Master Seongcheol came into this world at Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. The Cheonwang Peak of Jiri Mountain is visible to the west of his house. In his early 20s he took an interest in Buddhism and began diligently practicing Hwadu Seon (Koan Zen), and his search for everlasting life began. In the spring he turned 25, he entered monastic life at Haein-sa Temple’s Baengnyeon-am Hermitage under the guidance of the Great Patriarch Dongsan.
we can look back at and ponder the main events of Master Seongcheol’s life such as: his renunciation and enlightenment; his prolonged meditations without
rest; the practice community movement at Bongam-sa Temple; his ten years as a hermit at Seongjeon-am Hermitage; his inauguration as the Spiritual Patriarch of the Haein Comprehensive Training Monastery; his series of talks on the Middle Way; his inauguration as the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order; and his life as the “Tiger on Gaya Mountain” and his nirvana.