Seung Sahn

Seung Sahn was a Korean Zen master and founder of the Kwan Um School of Zen. Born in 1927, he emphasized the practice of meditation, particularly "goal-less" Zen, where practitioners focus on experiencing the present moment rather than striving for enlightenment as a final destination. He advocated for both formal seated meditation and active engagement in daily life. Seung Sahn's teachings often included the use of koans—paradoxical questions or statements meant to provoke deep thought and awareness. His approachable style and emphasis on direct experience helped make Zen practice accessible to Westerners, influencing many in the field of mindfulness and meditation.