How can we reach an agreement when we have different opinions?

Hello. Today, there is an invited lecture at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
Sunim departed from Dubuk Retreat Center at 3 AM and headed to Seoul. After driving on the highway for 3 hours and 30 minutes, he arrived at the Seoul Jungto Center at 6:30 AM.

After breakfast, Sunim proofread manuscripts and attended to work before taking his seat in front of the camera in the broadcasting room at 10 AM sharp to begin the live broadcast of the Weekly Dharma Assembly.

As all Jungto Society members entered the video conference room, Sunim greeted them.

“I visited Bhutan last week. I observed the autumn harvest situation and worked on supplying water to villages with water shortages. In some areas, we completed the project and held an opening ceremony in just one month. As the agricultural off-season approaches, it seems that various projects for sustainable development, such as housing improvement, water supply, and irrigation channel repair, will be in full swing. I will share a video of my visit to Bhutan last week with you.”

After watching the video, Sunim continued speaking.

“Did you watch it well? Your sincere donations are being put to good use for those in need in various places. This time, we worked on supplying water to people who lack it. From my experience with various support projects, it seems that people are most pleased with housing improvements for the poor and water supply projects. Since we can use water abundantly, we don’t realize how precious it is, but when you’re in a situation where water is scarce, you acutely feel how valuable it is. When we dug hand pumps in Pakistan last time, people were very happy. In Bhutan too, where water is always scarce, everyone was delighted when water was supplied like this.”

Sunim then had conversations with four people who had submitted questions in advance.

There is a precept in the Five Precepts that says not to kill, but I feel guilty every time I kill flies or mosquitoes, as if I’m always breaking the precept.

I don’t understand what it means my own habits can become my refuge.

I often get angry at my family members. How should I manage my emotions?

I was disqualified from the final screening for leading member education because I have to do shift work at my job. Is there any chance of leniency for unavoidable work-related cases?

After finishing the conversations, it was 11:30 AM. Sunim left the broadcasting room and headed to the Jungto Social and Cultural Center to have lunch with the Women’s INEB participants.

In the basement dining hall, volunteers had prepared food for the Women’s INEB participants with great care. Sunim thanked the volunteers.

“Thank you for your hard work. I will eat with gratitude.”

Bhikkhuni nuns from Sri Lanka offered a blessing prayer for the volunteers who prepared the food.

After finishing the meal, Sunim immediately headed to the National Assembly. He was invited as a speaker for the 20th anniversary ceremony of a National Assembly research group called ‘Political Forum for Unity’. Upon hearing this news, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung requested a tea meeting to hear Sunim’s thoughts on the current state of affairs.

At 1:20 PM, Sunim arrived at Sarangjae in the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. As Sunim got out of the car, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung personally greeted him.

“Welcome. It’s been a while since you’ve come to the National Assembly, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, it’s nice to see you.”

After exchanging greetings, they walked to Sarangjae. Dozens of reporters competed for coverage at the photo zone.

The War Crisis on the Korean Peninsula Has Become Serious, and I Would Like to Hear Sunim’s Thoughts

The tea meeting was to be held privately, but the first 5 minutes were allowed for media coverage. First, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung asked Sunim for his thoughts.

“These days, the world is in turmoil, people are struggling with making a living, and especially the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula has increased and the peace issue has become serious, so I wanted to hear your thoughts.”

In his opening remarks, Sunim emphasized three points: the war crisis on the Korean Peninsula, the seriousness of the medical crisis, and the difficulties of the common people’s economy. He urged the Democratic Party to actively work towards solving these problems instead of just blaming the government.

