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What prevents us from accessing the stillness that already resides within us? MyongAhn Sunim tackles this profound question in our continuing exploration of the Five Roots, focusing today on Jong Kun—the root of meditation, stillness, and quietude.

This episode unpacks a revolutionary perspective: we already possess everything needed for transformation. The root of meditation isn't something external to acquire but an innate quality waiting to be consciously activated. When we recognize and intentionally direct this inherent capacity for stillness, it transforms from a passive root into an active power (Orlyok)—specifically, the power of meditative absorption (samme).

MyongAhn Sunim illuminates a fascinating paradox of human experience: our minds can effortlessly leap between thoughts in ordinary circumstances, yet become paralyzed when gripped by strong emotions or rigid viewpoints. "I stand in my own way," he explains, pointing to the ego as the primary obstacle to accessing our innate qualities. This insight offers a liberating truth—we're not fundamentally blocked from our inner resources by external barriers, but by our own unconscious patterns of thinking.

The teaching extends beyond meditation to challenge how we approach spiritual growth itself. "You cannot read yourself into enlightenment," Myung An Sunim emphasizes, cautioning against mistaking intellectual understanding for embodied wisdom. True transformation requires practice, not just consumption of information—a timely reminder in our knowledge-hoarding culture.

Perhaps most practical is the discussion of noticing the subtle gaps of silence between thoughts, those hairline fractures in our mental chatter where stillness already exists. Meditation practice trains us to recognize these momentary spaces of quietude that have always been present but typically go unnoticed in our busy mental landscape.

Share your experiences or questions with us by submitting a recording for future episodes. How has this perspective on meditation as an innate quality changed your approach to practice? We'd love to hear from you as we continue exploring the transformation of roots into powers.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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What if the determination you're seeking isn't something you need to find but something you already possess? In this third installment of their mini-series on the five roots, Jörgen Sonnen and Dr. Ruben Lambert explore the fascinating concept of perseverance (jongjin) and how we can transform this innate quality into a conscious power.

The conversation reveals a profound truth: determination isn't something we lack but something we direct. Think about it—the teenager seemingly unmotivated to study might wait all night outside a store for limited-edition sneakers. The apparent absence of perseverance in one area often masks its powerful presence in another. This insight transforms how we understand motivation, both in ourselves and others.

Using rich metaphors of electricity, fire-building, and leaning, the hosts illuminate the delicate art of nurturing determination. Like building a fire, motivation requires progressive kindling—add too much too quickly and you smother the flame; neglect it and it dies out. This wisdom applies powerfully to parenting, self-development, and spiritual practice alike. The hosts contrast this human process with the algorithmic precision of digital systems designed to capture our attention, highlighting the challenges of nurturing authentic motivation in the modern world.

Perhaps most valuable is their perspective on self-care and practice. "Don't pencil yourself in—sharpie yourself in," they advise, encouraging listeners to prioritize meditation and personal growth with the same commitment we give to professional obligations. By recognizing that we and others are "under construction" and working with the same fundamental building blocks, we can approach growth with both determination and compassion.

Want to be part of our community? Share your thoughts by sending a voice message to 908-591-1754. Your insights might inspire others on their journey. And if you've found value in these teachings, consider making a small donation to help keep this program going. The transformation of roots into powers awaits—will you lean into the practice?

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org

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Have you ever caught yourself in a full-blown adult tantrum over something as trivial as a parking space? That moment of sudden awareness—when you realize you're behaving exactly like the child you just scolded for crying over where to place their shoes—might be your first encounter with the transformative power of Yom Gun, the Buddhist root of mindfulness.

In this fascinating exploration of wakefulness, Jan Ansonian and Dr. Ruben Lambert unpack how our innate capacity for awareness operates beneath our conscious mind like tree roots hidden in soil. While many spiritual seekers chase knowledge and philosophy, true transformation comes not from consuming concepts but from holding onto a single practice with unwavering attention—like a hen sitting on eggs or a person with hair aflame seeking water.

The conversation reveals how our modern lives leave us vulnerable to operating on autopilot, rendering us "cyborgs" who are biologically alive but mechanically programmed by habit. This automation creates suffering as we react unconsciously to triggers, falling into patterns that contradict our deeper values and intentions. Yom Gun interrupts this process, creating space between stimulus and response where new possibilities emerge.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is the practical approach to cultivating this awareness. Rather than presenting mindfulness as an abstract concept, Jan and Ruben offer vivid examples of how wakefulness functions in daily situations—from MRI machines to traffic conflicts—showing how consistent practice gradually seeps into our being like raindrops absorbed by roots. Just as first responders train extensively to remain clear-headed during emergencies, we must practice wakefulness until it becomes our automatic response even in chaos.

Ready to transform your roots into power? Subscribe now and join us for part three of this enlightening mini-series where we'll continue exploring the five roots that govern our lives and how to cultivate them for lasting transformation.

Support the show

Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org