Leadership at Bayou Zen Center
Ven. Cheolmin Prajna
Ven. Cheolmin Prajna
Thích Hiền Triệt
Abbot at Bayou Zen Center
Ven. Cheolmin Prajna is an ordained Bhiksu in the Five Mountain Zen Order. He was appointed as Abbot of Hagu Soen Won (Bayou Zen Center) by The Most Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma in July of 2017 and is working under his direction to establish a newly forming Zen Community in Shreveport, LA. Ven. Cheolmin was previously enrolled in Buddha Dharma University, and recently received his M.Div. (Master of Divinity) in Buddhist Ministry. Prior to beginning his studies with Buddha Dharma University Ven. Cheolmin became interested in Zen Buddhism through the practice of Aikido whilst training under Dojo Cho Sensei William Ross and Assistant Instructor Sensei Eric Fountain at Aikido of Shreveport in Shreveport, LA. For a brief period of time he also trained in Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan and Fu Style Dragon Shape Pa Kua, respectively, under the instruction of Master Glenn Guerin and Sifu Greg Guerin of Lee's Kung Fu and Tai Chi in Shreveport, LA. Ven. Cheolmin also served in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to his involvement with the Five Mountain Zen Order. He currently lives in Shreveport, LA with his young son T.J.
"To promote a better understanding of Zen Buddhism, to provide those who seek the Dharma with a pure experience in learning and watching the Dharma unfold in their day to day lives, and to save all beings from suffering and the causes of suffering. That is the mission." - Ven. Cheolmin Prajna
Thích Hiền Triệt
Abbot at Bayou Zen Center
Ven. Cheolmin Prajna is an ordained Bhiksu in the Five Mountain Zen Order. He was appointed as Abbot of Hagu Soen Won (Bayou Zen Center) by The Most Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma in July of 2017 and is working under his direction to establish a newly forming Zen Community in Shreveport, LA. Ven. Cheolmin was previously enrolled in Buddha Dharma University, and recently received his M.Div. (Master of Divinity) in Buddhist Ministry. Prior to beginning his studies with Buddha Dharma University Ven. Cheolmin became interested in Zen Buddhism through the practice of Aikido whilst training under Dojo Cho Sensei William Ross and Assistant Instructor Sensei Eric Fountain at Aikido of Shreveport in Shreveport, LA. For a brief period of time he also trained in Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan and Fu Style Dragon Shape Pa Kua, respectively, under the instruction of Master Glenn Guerin and Sifu Greg Guerin of Lee's Kung Fu and Tai Chi in Shreveport, LA. Ven. Cheolmin also served in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to his involvement with the Five Mountain Zen Order. He currently lives in Shreveport, LA with his young son T.J.
"To promote a better understanding of Zen Buddhism, to provide those who seek the Dharma with a pure experience in learning and watching the Dharma unfold in their day to day lives, and to save all beings from suffering and the causes of suffering. That is the mission." - Ven. Cheolmin Prajna
Founder and Guiding Teacher
The Most Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma
The Most Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma
President / Chancellor at Buddha Dharma University
Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma is a Bhikṣu in the Lam Te Thíen tradition and a Brahmajala Monk in the Kwan Um Jong tradition; additionally, he is a Zen Teacher and the Founder - Guiding Teacher of the Five Mountain Zen Order as well as the Chancellor of Buddha Dharma University.
Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma was ordained by Zen Master Seung Sahn as a Dharma teacher in 1995, as a Senior Dharma Teacher in 2001 and as a Brahmajala Monk in 2002. He received teaching authorization from Zen Master Ji Bong, in the Golden Wind Zen Order in April, 2006. Wonji additionally received the 250 Bhikṣu vows on November 1, 2012 with Bhante Suhita Dharma (Hòa Thượng Thích Ân Đức), who was the first Dharma Heir of the Hòa Thượng Dr. Thiên Ân. Unfortunately Bhante died suddenly on Dec. 28, 2013 in Los Angeles at Chùa Diệu Pháp Temple in San Gabriel, California, where he resided. He was 73. Following the agreement made with Bhante Suhita Dharma to study for at least five years under a Thien Master, on July 15, 2014, Wonji was accepted as a student of Ven. Thích Ân Giáo Roshi who was Bhante Suhita's Dharma Brother and close friend. Wonji is studying the intricacies of monastic practice and life from Ven. Ân Giáo.
"Never give up, Never surrender, and remember that it is all good; Consequently, there is only one resolve in life and that is to be more loving, please do no harm." - The Most Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma
President / Chancellor at Buddha Dharma University
Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma is a Bhikṣu in the Lam Te Thíen tradition and a Brahmajala Monk in the Kwan Um Jong tradition; additionally, he is a Zen Teacher and the Founder - Guiding Teacher of the Five Mountain Zen Order as well as the Chancellor of Buddha Dharma University.
Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma was ordained by Zen Master Seung Sahn as a Dharma teacher in 1995, as a Senior Dharma Teacher in 2001 and as a Brahmajala Monk in 2002. He received teaching authorization from Zen Master Ji Bong, in the Golden Wind Zen Order in April, 2006. Wonji additionally received the 250 Bhikṣu vows on November 1, 2012 with Bhante Suhita Dharma (Hòa Thượng Thích Ân Đức), who was the first Dharma Heir of the Hòa Thượng Dr. Thiên Ân. Unfortunately Bhante died suddenly on Dec. 28, 2013 in Los Angeles at Chùa Diệu Pháp Temple in San Gabriel, California, where he resided. He was 73. Following the agreement made with Bhante Suhita Dharma to study for at least five years under a Thien Master, on July 15, 2014, Wonji was accepted as a student of Ven. Thích Ân Giáo Roshi who was Bhante Suhita's Dharma Brother and close friend. Wonji is studying the intricacies of monastic practice and life from Ven. Ân Giáo.
"Never give up, Never surrender, and remember that it is all good; Consequently, there is only one resolve in life and that is to be more loving, please do no harm." - The Most Ven. Dr. Wonji Dharma