“First of all, the biggest issue is how we can maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula. When I go abroad, I often feel that South Korea’s status has risen significantly. Nevertheless, the risk of war is very high, and we are in danger of losing everything we have achieved over more than half a century in an instant. Therefore, I believe that maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula is the biggest task that politics must solve. Please discuss with the government to ensure that war never occurs on this land again. Secondly, the conflict between the government and the medical community is very serious now. It’s not that there are no problems in our country’s medical community. However, looking at the world as a whole, isn’t South Korea a country with a relatively well-established healthcare system? Even during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, our medical community responded relatively well. Therefore, while reform is necessary, it should be resolved through rational dialogue. If we continue with this confrontational structure, there is a risk that the healthcare system will collapse. My slight concern is that the Democratic Party seems to be staying silent on the conflict between the government and the medical community.”

“That’s not the case, but it might appear that way.”

“If a medical crisis occurs, the people will suffer enormous damage, but it seems that the Democratic Party continues to remain silent on this issue. In the past, when the Democratic Party was in power, they also tried to reform healthcare but failed. Is it because you’re upset about that?” (laughs)

“That’s not the case.”

“Third, the common people’s economy, especially centered around small businesses, is very difficult now. Because the common people’s economy is so difficult, I recently traveled from Seoraksan (Mt. Searak) along the east coast to Geoje Island. About 80 percent of the accommodation businesses were almost closed. While we can’t revive all small businesses, I think it’s very important to help them land softly to minimize damage. But I’m concerned that the political sphere might be continuing to neglect this issue. I think there needs to be care at the government level for the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed individuals.”

“That’s right. I actually wanted to hear such words from you, which is why I asked for your time.”

“Of course, I think the biggest problem is the government’s inadequate measures. But I also think the Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the National Assembly, bears a great responsibility. We can’t solve this problem just by blaming the government. In that sense, I hope you will respond actively.”

“I understand well.”

After these opening remarks, they had a private tea meeting for about 30 minutes. Once all the reporters left, the two had a more candid exchange of views on current national issues.

Park Nam-soo, former head of Cheondogyo, also joined the private tea meeting as a representative of the Religious People’s Association for Reconciliation and Peace of the Korean People, conveying the points of greatest concern to the people, including the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula.

After finishing the tea meeting, Sunim left Sarangjae, exchanged greetings with Lee Jae-myung, and headed to the National Assembly Library.

“Sunim, thank you for your good words today.”

Sunim then headed to the National Assembly Library to attend the 20th anniversary ceremony of the Political Forum for Unity. Upon arriving at the auditorium on the first basement floor of the National Assembly Library, all the attending members of the National Assembly came out to warmly welcome Sunim.

“Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule.”

The ‘Political Forum for Unity’ is a political movement group with an international network that started in Italy. It aims to contribute to human harmony and unity by applying universal brotherhood and love to political reality. In Korea, current and former members of the National Assembly, administrators, scholars, legal professionals, and individuals from various fields participate.

After listening to the opening speech by Congressman Park Soo-hyun, congratulatory remarks by Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, and words of encouragement from Bishop Pio Moon Chang-woo of the Catholic Diocese of Jeju, Sunim gave the keynote lecture.

Sunim began his lecture by expressing sympathy with the group’s aim to apply love to political reality and emphasizing what true love is.

“In the earlier congratulatory remarks, there was a lot of talk about ‘love’. What exactly is love? Is it love when I like someone? If love is liking someone, how is it different from desire? If actively doing what one likes is called love, I think that in today’s Korean politics, it’s not that there’s no love, but rather that there’s too much love, which is intensifying conflicts. So I’d like to raise a slight objection here. Love without understanding is violence. If we actively express our liking for someone, and continue to say we love them even when they say they don’t like it, this enters the realm of harassment.

Love Without Understanding Is Violence

When we have no recognition or understanding of those different from us, we tend to condemn them. We even demonize them. However, when we acknowledge those who are different from us and understand that they might have reasons for their actions from their perspective, no hatred or anger arises. Understanding the other person doesn’t mean they are right or that they did well. Today, peace on the Korean Peninsula is threatened as the risk of armed conflict between South and North Korea continues to rise. This intense conflict occurs because there is no mutual recognition or understanding between the two sides. South Korea criticizes North Korea only from its own perspective, and North Korea does the same to South Korea. South Korea claims that sending leaflets to North Korea is justified, while North Korea sending balloons with waste is a violation of the armistice agreement. North Korea says the exact same thing.

The conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties, progressives and conservatives, and various religions in South Korea today are similar. Each side stands firm in their position, condemning and demonizing the other. In such a state of condemnation and demonization, compromise is impossible. Any form of dialogue becomes difficult. Even if a dialogue occurs, it’s aimed at taming the “devil,” enticing to capture, or winning over the opponent. It’s not a dialogue based on mutual respect. The purpose of such dialogue is to subdue the other party through persuasion. When we typically engage in dialogue, we mainly try to persuade the other party. For persuasion to work, the other person must ultimately accept our perspective. But why can’t we accept someone who differs from us? Beliefs can be different, can’t they? If my belief is precious, so is theirs. If my ideology is important, so is theirs. If my interests are valuable, so are theirs. Just as I consider my assertions to be correct, they can also view their assertions as correct. Let’s first acknowledge this. By recognizing the other party who differs from us, we refrain from condemnation, which allows us to engage in dialogue. When we acknowledge our differences, we can at least attempt a conversation. If we think, ‘You’re a bad person’ or ‘You’re absolutely wrong,’ what meaning does dialogue hold? We might sit down and exchange a few words forcibly, but we can’t reach an agreement.

How to Reach an Agreement When Opinions Differ

What’s the easiest way to reach an agreement? It’s to completely agree with the other person’s opinion. That’s the simplest method. What’s the most difficult way? It’s to make the other person agree with your thoughts. I don’t understand why people avoid the easy path and always choose the difficult one. Getting others to agree with your opinion is the hardest thing to do. It’s impossible even between spouses or parents and children. Yet, most people seek to have others agree with their views. That’s why life becomes so noisy and challenging. The easiest way to agree with someone is to say, “Yes, you’re right. Let’s try it your way!” But we often don’t choose this easy path. The second easiest way to reach an agreement is to agree on common points if there are any, and discuss the differences later. However, in our country, people criticize this as collusion. So, they seek ways to push their arguments through without compromising, while completely denying the other side. To avoid compromise, they end up defining the other party as absolute evil.

Of course, there are times when we should not compromise. That’s when we need to make a revolution. The March 1st Independence Movement can be considered a kind of revolutionary movement. However, the question is whether today’s Korean society is in a situation that requires a revolution. Looking at the current inter-Korean relations, it seems that the leaders on both sides are judging it as if it’s a situation that calls for a revolution. If you listen to the South Korean leader’s words, North Korea is portrayed as an absolute evil that must be eliminated unconditionally, while South Korea is presented as an absolute good. The North Korean leader says exactly the same thing. When you define the other side in this way, the risk of war becomes very high. Even looking at the current political strife between the ruling and opposition parties, it seems that both sides are acting as if it’s a situation that requires a revolution. However, this is not an era where we need to fight against dictatorship, so the question is whether the current situation in South Korea really requires a revolution by the ruling and opposition parties. If it’s not a situation that requires a revolution, what we can do is reform. While a revolution completely negates the existing order, reform seeks to find common ground and make improvements within the framework of the existing order. From my perspective, it seems that both ruling and opposition party members are acting like revolutionary fighters. The path we should pursue now is how to improve issues within the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea. In this process, we should consider differences of opinion as natural. There can certainly be differences of opinion on how to improve South Korea. Those with vested interests tend to try to protect their privileges, while those without tend to try to overthrow the existing privileged class. If it’s not a situation that requires a revolution, isn’t politics about mediating between these two interests?

