John Kerry's Korean Buddhist Connection

From Kerry: 'I'd Like to Visit Korea's Buddhist Holy Sites.':

"...Kerry is very close to [Korean Buddhist martial art] Shim Gum Do's founder, Zen Master Kim Chang-sik, and has been a very strong supporter of Kim's activities in the United States. They exchange letters once a month to exchange views on Zen and spiritual discipline, and meet whenever the need arises.

"Just to give you an example of how close the two are, when Kerry's father passed away in 2000, he secluded himself at home to console his grief-stricken mother. He met with no one. No one, that is, except Zen Master Kim, whom it's said he met even then. According to those associated with Shim Gum Do, Kerry is not a student of the practice, but is know to have much interest in Eastern Zen and other forms of spiritual training. Although he's never visited Korea, he is reported to have said he would like to visit Buddhist holy spots in this country."


Zen Master Kim Chang-sik, founder of president of the World Shim Gum Do Association