Will I Feel at Peace If I Avoid People Who Hurt Me?

Hello. Morning has dawned at Dubuk Jungto Retreat Center. Today, Sunim is scheduled to attend the ‘Peace 2.0 Forum’ in Daegu and give an invited lecture for Lions Clubs International in Ulsan.

After completing morning practice and meditation, Sunim went to Busan in the morning for dental treatment. After finishing the treatment, he returned to Dubuk Jungto Retreat Center, had lunch, and departed for Daegu at 12 PM to attend the ‘Peace 2.0 Forum’.

The Peace Foundation has been organizing the ‘Peace 2.0 Forum’ for three years to build solidarity with regional private academic research institutions. Following Gwangju and Busan, today marks the third forum being held in Daegu.

After an hour’s drive, Sunim arrived at the event venue, Kyungpook National University in Daegu, at 1 PM. He got out at the main building and headed to the president’s office for a preliminary tea meeting.

President Heo Young-woo of Kyungpook National University warmly welcomed Sunim. After taking a commemorative photo together, they had tea and conversation with the president and other Kyungpook National University professors.

The president opened the conversation with a smile.

“I often watch Dharma Q&A on YouTube. Since I’m also raising children, I had some questions I wanted to ask before meeting you today. While today we’re discussing Korean Peninsula peace issues, please come and hold a Dharma Q&A for our Kyungpook National University students next time. Next year is our university’s 80th anniversary, and I would very much like to invite you.”

Sunim responded with a smile.

“Like you, President, people want to ask questions whenever they see me. Once, someone even asked if they could ask a question when I went to the restroom at a highway rest stop. Today is a forum where experts present on Korean Peninsula peace issues, so I’m not the main character – the experts are. I’ll come to give a lecture for Kyungpook National University students next time.”

Professor Choi Cheol-young then shared his thoughts on Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and The Peace Foundation, as well as the state of unification research in the region.

“As the Korean Peninsula peace issue has been stagnant for the past 10 years, many civic organizations have given up, but The Peace Foundation has steadily researched Korean Peninsula peace issues without wavering. While most presidents or chairpersons only give brief greetings at academic events and leave, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim listens attentively until the end and provides comments to experts at the conclusion. He plays a very meaningful role for experts researching inter-Korean relations and Korean Peninsula peace.

In the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, there are almost no universities researching unification and peace. Kyungpook National University can be considered the only one. These days, students’ interest in unification and peace is also declining, and despite being a very important issue, even academia is losing interest. While unification is an issue for all our citizens, research institutions are concentrated only in Seoul as if it were Seoul’s problem. The provinces are marginalized.”

Sunim empathized with the professor’s concerns and explained the purpose of organizing today’s event.

“When the North and South discuss unification, confrontational structures naturally form. However, I think it’s meaningful to explore a federal unification plan by strengthening local autonomy within South Korea, like Germany’s example. In other words, if we envision Korean Peninsula unification in the form of an ‘8-province federation’ or ’10-province federation’ rather than a ‘North-South federation,’ we could ease the confrontation between North and South. Hamgyong Province would maintain its characteristics, Pyeongan Province its characteristics, Hwanghae Province its characteristics, and North Gyeongsang Province its characteristics, while each region maintains autonomy and diversity, moving toward a quasi-federal state overall. I believe this approach could make the direction of national development much more flexible.

Not North-South but an 8-Province Federation: A New Path for Korean Peninsula Unification

Currently, our country has an excessively centralized structure. As a result, the agenda of ‘unification’ also tends to naturally concentrate in Seoul. That’s why The Peace Foundation seeks to expand exchanges with regional academic research institutions. Rather than inviting professors to Seoul, The Peace Foundation directly visits regions to create opportunities for dialogue with local experts. The Peace Foundation pursues two goals. First, to prevent war from breaking out on the Korean Peninsula. Second, to alleviate the suffering of North Korean residents. North Korean residents have been suffering for over 30 years since the ‘Arduous March’ period. If tensions between North and South ease and the military burden decreases, the living conditions of North Korean residents will improve and human rights oppression will naturally be alleviated. Creating such an environment is our task. The Peace Foundation is conducting various activities to improve this environment. Humanitarian aid from private organizations alone cannot help all North Korean residents. However, if we create a peaceful environment, the benefits will ultimately reach all North Korean residents. I believe this is the direction we should research and practice.”

.

As they continued their conversation, it was time to begin the forum. Everyone moved together to the event venue, the Faculty Council Conference Room.

At 2 PM, the ‘Peace 2.0 Forum’ began with opening remarks from Kwon Young-sun, Director of The Peace Foundation. After watching an introductory video about The Peace Foundation, participants introduced themselves. Experts from academic research institutions in the Daegu region gathered in one place, including the Institute for Peace Studies at Kyungpook National University and the Institute for Territorial Peace at Daegu University. Several research fellows from The Peace Foundation also attended.