The Tragedy of South and North Korean People and Weapons Being Supplied to Foreign Wars

The Korean Peninsula has suffered numerous war damages over the past 5,000 years, but it’s often said we have never invaded or massacred other countries. He mentions that when we sent troops to Vietnam recently, we say we fought against communist guerrillas, but from Vietnam’s perspective, we interfered with their independence. Now, it’s reported that North Korea has dispatched troops to the Russia-Ukraine war from the standpoint of the North Korea-Russia alliance. Additionally, our country’s weapons are said to be highly effective in destroying people and buildings, resulting in a significant profit from weapon exports. While people proudly call it “K-defense industry,” I believes this is nothing to be proud of. Shouldn’t we be ashamed instead? Is providing weapons to Ukraine, causing mass destruction, truly in line with South Korea’s national interests, both present and future? It seems we have completely forgotten the immense suffering and loss of life we experienced during the Korean War, even though only 70 years have passed. North Korea has reportedly sent not only weapons but also people to the Ukraine war. Isn’t South Korea also itching to dispatch troops? I thinks we need to reflect on these actions. Sunim points out that South and North Korea are currently in a near-state of war. Whether it’s South Korea sending leaflets and drones to North Korea, or North Korea sending drones and balloons filled with trash to South Korea, these actions, regardless of the reasons, are already violations of the armistice agreement. However, South Korea justifies its actions by claiming to provide information to improve the human rights of North Korean citizens, while North Korea also rationalizes its actions in its own way. The small land of the Korean Peninsula is filled with an enormous amount of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons. Additionally, South Korea has formed a military alliance with the United States, the world’s strongest military power, while North Korea has formed a military alliance with Russia, the second strongest military power. If a war were to break out on this land, the damage would be unimaginably massive.

Moreover, the political climate in both South and North Korea seems to be leaning towards a willingness for war. It almost appears as if they believe war might help maintain their power. There’s also a possibility that the power struggle between the United States and China could lead to accepting a proxy war between South and North Korea. In the past, when South and North Korea were on the brink of conflict, the U.S. and China would intervene to prevent it. Now, however, tensions have escalated both internally and externally. While South Korea faces many issues, the escalating risk of war on the Korean Peninsula is the most critical problem. If war breaks out, it would instantly destroy the economy, culture, and democracy that we have built over the past half-century. Constantly pointing fingers at the other side for having more power does not solve any problems. Currently, one side holds executive power while the other controls the legislative branch. To prevent significant harm to the people, both sides need to set aside some of their demands and engage in dialogue and compromise. First, we must recognize that the situation on the Korean Peninsula is becoming increasingly dangerous and, at the very least, prevent war from breaking out. Second, we must prevent the collapse of the healthcare system due to unresolved conflicts. Third, we must prevent the explosion of social tensions caused by excessive wealth disparity.

Compromise Is Democracy When Implementing Reforms

It is not correct to criticize compromise as ‘political collusion’. This is because while compromise may be seen as ‘political collusion’ during a revolution, it is ‘democracy’ when implementing reforms. Reform is not about pushing through 100% of what I think. Reform means gradually improving things by considering the other side and agreeing to reduce 100 desired changes to 50. If we can’t do it this time, we try again next time, and if not then, we try the time after that. This is how we should progress. Therefore, we need to change the political system where the winner takes all. We need to shift to a perspective of reaching mutual agreements. I understand that this is difficult to achieve. We conducted our independence movement uncompromisingly, and our democratization movement in the same way. So, being uncompromising is ingrained in us. Those who compromised were treated as traitors and criticized as ‘sell-outs’. We have always lived in a culture where hardline voices were mainstream, so compromise was seen as somehow morally incorrect. Recently, with the strengthening of fandom politics, even your supporters don’t tolerate compromise at all, do they? Even within the party, if someone expresses an opinion slightly different from the mainstream view, they are branded as traitors. We must not continue to be swept up in this social atmosphere. If conflicts intensify because of this, a single party or individual might succeed, but the country as a whole will fall into great difficulty.

In that regard, I would like to express my gratitude for the efforts made by the Political Forum for Unity over the past 20 years. I hope that you will continue to develop efforts to apply universal brotherhood to political reality.”

