We had a wonderful time celebrating winter solstice at Jeungsando NY Dojang.

It also became an opportunity for a practioner to be officially initiated into Jeungsando.

Initiation is a vow of practice to pursue enlightenment of the self and the salvation of humanity at this time of Autumn Fruition of humanity and spirits.  And it is a show determination that by pursuing such a path, it will be beneficial for oneself and humanity.  Initiation vow should not be limited to pursue of happiness and well being for oneself although in the end that is why we all pursue meditation to begin with.  Initiation vow should invoke the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment for the humanity, heaven and earth.  And right now indeed the earth is in great need of healing, as we face the turmoil of global warming.  In the end the healing of earth and heaven is the healing of humanity and me.

Without such a pursuit for the benefit of heaven, earth and humanity; how can we be proud in front of next generation.

At winter solstice in the west, people celebrate the man in red.  In Korea we celebrate winter solstice by eating red, the red bean porridge to be exact.  Let's welcome the new born sun of winter solstice!

Next year is the year of the pig, so we decided to celebrate by eating pig.  Those who do not consume pig, please close your eyes; haha.

Offering homemade rice wine, umm, umm, it was good.

Spirits are eagerly eating the food.  You do not see them!  Well, sorry for you. 

The initiation ceremony.

The symbol at the back of our meditation suit; sorry I can not tell you what this is.  I can only tell you that it is like a button that commands the spirits for all kinds of magic.  You have to initate and then practice with sincerity for many years before truely being able to understand the magic of this symbol. 

Children in meditation.

Congratulations on her initiation.

Eating time.

The doctor is in the house, an o-ring test is being conducted by the doctor to find out what kind of food is good for this person.  Since the earth's axis is tilted, we are all born with different characteristics, and depending on our body type, we should be eating different food.  This is the Yin-yang diet, more to come on this!  We are making web sites to help people determine their body types and recommend right foods for the person according to five elements and the priciple of yin and yang.  The doctor Jang pictured here has been practicing this kind of oriental medicine for the past 10 years in the US and every one of his patients swear by his medicine which is not medicine at all, but right diet.  Be on the look out!

Another o-ring test, they were both extremely amazed by what the o-ring test had told them.  According to the o-ring test, Hoom Chi of the Taeul mantra was the most healing for their body.  And Sangjenim and Taemonim were indeed right for the health of their body.  According to doctor Jang it does not matter what the patients claim to be their religions, for the health of themselves Sangjenim and Taemonim are the best.  If you are quorious, conduct the o-ring test for your self.  Call out to Jesus or Buddha and then conduct the o-ring test.  Then call out to Sangjenim or Taemonim and then conduct the o-ring test.  You will be surprised.  If you like a detailed instruction as to how to conduct the o-ring test, email me or call me and I will let you know. 

Happy Winter Solstice!