First, Professor Choi Chul-young from the Department of Law at Daegu University gave a keynote presentation on today’s theme, ‘Peace on the Korean Peninsula and the K-Initiative.’ Professor Choi traced the roots of the Korean Peninsula’s division to the hostile division structure that became entrenched through the alliance system following the US-Soviet Allied period. He pointed out that the two axes of South Korea-US-Japan and North Korea-China-Russia currently operate on their respective normative foundations, and that true peace is difficult to expect within this confrontational structure.

“The alliances of South Korea-US-Japan and North Korea-China-Russia are not merely military cooperation, but are justified by different normative systems. The problem is that these two norms operate in ways that negate each other. Now we must go beyond this hostile normative system and establish a new norm that allows the entire Korean Peninsula to coexist – that is, the ‘norm of a peace community.’ This is the core of the K-Initiative and the direction we must pursue.”

Professor Choi also added that centralized unification concepts have strengthened inter-Korean confrontation until now, and that a quasi-federal approach respecting regional autonomy would be a new path to peace and integration.

Next, Professor Nam Ki-jeong from the Institute for Japanese Studies at Seoul National University presented on ‘Peace on the Korean Peninsula and the K-Initiative toward Japan.’ Professor Nam defined the ‘1965 System’ as a three-layered structure of colonialism-hegemony-division, and emphasized that a ‘Post-1965 System’ that transcends this is key to peace on the Korean Peninsula. He analyzed that Korea-Japan relations are not simply a bilateral diplomatic issue, but exist within a complex structure where the history of colonial rule, Cold War structure, and East Asian hegemonic order intersect.

“The two pillars of the 1965 System – Articles 2 and 3 of the Korea-Japan Basic Treaty – are the persistent undertones that have dominated Korea-Japan relations for 60 years. Article 2 implies the illegality of colonial rule, while Article 3 embodies the Cold War order. The fact that these two articles exist side by side shows that Korea-Japan historical reconciliation and peace-building on the Korean Peninsula are inseparable structures. Ultimately, when Japan acknowledges the illegality of colonial rule and Korea accepts North Korea’s existence as another party on the Korean Peninsula, only then will the ‘Post-1965 System’ open up.”

Professor Nam further emphasized that reconciliation between Korea and Japan is not simply a historical issue but directly connected to restructuring the Northeast Asian peace order, and that the K-Initiative must create a triangular reconciliation structure linking Korea-Japan, inter-Korean, and North Korea-Japan relations.

After the two presentations ended, a panel discussion followed.

Dong Yong-seung, Secretary General of Good Farmers, pointed out that the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula is increasing amid rapidly changing international circumstances, and emphasized that Korea must play a leading role in forming a peace structure. He proposed that peace on the Korean Peninsula should be based on voluntary cooperation and mutual necessity between the two Koreas rather than coercive deterrence, and that Korea should strengthen its role as a central axis of economic and social cooperation in Northeast Asia.

Professor Oh Jung-il from the Department of Public Administration at Kyungpook National University evaluated that while Professor Nam’s ‘Post-1965 System’ concept is meaningful, it is not easy to implement within real politics and institutional constraints. He also emphasized that reorganizing Korea-Japan relations while excluding North Korea would be difficult to lead to peace on the Korean Peninsula, and that participation from both Koreas and civil society must be institutionalized.

Lee Soo-hyung, Senior Advisor at the Institute for National Security Strategy, defined today’s international order as an era of national interest competition rather than ideology, and emphasized that Korea should not remain focused solely on US-centered diplomacy. He analyzed that strategic autonomy should be expanded by pursuing northern diplomacy in parallel with southern diplomacy, and that this could establish a practical foundation for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Professor Lee Jung-tae from the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Kyungpook National University found the source of inter-Korean conflict in mutual misunderstanding and lack of communication, and said that we must move away from military-centered thinking. He emphasized that shifting to an economy and technology-centered cooperation paradigm and restoring mutual trust should be the starting point for peace.

After completing the panel discussion and taking a short break, the general discussion began at 4 PM. The moderator, Professor Lee Jung-chul, first presented the broad framework for the discussion. He mentioned new cooperation structures in northern regions and the shaking of value alliances, emphasizing the need to determine whether Korea should view this as a new opportunity or perceive it as a crisis. He then asked designated discussants for their opinions on what strategic space Korea could secure within great power politics and how to practically create peace on the Korean Peninsula as central themes.

Dr. Kim Soo-am from the Korea Institute for National Unification diagnosed that the current international situation is difficult to explain with existing US-centered international political theories. He emphasized that rather than being trapped in simplistic interpretations using the term ‘New Cold War,’ flexible responses appropriate to the situation are needed while maintaining the foundation of the Korea-US alliance. He also pointed out that North Korea has recently been clearly leading the Korean Peninsula situation, and that if Korea remains passive in its response, it could lose the initiative. He added that in Korea-Japan relations as well, practical cooperation should be strengthened rather than emotional approaches to turn challenges into opportunities.