All the politicians in attendance listened intently to Sunim’s words. After the hour-long lecture, Sunim left the stage to a round of applause.

After taking commemorative photos with the attending members of the National Assembly and guests, Sunim left the National Assembly.

“I really enjoyed your lecture today. Thank you.”

Sunim returned to the Seoul Jungto Social and Cultural Center by car. By then, the sun had set.

From 7:10 PM, Sunim spent time wrapping up the week-long Jungto Society study tour program with the female INEB participants.

First, each participant took turns presenting their reflections. All participants had written extensively on paper about what they had felt during the past six nights and seven days.

“It was very touching to see the staff always smiling despite the tight and demanding schedule. I learned a lot about environmental practices and I plan to live as an eco-Buddha when I return home. The only regret is that there wasn’t enough time to rest or regroup due to the tight schedule.”

“I was able to learn about engaged Buddhism everywhere. Seeing the volunteers at Jungto Society, I resolved not to lose hope. Venerable Pomnyun Sunim has done a lot of relief work in Sri Lanka, and now I hope that Jungto Dharma School will be opened in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka also needs Buddha Dharma. I want to bring the Jungto Society model to Sri Lanka.”

“All participants were women. Perhaps because of this, everyone was more attentive, considerate of each other, and very humble. It was a more special study tour than ever before. I remember most vividly Venerable Pomnyun Sunim’s words that bodhisattvas go to hell, not heaven, to save sentient beings. Sleeping together in a large room was also an unforgettable experience.”

“I learned that there’s more to Korea than just BTS and bibimbap. All members of Jungto Society showed how they apply Buddha Dharma in their daily lives. I think I can apply the practice of defecating and fermenting it for recycling in Ladakh as well. Seeing the Saligo Center where items are recycled, I want to operate something similar in the organization I work for.”

“I cried a lot while watching videos of Venerable Pomnyun Sunim doing many things for all sentient beings and having direct conversations with him. I already knew about Buddhist philosophy, but this was the first time I saw how it’s applied in daily life. I would like to participate in the Awakening Retreat later. I want to experience for myself why people volunteer.”

“I was amazed to see so many people living a life of practice and service without receiving any salary. I was able to learn a lot about living a frugal life and recycling resources.”

Sunim listened attentively to each person’s presentation and took notes on necessary points.

As the reflections continued, everyone’s eyes gradually turned red. The six nights and seven days were filled with continuous moments of inspiration. The staff who worked behind the scenes also shared their thoughts one by one.

“I’ve been volunteering as a driver for this program for 10 years. My life also changed after meeting Venerable Pomnyun Sunim. I hope that you can all return to your countries and spread the seeds of Buddha Dharma.”

The participants gave even bigger applause to the volunteers who took time off work to help with interpretation, driving, accommodation guidance, and photography.

Dharma teacher Deokseong, who accompanied the entire schedule, also shared her thoughts.

“Female activists played a big role in shaping the current Jungto Society. Just as I did, we prepared this program hoping that Buddha Dharma would spread widely in Southeast Asia through all of you. I was glad to feel your enthusiasm for learning Buddha Dharma, and I was also able to reflect once again on Venerable Pomnyun Sunim’s teachings. Let’s continue to work together to solve the suffering of people in the world.”

Lastly, Moo, the Secretary General of INEB, shared his thoughts.

“It’s been 10 years since we started conducting INEB study tours. At first, only male bhikkhus participated. Gradually, it expanded to include female bhikkhunis. I think it’s very meaningful that female lay practitioners joined this time. It seems similar to how the Sangha community created by the Buddha expanded. I’m grateful to Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and Jungto Society for always welcoming us kindly.”

After the reflections, Sunim gave closing remarks. Both bhikkhunis and female activists are engaged in activities to help people in need. Sunim talked about what to keep in mind when helping those in need.

