Return to Winter/Spring 2002-2003

Fundraiser at Alice Tully Hall

by Alan Davies

On November 5th, our sister in the dharma, Myo Ji Sunim presented a sold out evening of entertainment and inspiration at Alice Tully Hall.  The purpose of the evening was to raise funds for a new Korean temple in New York City.

The event was called The Dharma Path and featured performers of African and Korean dance, as well as individual dancers and musical guests.  An underlying story depicted the struggle that someone might go through when deciding whether or not to devote themselves to a lifetime of Buddhist service.

Many members of Chogye Zen Center participated by lending their moral support and by appearing on stage to demonstrate chanting.  

Many of our fellow practitioners also came from Providence and Cambridge and New Haven to support Myo Ji Sunim’s effort.

Asked about his impression of the event, Ken remembered best the time he spent with Alan trying to produce a last-minute translation of a poem that Seung Sahn (Dae Soen Sa Sunim) had sent.  

Eugene remembers “…talking with David and Myra and having a very nice conversation and talking to a monk from Providence and being thankful for his presence and seeing the officials and higher-ups and being also grateful being able to watch them in a less formal mode.”

Richard Kahn responded:  I was glad to help Myo Ji Sunim in such a painless and glamorous way.  I was also glad to get my daughter and myself on a Lincoln Center stage after only 12 years of practice.  I also enjoyed the extended backstage gabfest.  Seeing everyone come in to help was great.