Professor Lee Chul also mentioned the importance of ways for inter-Korean economic cooperation, while pointing out the practicality of plans to utilize Arctic routes and North Korea’s lack of industrial infrastructure. He evaluated that today’s international competition has changed from ideological confrontation like in the past to a structure prioritizing each country’s interests, and that interpreting this simply as a ‘New Cold War’ does not properly reflect reality.

Professor Nam Ki-jeong defined Korea’s situation as a ‘pluralistic political reality within a complex international environment’ and analyzed that a strategy of flexible response according to circumstances is needed rather than a linear diplomatic line. He emphasized that in relations with Japan, rather than focusing only on historical issues, areas of possible cooperation should be strategically explored. He particularly explained that if North Korea-Japan relations improve, it could have a positive impact on peace on the Korean Peninsula and the realization of the K-Initiative.

Professor Choi Chul-young pointed out that the term ‘New Cold War’ itself could negatively impact discussions on peace on the Korean Peninsula, while analyzing that a loose but realistic bloc structure is actually being strengthened. He emphasized that before the trilateral structure of South Korea-US-Japan and North Korea-China-Russia solidifies, tensions should be eased by exploring multilateral cooperation and various diplomatic channels. He also proposed that in a situation where North Korea has unilaterally abrogated inter-Korean agreements, Korea should continue peace momentum through new diplomatic channels connecting China, Russia, and Japan.

Finally, Professor Nam Ki-jeong concluded the discussion by analyzing the characteristics of Japanese diplomacy. He explained that Japan has taken a ‘second mover’ strategy, not moving before the United States but quickly achieving results once an opportunity arises. He advised that just as Japan has always prepared a Plan B, Korea should also design multiple options simultaneously both within and outside the US-Japan cooperation system. He presented the possibility of multi-layered cooperation involving local governments and the private sector by connecting recent changes in Japanese politics with new economic zone issues such as the Pan-East Sea region and Arctic routes.

After the heated discussion, the moderator finally asked Sunim for closing remarks. Sunim concluded the discussion by emphasizing that we must view peace on the Korean Peninsula anew from the perspective of cooperation rather than competition, and autonomy rather than subordination.

“I think holding this gathering in Daegu today has particularly meaningful significance. The presenters and discussants have offered many new ideas, giving me a good opportunity to think deeply about various matters. Today, I would like to focus on the point that ‘we need to change our thinking.’ I will particularly discuss this centered on the theme of the ‘K-Initiative.'”

The Path for Us to Lead Peace on the Korean Peninsula: The K-Initiative

“First, regarding our relationship with North Korea. Until now, we have perceived North Korea as a competitor. This perception was very strong in the past and still remains today. However, North Korea is no longer our competitor. We need to make this clear. Whatever actions North Korea takes, whether shooting incidents or missile launches, we should view these not from a competitive perspective but as subjects for risk management. Of course, strengthening defense capabilities to prevent war is necessary from a safety management perspective, but in other areas, we need an attitude that helps North Korea come out to the international community. For example, if we support North Korea in directly dialoguing with Japan or the United States, that would actually contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. However, until now, whenever North Korea talked with the United States, we have always reacted from a competitor’s perspective, calling it ‘bypassing South Korea to reach the US’ or ‘Korea passing.’ Our attitude of blocking North Korea from directly communicating with the international community and trying to lead from the middle also stemmed from competitive consciousness. Now we must change this thinking. We need to recognize that North Korea is no longer a threatening presence, but a neighbor in difficulty whom we should cooperate with and help.”

Second, regarding our relationship with Japan. We have lived with a victim mentality toward Japan for a long time. When related topics come up, we still react emotionally. However, it’s now time to move beyond whether Japan reflects or apologizes, and instead overcome our victim mentality to establish a confident relationship. Looking at the current international situation, within the larger framework of U.S.-China competition, Russia, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and Taiwan are all moving like pieces on a Go board. In this context, South Korea needs to explore a framework for cooperation with Japan to secure autonomy without being swept away on this massive chessboard. We can see this clearly from the European example. Germany and France fought fiercely for a long time, but after World War II, they realized that continuing to fight was meaningless and joined hands. As a result, the path to European integration opened. The same applies to us. Rather than repeatedly blaming the past, we need to open a path of cooperation for future benefits. If South Korea and Japan can cooperate together rather than compete, and secure autonomy even amid hegemonic competition, it will greatly benefit our national interests. Of course, this doesn’t mean forgetting or covering up the past. Nor does it mean unconditionally moving on like the previous administration did. Rather, we need the wisdom to strategically utilize historical issues when necessary to draw concessions from Japan. To use a marital analogy, instead of constantly bringing up a husband’s past infidelity to fight about it, wisdom lies in using it strategically to gain concessions when needed. There’s no reason to remain trapped in feelings of inferiority or anger about events that happened 80 years ago.

