HanMaUm Seon(Zen) Center in the Chicago region was first established by Seon Master Dae Haeng Sunim in 1991 in Chicago shortly after first Dharma talk given by the Seon Master at Bando Hall on March 31, 1991. Hye Dong Sunim and Hye Ji Sunim were the resident monks at that time, with Hye Dong Sunim serving as head abbess of the temple. Three month later we relocated to , Prairie View, Illinois (near Vernon), a northern suburb of Chicago. 

 

Hye Dong Sunim soon moved to Argentina to head the Buenos Aires Branch Temple, and so Hye Ji Sunim became the head abbess. 

 

In January of 1993, we moved to our current location in Skokie, and renovated the building. In early 1997, Hye Ga Sunim arrived as one of the permanent resident monks. 

 

A second public Dharma talk by Seon Master Dae Haeng Sunim was held on June 21st, 1997 at the North Shore Center in Skokie. The Dharma talk was a success, especially in terms of the high number of non-Korean speakers who attended. Following that event, Seon Master Dae Haeng felt it was necessary to offer the teachings in English. As a result, classes in English were established and the Dae Haeng Sunim held the first class on June 29th, 1997, with simultaneous translation from Chongwol Sunim. Seon Master Dae Haeng returned to her home temple in Korea, leaving Chongwol Sunim, her Dharma disciple, interpreter, and assistant, as the resident teacher for the English speaking practitioners. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

 

1991 March 31 (Sunday) 
Seon Master Dae Haeng gives her first Dharma Talk in Chicago to an audience of 400 at Bando Hall. HanMaUm Seon Center is established at 3724 West East Wood Avenue in Chicago following the Dharma Talk. 

 

1991 July 27 (Sunday) 
HanMaUm Seon Center moves to 16878 Busch Road, Prairie View, Illinois (Vernon area)

 

1997 January 6 
HanMaUm Seon Center purchases a new building and finishes moving to Skokie, Illinois by January 10th. 

 

1997 June 21 (Saturday) 
Dharma Talk by Seon Master Dae Haeng entitled "In Search of the Genuine I" is held at the North Shore Center, in Skokie. There is an overwhelming response, with over 800 people in attendance. 

 

1997 June 25 (Wednesday)
Dharma Talk for English speaking audience is held at the Radisson Hotel in Lincolnwood, IL. 

 

1997 June 28 (Saturday)
Seon Master Dae Haeng visits Illinois Department of Corrections at Joliet, IL., and gives Dharma Talks to the inmates. Later, Chaplain O'Connor, who oversees religious activities there, is quoted in the Chicago Tribune newspaper: "The rambunctious teenagers grew quiet and listened intently as the gentle Zen master told them about the power they hold within themselves. 

 

1997 June 29 (Sunday) 
Seon Master Dae Haeng formally opened Dharma classes in English at HanMaUm Seon Center, Skokie Branch Temple.