Lay Minister
Kathy Abeyatunge, dharma name Won JiYeon, is dedicated to drawing on the profound yet simple and practical teachings of Won Buddhism to spread the dharma of Timeless and Placeless meditation in daily life. Inspired by the joy and freedom accessible in each moment, she practices selfless service and hopes to be a spiritual bridge that dispels cultural, environmental, and religious discrimination.
A practicing Buddhist for over 25+ years, she joined the Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY in 2014. Finding her spiritual home in a religion that maintained a foundation of complete equanimity, she was motivated to become a dharma teacher who is also a wife and mother. Thus, realizing a lifelong dream, she obtained ordination as a Lay Minister (Wonmu) on January 7, 2024.
As a sangha member, practitioner, and teacher she strives to live each day with a clear and open mind, embracing all people with the heart of a mother, supported by a foundation of faith in the teachings of Master Sotaesan.
