 "Photo: Mona Li")
Like most Americans, some SUNY Rockland students are under the misconception that rubbing a monk’s stomach or head will bring good luck. In reality, most Buddhist monks, like Doheon Kim who came to RCC from Korea to study math and science, have never even heard of this myth.
In an interview, I asked Kim if it was true, he laughed replying, “What do you mean is it really good luck to rub my stomach?” This obviously proves that most Americans do not know much about Monks or Buddhism.
This unique student revealed that he has three names. Doheon Kim is his birth name, Neung Won is his Buddhist name, and William Kim is his English name that he came up with.
“My days are usually made up of meditation, studying and praying; I usually wake up at 5:00 a.m. to pray to Buddha, then study english and math, meditate in silence for a while, and then head straight to RCC,” stated Kim.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, Kim is at school from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. engaged in studying, attending classes, and thinking. He feels thinking is a cornerstone element of life that most people do not take the time to do.
When Kim says he is thinking, he is not referring to brainstorming about what essays he will write, what he’ll be doing that night, or what immature drama went on throughout the day. Instead, he refers to getting in touch with one’s mind and body by releasing any stress one might have.
When Kim was asked who Buddha is to him, he noted that Buddha is the spirit within us all. We all have our own little Buddha who gives us our strength and spirit; some just never choose to connect with him. Others, like Kim, devote their life to reaching a place of enlightenment where they can be at total peace.
Our own RCC monk enjoys teaching. In Korea, he had an understudy who accompanied him everywhere he went, acting as a younger brother with whom he shared all his knowledge with.
Here at the college, Kim leads a yoga class on Tuesdays where he teaches students about how to attain a better understanding of their bodies and how to free their minds.
Kim expressed his love for learning at RCC and claims that it is a place where students can express themselves.
He has observed how students dress as they please, act as they will, and form unique personas. He notes that he has learned plenty from his fellow classmates and will be able to take a lot back with him to Korea when he finishes his major in math and science.
An interview with RCC’s own Buddhist monk revealed the extent of diversity at RCC, which we celebrate this anniversary year at the college.
It is important to be informed about people of different cultures, and to be open minded. Upon exploring unknown cultures, many foolish stereotypes and misconceptions are replaced by valuable knowledge.
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