American Monk speaks to ROK, U.S. Airmen

  • Published
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, and 38th Fighter Group, ROKAF Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 38th Fighter Group, Republic of Korea, recently invited a Buddhist monk to speak to the 8th Fighter Wing's and 38th FG's Airmen about the common ground between Zen and science and their harmony in modern society.

The Buddhist monk, Musim, who is an American, gave his lecture in English to the Airmen here Sept. 15. His lecture was aimed at boosting morale of the ROK and U.S. Airmen at Kunsan Air Base and increasing mutual understanding between them.

"I thought that having this lecture on base open to both the ROKAF and U.S. Air Force was definitely a good idea," said Airman First Class Patrick Jones, 8th Maintenance Squadron. "The monk's speech was very eye opening, in such a way that it made you open your eyes to what you are doing every day and changing it for the better. I think the base should have events like this more often; it is definitely a positive situation whenever the ROKAF and the U.S. Air Force members come together and mingle with each other. It builds bonds and that is what we need more of."

Staff Sgt. Mo Woo-Jin, 38th FG, and Capt. Marc Carns, 8th FW judge advocate, also enjoyed the lecture.

"I think I was lucky to hear a foreign monk's lecture on base," said Sergeant Mo. "It was a great opportunity to make me revive the meaning of my military life."

"I think that any opportunity that U.S. and ROK forces have to participate in an event together is beneficial for team building and camaraderie," Captain Carns said. "The ROKAF was very generous to invite us and I felt like it was a rewarding experience."

The 38th FG frequently holds joint events including Korean traditional memorial services and ROK-U.S. Taekwondo contests in an effort to maintain the ROK-U.S. longstanding friendship and alliance.

Monk Musim, born in Philadelphia, met Zen Master Seung Sahn when he was a student at Boston College. Then, he entered Buddhist study at Cambridge Zen Center under the guidance of Master Seung Sahn. He is currently an executive director and board of directors of Kye Ryong San International Zen Center since 1999.