Jungto International practitioners from the Seoul 2 Group is embodying the bodhisattva spirit by reaching out to people of diverse backgrounds to spread true happiness and freedom. These practitioners, many of whom are not fluent in English, have taken on the challenge of connecting non-Koreans to Happiness 101, a pilot program designed to introduce English speakers to the teachings of the Buddha with minimal religious elements.
The idea of hosting a program in English initially seemed daunting to group leader Huh In-sook. “I’m not a native English speaker,” she emphasized. However, with encouragement from fellow members and their unwavering commitment to the cause, the group embraced the challenge.
The weight of the language barrier was felt from the moment they set out to advertise the program and encourage people to sign up on the streets. Kim Jin-sook recalled their efforts in bustling areas such as Jogyesa and Bongunsa, handing out flyers and striking up conversations. “At first, it was nerve-wracking,” she said. “But soon, we learned to approach people with sincerity and engage them in meaningful discussions.”
Kim Song-ju shared a creative approach she developed to work through people’s resistance: instead of leading with religious questions, she would share postcards with inspiring messages. “We’d simply say, ‘Would you like to read something beautiful?’ We gave out all the postcards like that.”
Even those with minimal English proficiency found ways to connect. Hwang In-nam emphasized that language was secondary to intention. “It’s about conveying sincerity and a sense of happiness,” he explained. His memorable interaction with a young Pakistani participant highlighted the universal appeal of the program. “We connected over shared questions about life and happiness,” he said, underscoring the power of authentic dialogue.
Though not every attempt yielded immediate results, each experience was a step forward. Lee Mi-hwa, reflecting on her first-time participation, noted, “We’re planting seeds. Even if they don’t join right away, our efforts to share meaningful resources will resonate over time.” One highlight for Lee was meeting participants from diverse backgrounds, such as visitors from the Philippines who expressed gratitude for Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s humanitarian work in the Philippines.
For Kwak Yoon-kyung, a surprising success came from reaching out to a well-known Nepalese figure via social media. “When he agreed to attend, it was an incredible moment,” she said, illustrating how modern tools can bridge cultural gaps.
The group’s efforts did not go without challenges. The team’s excitement turned to huge disappointment when, despite nine registrations, no attendees joined one session of Happiness 101. However, this became a powerful lesson. “The experience reminded us to focus on the process,” said Kim Jin-sook. “The act of coming together and preparing as a team is where the real value lies.”
This sentiment resonated with the entire group. Their efforts serve as an inspiration for all practitioners who aspire to spread the Buddha’s teachings. We thank the Seoul 2 Group members for working together to spread happiness. If you’re interested in learning more about Happiness 101, please send an email at happiness101@jungto.org.
