Research conducted by the University of Michigan-Dearborn Pluralism Project.

History

The Mu Mun Sa Temple, which means "gateless," was founded in 1979 in Novi, and then moved to a location was in Troy. In 1989, it acquired its present place of worship in Rochester Hills. All are middle-and upper-middle-class suburbs located in Oakland County, north of the city of Detroit. The present location, in a quiet and relatively unpopulated part of the community, was chosen for its relative isolation. The center itself was designed to be a place of meditation and retreat, yet within the metropolitan area.

Activities and Description

There are two structures on the property: a temple for meditation, and a main house that has a kitchen, dinning room, nursery, and an area for socializing. Major festivals that are celebrated are the Buddha's birthday and the Lunar New Year. However, the center is as much a social center as it is a place of worship, and maintains a strong sense of traditional Korean customs. There are frequent social activities, although not on a weekly basis, for those affiliated with it. These include sponsoring holiday parties and attending Korean language films that are offered in the metropolitan area. There are no separate programs or activities for men and women.

Demographics

The total number of families that regularly participate in the center's activities is about 50. Approximately one hundred and fifty other families participate on a less regular basis. Most are recent immigrants of Korean descent. There are, however, others who attend (non-Korean Americans), and membership has grown in recent years. There are two times of meditation each week: one on Sunday morning for those who speak Korean and one on Wednesday evening for those who speak English. Korean is the language most commonly used in informal communication

In the Community

The center is not actively involved in metropolitan interfaith activities or community activities. This is unlike what happens in Korea, where the temples are much more involved in the life of the community. Consequently, this center is more intimately involved in the lives of its affiliates. It does, however, maintain contact with other Korean centers in Korea and the United States.