Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
“Everyone has the right to be happy
no matter what circumstances they are in.”
no matter what circumstances they are in.”
– Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
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* 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 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.
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.
Sharing Wisdom with People All Over the World
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim 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.
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.
FEATURED VIDEOS
INTERVIEW
His Journey to Bring Happiness and Freedom in People’s Lives
TALK
At Justice Assembly at 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions
SPEECH
2020 Niwano Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
Books
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim has published close to sixty books since 1994. Five of them were translated into English, one was translated into French, 6 of them were translated into Thai, 3 of them were translated into Chinese, 2 were translated into Japanese, and one was translated into Vietnamese.
AWARDS
- 2020 · The 37th Niwano Peace Prize
- 2020 · TheOrder of Civil Merit, Moran Medal
- 2015 · Kripasaran Award, the Bengal Association of Buddhists
- 2011 · Reunication and Culture Award, Reunication and Culture Research Institute, Segye Daily
- 2011 · POSCO Chungam Award, POSCO Chungam Foundation
- 2007 · National Reconciliation and Cooperation Award, Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, Korea
- 2006 · DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Peace Prize, Gangwon Province, Korea
- 2002 · Ramon Magsaysay Peace and International Understanding Award, Philippines
- 2000 · Manhae Propagation Award, Korea
- 1998 · Kyobo Environmental Education Award, Korea