“When I first met you all, I was pleased to hear about the activities you’re doing in each country. I was particularly impressed by the medical volunteer work for residents in Ladakh. In fact, activities that address health issues of residents are very necessary in poor countries. There are many areas that don’t require much expense and can be done without professional medical staff. I thought it would be good if such aspects were well developed.

Points to Consider When Helping Those in Need

I hold the view that people should basically live independently. This is because all living beings in nature live on their own. When they receive support from outside, their wildness or self-reliance is mostly damaged. For example, livestock live with the help of humans. In return, they have to provide labor. If not, they must provide milk or meat; there’s always a price to pay for support. That’s why it’s important to be self-reliant if possible. Although being self-reliant is difficult, it’s the only way to become the master of one’s own life.

However, there are cases in nature where self-reliance is not possible. This is the case with offspring. For humans, we can say it’s during the minor years. Apart from that, there are no living beings in nature that survive on external support. However, in the case of humans, when it’s difficult to live on their own, such as when they are sick, old, or disabled, they live together with help from others, whereas in nature, they would be eliminated. Therefore, we need to be very careful when helping those in need. First, we should not help in a way that undermines self-reliance. Second, we should not support anything that encourages desire. While this might be possible in general society, for practitioner groups like us who follow the Buddha’s teachings, we should not provide support that encourages desire. We should always support in a way that allows those receiving help to be the primary agents, further developing their self-reliance. Also, support should be provided within the scope of not encouraging desire.

However, in modern society, even helping others has become quite commercialized. These days, TV advertisements often show images of people living in poverty and misery to stimulate emotions and raise funds. I don’t think this approach is desirable. When I visit areas struck by earthquakes or floods for international relief work, I often see that the suffering on the ground is used as a means for fundraising. In a way, it could be seen as a business that feeds off people’s misfortunes. As practitioners, we should not engage in this type of charitable work. We should help with what they truly need, adhering to the principle of not undermining their self-reliance or encouraging greed. If these principles and conditions are met, I am willing to help improve the lives of people regardless of their country or religion. It’s about transferring resources or goods from those who have a little extra to those who lack. However, the fundamental principle that practitioners should hold is to prioritize alleviating people’s spiritual suffering through Buddha Dharma. I believe material support is also necessary when people face temporary difficulties due to major disasters. This is because the Buddha said that offering food to the hungry and medicine to the sick is as meritorious as making offerings to the Buddha. I hope that your activities will not only alleviate the suffering of sentient beings through Buddha Dharma but also provide material support to those in real need, thus addressing their suffering in these two ways.

Everyone wants to be respected and dislikes being discriminated against. That’s why we should focus on improving discrimination. It would be great if we could participate more in realizing social justice.”

After saying this, Sunim took questions on points that were still unclear. A bhikkhuni from Ladakh raised her hand to ask a question.

How Should Women Approach Their Activities in a Patriarchal Society?

“Sunim, you have a wealth of experience and have walked many paths, so I’d like to ask for your advice on how we should live our lives. The organization I belong to is run entirely by bhikkhunis. Although we are engaged in activities that contribute to society, the society I live in is very patriarchal. As a result, many bhikkhunis become discouraged and experience conflicts while carrying out their activities. What perspective should we adopt as we continue our work?”

“How should you live your life? Just live it.”

Sunim began his response with a smile.

“When you’re hungry, eat. When you’re tired, rest. When you’re sleepy, sleep. And if you have energy left, help others. However, if you approach things too intentionally, you’ll end up stressed, exhausted, and frustrated. Then you won’t be able to continue your activities for long. Also, you should expect that there will be some resistance when trying to improve something. That way, it won’t be so difficult. Insects live, squirrels live, rabbits live – what’s so hard about humans living? Living itself isn’t difficult. It becomes hard when we have excessive desires. I hope you can approach your activities with a lighter heart. Instead, be consistent. The Buddha’s teaching is to practice comfortably but consistently. What was Buddha’s final message? ‘All things are impermanent. Strive on diligently.’ He added, ‘Like water dripping on a rock.’ How long would it take for water to make a hole in a rock? This means to be persistent. If you persist, changes will occur over time.

