Buddhist Teacher & Humanitarian

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim

The Guiding Dharma Teacher of Jungto Society

Once people become lighthearted and happier, they will start helping others who are suffering.

— Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
Venerable Pomnyun Sunim

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim* (법륜스님) is renowned for his insightful yet accessible Dharma talks and for his far-reaching humanitarian and peace efforts. Since founding Jungto Society in 1988, he has dedicated his life to addressing suffering through Buddhist practice and social action.

* Sunim is a Korean title of respect for Buddhist monastics.

Life & Path

The Life & Path of Ven. Pomnyun Sunim

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim teaching Dharma

The Guiding Dharma Teacher of Jungto Society

He entered the Buddhist Sangha as a novice in 1969 under the guidance of his teacher, Ven. Bulshim Domoon Sunim, at Boonwhangsa Temple, South Korea. In addition to spreading the Buddha's teachings and helping individuals to free themselves from suffering through practice, he has participated actively in social movements to improve the society as a whole.

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim* (법륜스님) is renowned in his native South Korea and around the world for his insightful yet accessible Dharma talks and for his far-reaching humanitarian and peace efforts. In 1988, he founded Jungto Society, a volunteer-based community that follows the Buddha's teachings.

Based on the values of equality, simple living, and sustainability, the organization has dedicated itself to addressing social issues that lead to suffering, including environmental degradation, poverty, and conflict.

* Sunim is a Korean title of respect for Buddhist monastics.

Humanitarian Aid Expert, Peace Activist, and Environmentalist

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) has been advocating a new paradigm of civilization in which everyone becomes happy through practice, creates a better society through active participation in social movements, and protects the environment through a simple life-style.

He founded Join Together Society (JTS) in 1994 to eradicate famine in developing countries; Ecobuddha in 1994 to protect the environment; and Good Friends in 1999 to advocate human rights, help refugees, and promote world peace. He also established the Peace Foundation, a private research institute, in 2004, to bring permanent peace, stability, and unification to the Korean peninsula.

Through these organizations, he has devoted himself to advocating human rights, eradicating famine, disease, and illiteracy in many countries (Afghanistan, India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and North Korea) and promoting peace on the Korean peninsula.

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim humanitarian work
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim Dharma Q&A session

Sharing Wisdom with People All Over the World

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) is also well known for his unique ways of engaging audiences in Dharma Q&A sessions. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, his talks took place in public places like community centers, libraries, universities, and churches and were free of charge. Thus, they were easily accessible to people from all walks of life and of different ages and religious backgrounds.

Responding to a wide variety of questions from the audience, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim helps us see how we can apply the insights and wisdom of the Buddha's teaching in tackling issues in our everyday lives, such as stress, anxiety or sadness, as well as social issues. His recorded Dharma Q&A talks on YouTube and podcasts have touched and inspired many people around the world.

Learn More About Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님)

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) is renowned for his Dharma teachings, humanitarian work, and peace efforts. While this website introduces his work and Jungto Society, you can explore his far-reaching contributions in greater depth at Pomnyun.com.

Discover more about his humanitarian aid, peace advocacy, environmental initiatives, and unique approach to sharing the Buddha's teachings.

Please take a moment to visit Pomnyun.com to explore further.

Visit Pomnyun.com

Featured Videos

Watch & Listen

Talk

At Justice Assembly at 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions

Speech

2020 Niwano Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

Recognition

Awards & Honors

  • 2020

    The 37th Niwano Peace PrizeNiwano Peace Foundation, Japan

  • 2020

    The Order of Civil Merit, Moran MedalSouth Korea

  • 2015

    Kripasaran AwardThe Bengal Association of Buddhists

  • 2011

    Reunification and Culture AwardReunification and Culture Research Institute, Segye Daily

  • 2011

    POSCO Chungam AwardPOSCO Chungam Foundation

  • 2007

    National Reconciliation and Cooperation AwardKorean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, Korea

  • 2006

    DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Peace PrizeGangwon Province, Korea

  • 2002

    Ramon Magsaysay Peace and International Understanding AwardPhilippines

  • 2000

    Manhae Propagation AwardKorea

  • 1998

    Kyobo Environmental Education AwardKorea

Published Works

Books by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim

Explore the wisdom and teachings through his published works

What Is Happiness?
Hardcover, eBook, Audio

What Is Happiness?

Purchase
The Buddha — A True Revolutionary
eBook

The Buddha — A True Revolutionary

Purchase
Why Am I Anxious?
Paperback, eBook

Why Am I Anxious?

Purchase
A Taste of Enlightenment: Stories from Seon Buddhism
eBook

A Taste of Enlightenment: Stories from Seon Buddhism

Purchase
Awakening
eBook

Awakening

Purchase
A Monk's Reply to Everyday Problems
eBook

A Monk's Reply to Everyday Problems

Purchase
Prayer
eBook

Prayer

Purchase

Continue the Journey

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim's teachings offer practical wisdom for modern life. Whether through online dharma talks, meditation practice, or community engagement, there are many ways to begin.

Join our community and discover the path to true happiness and freedom from suffering.