the delivery and continued development of its recovery programs. He also assists in the implementation of Seekers’ Shimuheng℠ — The Soshimsa Ten-Stage Recovery Journey, Soshimsa’s comprehensive Buddhist path of practice created specifically for those in recovery.

In addition to his recovery work and teaching and lecturing schedule, Ven. Duhk-Song Sunim volunteers his time as a Chaplain at JFK Hackensack Meridian Hospital in Edison, New Jersey, serves as a member of the Edison-Metuchen Interfaith Clergy Association, provides instruction at corporate venues, and provides in-person support for elderly members of the community.