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My very first meeting with Zen Master Soeng Hyang happened during one of the first Sangha weekends that I attended at Providence Zen Center. I was still new to the place and hardly knew anyone outside of my Sangha. I was on my way to the kitchen to have breakfast with others while all the teachers were gathering to have their meeting in the upstairs Dharma Room. Zen Master Soeng Hyang was one of the last to arrive, and as she was walking towards the room, she noticed me. Without hesitation, she walked up to me, introduced herself, and asked me my name and which group I came with; then she said, “Nice to have you here” and rushed off to the meeting. 

Her spontaneous gesture welcoming me and showing her availability and openness left a profound impression on me. She didn’t know whether I was serious about practice or just looking for something to be involved in, or even whether I would ever come around again, but still she took the time out of her busy schedule to connect with me.  Seeing Bobby effortlessly open to anyone and everyone that came to the temple made the meaning of Sangha come alive.

by Zsuzsa Sidlo