Soshimsa Poland
The Dharma Takes Root Abroad
Soshimsa Zen Center is taking an important step in the growth of our international Sangha: establishing a permanent Soshimsa presence in Poland.
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Following a period of preparation, Soshimsa has submitted the documentation necessary to establish its Polish branch with Poland's National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr SÄ…dowy — KRS).
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Registration is currently pending.
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But a Sangha does not begin with paperwork or a building.
It begins with people.
The Sangha Has Already Begun
Krzysztof SeonAhm & Ven. MyongAhn Sunim
A Zen center begins with people, not buildings.
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The first seeds of Soshimsa's Polish Sangha had already taken root.
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Through Soshimsa's online teachings and practice, a practitioner living in Poland received the Buddhist Precepts from Soshimsa and formally became a disciple within our Sangha.
Teacher and disciple were separated by thousands of miles, yet they could practice together.
It reminded us of something very simple:
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Distance does not have to be a barrier to Sangha.
The Dharma had already crossed the ocean.
Now we are working to give it a home.
A Return Home
The establishment of Soshimsa in Poland carries a special meaning for our Abbot, Venerable MyongAhn Sunim.
Born in Poland and raised in the United States, Sunim's journey eventually led to Buddhist monastic life and the development of Soshimsa Zen Center in New Jersey.
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Today, that journey is beginning to make a circle.
The teachings, practices, community programs, and spirit of service that have grown through Soshimsa in the United States are now beginning to return to the country of his birth.
This is not simply the opening of another location.
It is a homecoming.
Our Vision for Soshimsa Poland
Our hope is to establish a permanent center where people can encounter Korean Zen Buddhism through authentic practice, compassionate community, and service.
Soshimsa Poland is envisioned as a place for:
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Zen meditation and Buddhist practice
Regular meditation, chanting, Dharma teachings, ceremonies, retreats, and opportunities for deeper training.
Mind, Body & Spirit
Soshimsa's integrated approach to cultivating the whole person through meditation, traditional health and movement practices, and spiritual training.
Retreat and Training
A peaceful environment where practitioners can step away from ordinary life for periods of concentrated meditation, study, and practice.
Community and Service
Programs that bring Buddhist compassion beyond the walls of the Zen Center and into the lives of people who may
benefit from it.
A Bridge Between Poland, Korea, and the United States
A place where Soshimsa's Korean Buddhist tradition can take root within Polish culture while remaining connected to the International Headquarters and the wider Soshimsa Sangha.
Our long-term vision is not merely to acquire a building.
We are planting a Sangha.
Where We Are Today
The process of formally establishing Soshimsa in Poland is underway.
Soshimsa Zen Center, USA has authorized the creation of a Polish branch, and the required registration documents have been submitted to the Polish National Court Register (KRS).
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During this period, we are continuing to develop relationships in Poland, identify future practitioners and supporters, explore possibilities for a permanent home, and prepare for the programs and activities that can follow registration.
Become Part of the Beginning
If you are in Poland and interested in Zen meditation, Korean Buddhism, Buddhist teachings, retreats, volunteering, or simply learning more about Soshimsa, we would be happy to hear from you.
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You do not need to be Buddhist.
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You do not need previous meditation experience.
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Come as you are.
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Some people will come to meditate.
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Some will come to learn.
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Some will volunteer.
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Some will help us build.
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And some may simply be curious about what is taking root.
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There is a place for each of them.
Help Build Soshimsa Poland
Soshimsa Poland is being built through the generosity and efforts of people who believe that places of practice, compassion and community are worth creating.
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There are many ways to help.
Financial contributions can support the establishment of the project, educational and practice materials, future programs and outreach, and ultimately the creation of a permanent home for Soshimsa in Poland.
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Others may contribute their time, professional skills, translation abilities, local knowledge, labor, connections, or simply their willingness to help.
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Every offering matters.
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We welcome people who can contribute their time, knowledge, professional skills, local connections, translation abilities, volunteer service, and experience.
Some may help build.
Some may translate.
Some may organize.
Some may teach.
Some may give.
Some may simply come to practice.
All can help plant the seeds.
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Your contribution helps turn this vision into a lasting home for the Dharma.​​​​​