Kathy Park JDSPN
Executive Director & Abbot
Kathy Park is Korean and began Zen meditation in 1999. She has completed multiple 90-day kyol che (intensive Zen retreats), residential training and held various administrative positions in Zen centers and temples in the U.S, Asia and Europe. After receiving inka (permission to teach) in the Kwan Um Zen tradition in the lineage of the Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn in 2016, she is now a Ji Do Poep Sa (Dharma Master).
As one of the founding members and the executive director of Kwan Um Zen Online, she spearheads the remarkable growth of the robust online Zen community with her global team. She is also the co-guiding teacher of Zenseoul in South Korea with her husband, Andrzej Stec JDPSN, teaching and leading retreats. As an independent creative consultant, Kathy helps organizations and individuals to develop personal and professional vision and growth with a foundation in spiritual and contemplative principles. Her podcast Spark Your Bliss, focuses on conversations with diverse meditation leaders sharing insights and transformations from direct experiences on their spiritual paths.
Role in KUZO: Executive Director & Abbot
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Currently located: South Korea
Favorite teaching: Just do it
Get to Know Kathy
If you could swap lives with a fictional character for a day, who would it be?
Somewhere between Hello Kitty and Groot : )
What do you care about most?
Not leaving anyone behind
What’s a small, everyday moment that brings you joy?
When fresh vegetables, lemon and herbs come together in alchemy for a heavenly salad - it makes everything all right and glorious
What’s something you are currently excited about?
Discovering the yet-to-be-found voices in those who are unheard
What’s a big dream or project you are working toward?
Helping everyone become Buddha!
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome that you are proud of?
Knowing that I can walk through fear if I breathe slowly
