With changing times, our practice and teaching has evolved to express a style in harmony with our African heritage resulting in our resignation from the Kwan Um School of Zen. With this change, we function as an independent Zen Center, whilst expanding our MAIA program – (Mindful Awareness in Action), currently predominantly taught in prison, as part of the sustainable rehabilitation protocol for inmates. We have also developed a very unique program called The 20 Steps. A detailed program enabling participants to bring meticulous awareness to every activity in daily life.
In 2001, at the invitation of Tania Lohman from Porto Allegre, we started teaching in Brazil on a yearly basis and the ‘Modesto Grupo de Meditadores’ was started. This group too has relinquished their relationship with The Kwan Um School of Zen.
As the African Dharma continues to develop and grow, Zen Master Seung Sahn’s legacy and teaching will continue to sustain and encourage us in the never-ending quest of “Who am I” and “How May I Help You?