On the Path of Self-Awareness and Change – Lessons from Chong An Sunim

Self-awareness is not just about reading or learning. It’s a much deeper process, where experience and inner work take center stage. In a conversation led by Péter Szabó with Chong An Sunim—abbot of the Original Light Zen Temple in Hungary, Zen master, and spiritual mentor—three ideas deeply resonated with me. These insights aligned closely with my life experiences and the challenges of my self-discovery journey.

The Zen Master

Chong An Sunim, dedicated to spiritual teaching and inner harmony, began his Zen practice in Budapest in 1990. Four years later, he became a monk in Korea and continued his training under Zen Master Seung Sahn at the Hwa Gye Sa monastery. In 1999, he received the title of Dharma Master, granting him the authority to teach.

In 2003, he initiated the construction of a traditional Korean Zen temple, Won Kwang Sa, in the Pilis Mountains, which has since become a place for deep meditation and retreats. In 2017, with Dharma Transmission, he became the first Western-born Zen master in the Jogye Order. His teachings often use metaphors to shed light on life’s profound truths, offering inspiration to those seeking inner peace.

"You Can’t Walk the Map or Eat the Menu"

One of Sunim’s brilliant metaphors highlights the difference between knowledge and experience. He explained that knowledge is like a map or a menu: it’s necessary to start your journey or choose the dish you want to try.

But just studying the map won’t get you to your destination, and reading the menu won’t satisfy your hunger. True transformation lies in experience.

This thought reminded me why it’s so important for self-help books to include actionable exercises. The creative workbook in Dreamers and Seekers is designed for this very purpose—to encourage readers to not just understand but to live, experiment, and experience, enabling real change.

"Suffering is the Catalyst for the Journey"

We need to dig deeper into the layers of our existence, seeking answers to questions like “What is my essence?” rather than stopping at “Who am I?” According to Sunim, the “what” refers to the essential, pre-personality nature of human existence, while the “who” is shaped by ego and societal roles.

Sunim explained that understanding how the “what” becomes the “who” reveals the ego’s games and the true roots of our problems. Often, this inner journey begins only when we face significant challenges, as suffering becomes the catalyst for change.

This message emphasizes that self-awareness and inner growth require stepping out of the “who” and returning to the essential “what.” This deep inner work leads to true transformation and realization.

"Clear Mind and Cleaning the Mirror"

Another of Sunim’s teachings focuses on the state of clear consciousness. This is the inner state where you free yourself from dualistic thinking—the division of everything into good and bad, right and wrong. Dualistic thinking is like a smudge on a mirror: it distorts reality and prevents you from seeing clearly.

When you identify with your thoughts, experiences, or ego, it’s like leaving lipstick marks or shaving foam on the mirror. Right where the smudge is, you can’t see clearly. Every judgment, attachment, or fear adds another smudge, making it harder to see the true nature of things.

Sunim encourages us to learn from nature’s simple, non-dual forms: trees, the sky, and animals. They are pure, untainted mirrors because they don’t get “caught up” in the conceptual world created by the human mind. They don’t comment, judge, or label—they simply exist.

Achieving a clear mind means cleaning this “mirror” of the smudges. It allows us to stop identifying with our ego or experiences and see things as they truly are.

What Does "Dualistic" Mean?

The term “dualistic” comes from “dualism,” which means division into two. It reflects the way we perceive and interpret the world through opposing pairs, such as good and bad, light and dark, right and wrong, self and others.

Dualistic thinking means our mind constantly splits things into two parts and forms judgments based on them. For example, if something feels pleasant, we label it as good; if it’s unpleasant, we call it bad. While this way of thinking is natural for the human mind, it’s also limiting because it prevents us from seeing the full picture.

When Sunim speaks about letting go of dualistic thinking, he means trying not to judge or categorize everything as good or bad. Instead, he invites us to see as nature or animals do: simply and without distortion, accepting everything as it is.

This is why he compares dualistic thinking to a smudge on the mirror: it clouds clear vision and prevents us from seeing reality as it truly is.

A Self-Awareness Practice for you: The Depths of "Who Am I?"

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Tools: Notebook, pen (or a quiet place if you prefer to reflect mentally)

• Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. Take a few deep breaths and feel your mind and body calm down.

• Write down or repeat to yourself the question: “Who am I?” Let the question echo within you. Don’t rush to answer—allow thoughts to flow naturally.

• Write down your initial answers. These may reflect surface-level identities like your name, roles, or job. Note them down but don’t stop there.

• Go deeper. Keep asking, “Who am I if not my name? Not my job? Not my roles?” Let your answers evolve gradually.

• Observe your feelings. Don’t judge your responses. It’s okay if uncomfortable emotions arise—simply observe and note what you feel.

• Conclude by asking yourself: “What is my essence? What remains no matter the circumstances?” If an immediate answer doesn’t come, that’s okay. The question is meant to spark an inner dialogue that deepens over time.

  
  

Your Turn to Explore

I understand this practice might leave you with questions. To be honest, when I first tried it, I didn’t know what I was doing either. But here’s what I can tell you: you don’t need perfect answers. Don’t overthink it or search for pre-made phrases. Simply sit down and let the answers come naturally. This practice is yours alone—no one will see it or judge it.

In a future blog post, I plan to share examples and offer more professional insights to help you interpret your experiences, answers.

If you’d like to stay connected and see where this journey leads, feel free to sign up—you never know what benefits might come your way!

Dive in bravely, and remember: every answer that comes from within you is perfect just as it is.

Important Note on Self-Discovery Practices:

The self-discovery exercises shared here are inspired and adapted versions of methods found in many spiritual and self-awareness teachings. Each practice is connected to a specific theme, idea, or lesson, with the goal of making self-exploration accessible and practical.The current exercise was created as a reflection of Chong An Sunim's teachings.