On August 22, the New York Bulkwang Zen Center held initiation and coming-of-age ceremonies for 15 teenagers who graduated from high school this year and are entering college.

At the initiation ceremony, the teenagers received the five precepts and were born again as Buddhists. During the ceremony, the youth accepted Ven. Hwigwang, the senior teacher of Bulkwang Zen Center as their preceptor, and Ven. Seonmun, the abbot of the Center as the initiator. They took refuge in the Three Jewels and strengthened their faith to become more mature Buddhists and members of society. Additionally, they presented flower pots to the venerables, thanking them for their guidance in having the right values as Buddhists.

The abbot Ven. Seonmoon congratulated the youth and expressed hope that they would live wisely based on the five precepts they received while Ven. Hwigwang presented a scholarship from the Bulkwang Scholarship Association.

On October 29, Bulkwang Zen Center hosted a special Buddhist service with Ven. Jeongmok, the abbot of Jeonggak-sa Temple in Seoul as a special guest. The service was sponsored by the Eastern United States branch of the Special Overseas Districts.