The Korean Seon (Zen) master Venerable Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) wears many hats: Buddhist monk, teacher, author, environmentalist, and social activist, to name a few. As a widely respected Dharma teacher and a tireless socially engaged activist in his native South Korea, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim has founded numerous Dharma-based organizations, initiatives, and projects that are active across the world. Among them, Jungto Society, a volunteer-based community founded on the Buddhist teachings and expressing equality, simple living, and sustainability, is dedicated to addressing modern social issues that lead to suffering, including environmental degradation, poverty, and conflict.
This column, shared by Jungto Society, presents a series of highlights from Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s writings, teachings, public talks, and regular live-streamed Dharma Q+A sessions, which are accessible across the globe.
The following teachings were given in Dallas on 14 September 2023. This article is the 14th in a special series taken from Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s Dharma tour of Europe and North America—his first overseas tour since the pandemic. Titled “Casual Conversation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim: Come Talk about Life, Wisdom, and Happiness” the Dharma tour ran from 1–22 September 2023, taking in 21 cities: six in Europe and 15 in North America.*
Giving up my hobby for my family
Q: I am someone who really loves playing tennis. I’ve been playing since my college days and was active in club activities. Fourteen years ago, I met my beloved wife. I love tennis so much that I play for three hours at least three times a week. But since last year, my wife has been telling me to play only once a week. I have a son in middle school, and her reason is that my son’s education would go well if his father stayed at home.
My favorite hobby is tennis, but when my wife tells me not to play, my heart feels heavy and painful. Nevertheless, out of respect for my wife’s opinion, I have been playing tennis only once a week. As a compromise, she has suggested that I play during the day. However, it’s difficult to play tennis in Dallas during the day because it’s so hot.
I have to go to the tennis court at night so that I can meet people and play. In the early days of our marriage, my wife agreed that I could play tennis whenever I wanted, but I didn’t receive a written pledge at the time, which is why I’m in trouble now. I’ve earned a lot of money for my family, so I feel frustrated because I’m facing this challenge. I love my wife, but how can I overcome these feelings?
▶️ Published by BDG on January 4, 2024
▶️ Read more: https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/living-a-life-without-suffering/
