Forms of Practice
The practice of ganhwa seon (“Zen of Direct Inquiry”) is the heart of Korean Zen and the foundation of our activities at Dohasa Zen Group. In this tradition, a practitioner takes up a single question called a hwadu (“head of speech”), such as What is this?, Who am I?, or What is Mu?. The hwadu is not solved through reasoning or analysis. Instead, it is carried with sincerity and curiosity, turning the mind inward until inquiry itself becomes continuous. Through this sustained questioning, we eventually come face to face with or true nature: the mind that is originally clear, open, and free.
Through steady practice, we learn to rest in the present moment, loosen the grip of discursive thought, and meet life with calm and awareness. Ganhwa seon helps cultivate a stable mind, a kind heart, and a natural sense of ease that carries into all moments of daily life.
Below are the main forms through which ganhwa seon is cultivated, along with other supporting practices that help nurture mindfulness and sincerity in everyday life.
Sitting Meditation
Sitting meditation in Korean Zen means sitting quietly and turning the mind toward a single, living question: the hwadu. Rather than analyzing or trying to solve it, we simply return to it again and again, letting go of all thoughts and resting in the open wonder of the question itself. As the questioning becomes steady and continuous, the restless mind settles, and a quiet sense of inquiry and wonder fills the body and mind. This steady, sincere questioning is the heart of ganhwa seon and the gateway to awakening.
Walking Meditation
Walking meditation provides a natural pause between periods of sitting, allowing the body to stretch while continuing inquiry. But it is also a complete practice in itself. The hwadu is carried with each step, maintaining gentle, continuous questioning as the body moves. Walking at a calm, steady pace, the mind returns to the hwadu without strain or distraction. This practice helps bring the steadiness of meditation into motion and into daily life.
Bowing
Bowing holds a special place in Korean Buddhism. One hundred and eight bows is a traditional Korean Zen practice that unites mindfulness with movement. In ganhwa seon, bowing helps settle scattered thoughts and gather one’s full attention around the hwadu, allowing the whole body and mind to take part in questioning. Each bow also carries a symbolic meaning: letting go of old habits and returning to humility and sincerity. The steady rhythm of body and breath grounds awareness, softens pride, and opens the heart to peace, compassion, and gratitude.
Other Formal Practices
Chanting calms and collects the mind, nurturing the sincerity needed for deep inquiry. Through the rhythm of voice and breath, body and mind come into harmony, creating a sense of connection and clarity that supports practice.
Formal meals (baru gongyang) are held in silence and mindfulness, turning the simple act of eating into a practice of gratitude and presence. During the meal, the same questioning is gently directed toward the act of eating itself.
Work practice (bulsa) teaches us to bring the spirit of inquiry into ordinary activity. Whether sweeping the floor, preparing food, or maintaining the space, each task becomes a way to carry the hwadu through action, embodying calm attention and sincere questioning in everything we do.
Everyday Life
The practice of ganhwa seon is not confined to the meditation hall. It extends into every part of daily life and should be approached with the same sincerity as formal sitting. The essence of the practice is to meet each moment with an open, spacious sense of wonder. Everyday activities offer countless opportunities to sustain inquiry and steadiness of mind. Whether commuting, working, cooking, or speaking with others, the hwadu can be quietly carried in the heart, allowing each moment to become an occasion for direct seeing. Practiced in this way, ganhwa seon helps cultivate calm, clarity, and ease, grounded in awareness amid the changing conditions of life. Because it requires no special setting or ritual, this path can be seamlessly integrated into any situation, turning daily life itself into the field of practice and awakening.
Other Practices
Korean Zen is a broad and inclusive tradition that offers many ways to cultivate mindfulness and insight. In addition to ganhwa seon, practitioners may engage in Buddha-recitation (yeombul), mantra recitation, sutra study or copying, and other forms of devotional or contemplative practice. All of these are respected paths within the Korean Zen tradition and serve as complementary or preparatory practices for ganhwa seon. If you are interested in exploring any of these, please let us know.
Want To Learn More?
You are also welcome to join one of our Tuesday evening meditation sessions, where we practice Ganhwa Seon together and offer time for questions and discussion at the end. You can also visit our page on Recommended Resources for more information.
Join Our Mailing List
Get news, event updates, and other information delivered directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of each email.