Dear Venerable Jeonchan
The summary you provided to us all is very accurate. As much as it pains me to think so, it captures the essence of the struggles that the governing board of officers publicly appointed by Ven. Wonji experienced with unflinching clarity.
Your message was difficult for me to read. It brought back all the stress and grief I endured from December 2021 and well into 2022, not only at the loss of my teacher and friend but also because of a certain individual’s constant attempts to undermine my ability to perform administrative duties as the Chief Abbot of FMZO during a time of great difficulty and chaos. It left me very confused and disappointed, for all I was trying to do was get FMZO and BDU through a crisis period.
I realize, even now, that the grief of losing my teacher and the pain of going through what we did to protect the sangha from such aggressive and unethical behavior unbecoming of a priest within the Order still needs attention. I intend to continue to work on healing those wounds.
Thank you for your strength, support, and for providing the protection I needed during the past year so that I could work on healing myself from such unwarranted attacks. You came forward early on asking: “How may I help you?” (As many from the sangha did.) A true testament to Ven. Wonji’s legacy. Not only have I been able to work on healing myself, but also continue teaching the buddha-dharma as Wonji’s dharma heir—even while FMZO remains “boxed” away for safekeeping.
I appreciate all the hard work and the countless hours you have put into rebuilding BDU’s website. That was no small task! Especially when access to some websites, servers, and databases was stolen from Ven. Wonji’s computer and intentionally kept from us. Because of your efforts, BDU can continue doing what Ven. Wonji wished—that is to provide easy and affordable access to learning the buddha-dharma for all.
Thank you so very much!
Yours in the dharma,
Ven. Myohye Do’an
PS: thank you to all the instructors here who are committed to the same goal of fulfilling Ven. Wonji's mission, despite the unfortunate challenges we all faced and sadly, continue to face.