The activity of Tae Hye sunim in
Italy has begun in 1992 at the Pagoda of Rassina (AR). After the dead
of Ing. Martinelli, owner of the Pagoda, in 1996 Tae Hye sunim started
searching a place that could suite better to the meditation practice.
In 1997 the cultural association "Comunità Bodhidharma" was
founded and a few years later, in 2000, the place was finally found and
the monastic center Musang Am in Lerici (SP) was inaugurated.
The activity of Comunità Bodhidharma is inspired
to the tradition of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism but in the
teachings there are also infuences from the theravada and chinese
traditions. The association supports the temple Musang Am which
organizes studies of the Buddhadharma and meditation retreats.
At this time some groups of study and Zen practice have been started in Lerici, Genoa, Padova and Polverara.
Currently the members of the directive council are: Tae
Hye sunim (president), Tae Ri Sunim(vice president) and Antonio
Santostasi. The treasurer is Marcello Belloni Pasquinelli.
The Association is nonprofit and member of the UBI -
Italian Buddhist Union; the support to the monastic community comes
from the buddhist laymen's aid, their donations make possible the
spread of the teachings of Buddha. Who wants to support the temple and
the Dharma activities can make free donations in the offer-box or
directly to monks or may donate vegetarian food.