That’s why I always emphasizes three things to Jungto Society members. First, through 100 days of dedicated practice, one can come to know oneself. If one is stubborn, one will recognize that stubbornness; if one is greedy, one will recognize that greed. The point is not to change these traits, but simply to become aware of one’s own state. Second, if one wishes to modify traits like stubbornness or excessive greed, a 1000-day practice is necessary. This can lead to changes noticeable enough for others to remark, “You’ve changed.” Third, to change the society we live in, a 10,000-day practice is required. The reason Jungto Society engages in a 30-year, or 10,000-day practice, is because when a generation focuses on a specific goal, society can be transformed. Until the early 1960s, South Korea was extremely poor. This led to a collective aspiration: “We can’t continue living in such poverty. Let’s try to prosper.” The lyrics of a popular song at that time went, “Let’s live well! Let’s live well! Let’s try to live well for once!” Then, in less than 30 years, Seoul hosted the Olympics in 1988.

At that time, South Korea had been under a dictatorship for a long time. The April 19 Revolution, led primarily by students, overthrew the dictatorial regime and ushered in a new government. However, within a year, a military coup occurred, and the country reverted to a dictatorship. In the 1980s, another democratic movement arose, toppling the Yushin dictatorship. Soon after, another military coup took place, followed by the May 18 Democratic Uprising, continuing the struggle for democracy. Looking back on this history, we can see that it took 30 years for the aspiration for democracy to truly set the country on the path to genuine democratization. The same applies to the Korean Wave today. The people who first initiated the Korean Wave were those who, as university students, engaged in the people’s cultural movement to revive our traditional culture. Their efforts laid the foundation for today’s fusion of traditional and Western cultures. As a result, the new Korean Wave culture emerged. For a society to change in this way, it takes about 30 years of effort from a central force. So, if you have set a goal to change the world, for example, if you want to change the patriarchal system because it’s too severe, you need to understand that it will take at least 30 years of effort. To achieve this, first, you must gain trust. Women’s activities should gradually gain public trust, leading to a growing recognition that “women are doing an excellent job.

Secondly, as the Ladakh region gradually opens up, the entire society will change bit by bit. Currently, it can be seen as somewhat isolated, but since India is undergoing significant changes, I believe Ladakh will also change in about 10 years. With your efforts combined with societal changes, it will be very different 30 years from now. So, I encourage you to take a longer view and have patience. However, you must persist consistently. If you become impatient, it ultimately leads to two conclusions. First, you may leave Buddhism, meaning you’ll take off your monastic robes and leave. This is because the Sangha community is too authoritarian. Second, you might leave for another country because you want to work more freely elsewhere. But even if you do that, while you might become free, it doesn’t change Ladakh society. So if your goal is to change Ladakh society, you shouldn’t be impatient. You shouldn’t just wait idly, but you also shouldn’t be too hasty.”

After another hour of Dharma Q&A, the conversation concluded past 10 PM.

Lastly, there was a gift-giving session. Sunim presented each participant with a book of his Dharma talks translated into English and a wind chime.

All the female INEB participants were delighted to receive gifts from Sunim. The participants also brought gifts they had prepared and presented them to Sunim.

While exchanging gifts, they expressed their gratitude for each other.

“Thank you.”

A bhikkhuni from Sri Lanka prostrated on the ground, conveying her gratitude to Sunim.

Tears welled up in her smiling eyes. After taking a final group photo together, they reluctantly accepted the farewell.

Tomorrow, Sunim will depart for Dubuk Jungto Retreat Center at 3 AM from Seoul. He will spend the entire day hosting a celebration for the elderly living near the retreat center, and in the evening, he will conduct the ninth Dharma Q&A session of “Happy Dialogue” in Ulsan.