Cooperation, Not Competition; Leadership, Not Subordination

This approach is what I call the ‘K-Initiative.’ In Korea-Japan relations, we should take the lead. Rather than a structure where relations improve only when Japan apologizes and stall when they don’t, we need to create a framework where we proactively open and lead the relationship. The same applies to the North Korea issue. Instead of our relationship changing based on North Korea’s attitude, we should guide it in a direction where we lead peacefully. Third, the same principle applies to our relationship with the United States. Until now, the Korea-US alliance has had a somewhat subordinate character. It’s time to develop into an ‘autonomous alliance.’ While remaining within America’s broader alliance system, we must be able to prioritize our position on matters concerning peace on the Korean Peninsula and our interests. We should cooperate with the US position on global issues, but on Korean Peninsula matters, we must clearly state our position and ensure the US respects it—that’s what I consider a true autonomous alliance. Fourth, regarding our relationship with Russia. Currently, due to the Ukraine war, it’s difficult for us to engage directly with Russia, but Russia is actually a country that needs South Korea. We too can secure many resources through economic cooperation with Russia. I believe that once the war ends, we can restore cooperative relations centered on economics. We don’t need to overreact to military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Rather, if South Korea actively builds relations with Russia through economic cooperation and other means, we could secure greater influence than North Korea.

Fifth is our relationship with China. While we speak strongly to China on the surface, we still harbor fear and a sense of inferiority deep inside. The anxiety we feel as a smaller nation toward the United States also manifests when dealing with China. However, we must now establish a confident and independent relationship with China as well. Rather than confrontation or opposition, we need to develop our relationship on equal footing. The division of the Korean Peninsula must not be reduced to a subordinate variable in the U.S.-China hegemonic competition. I view inter-Korean relations as a chain-like connected structure. While a unified Korean Peninsula would find it difficult to lean toward either side, if the two Koreas maintain cooperative relations in the current divided state, we could strategically utilize this division structure itself. For example, even if South Korea aligns with the United States and North Korea with China, we could create a structure where each advocates for the other within their respective camps. If this happens, the two Koreas could cooperate rather than remain hostile while securing the Korean Peninsula’s autonomy amid U.S.-China competition. In other words, rather than rushing toward unification now, we need the wisdom to utilize division not as a disadvantageous condition but as a strategic asset.

From this perspective, I believe the ‘K-Initiative’ is entirely feasible. Ultimately, the most important thing is a shift in mindset. If we remain stuck in old frameworks, our available space will narrow and our capabilities will inevitably diminish. Now is the time to change our thinking and seek new paths with independent and flexible approaches. Through today’s discussion, I too have learned much and gained new insights. Rather than offering professional analysis, I’ve shared my observations and reflections on the current situation. Thank you to everyone who has been with us for this extended time.”

The ‘Peace 2.0 Forum’ concluded with enthusiastic applause.

Sunim once again expressed his gratitude to the participating experts, and everyone gathered for a commemorative photo.

After leaving the venue, Sunim immediately departed from Daegu and headed to Ulsan. The Lions Clubs International Ulsan-Yangsan District had requested a Dharma Q&A from Sunim. Since it was an organization dedicated to community service, Sunim gladly agreed to give the talk.

After a 1 hour and 40 minute drive, Sunim arrived at the Ulsan KBS Hall at 6:40 PM. Before the lecture, he had tea in the waiting room with Governor Yoon Jun-ho of the Lions Clubs International Ulsan-Yangsan District, then they moved to the lecture hall together.

The Ulsan KBS Hall was filled with over 400 members of the Lions Clubs International Ulsan-Yangsan District and their families.

When Sunim took the stage, applause and cheers erupted. Sunim began with a warm greeting.

“Korean autumn is characterized by clear, crisp skies. However, this year we’ve had more rain than even during the summer monsoon season. If the rain continues like this, farmers won’t be able to harvest on time, and the wet rice stalks will begin to sprout. Still, when I think back to the sweltering summer heat, as the saying goes, ‘Nothing can defeat the passage of time.’ The hot summer has passed, and autumn has arrived in full stride. This climate change isn’t unique to our country. As I travel to various countries where Korean expatriates live, I see natural disasters like heat waves, torrential rains, and wildfires occurring everywhere due to climate change. Scholars tell us that if we reduce consumption and carbon emissions, we can slow the pace of climate change somewhat. However, once we become accustomed to consumption, it’s as difficult to quit or reduce as an addiction. If each of you reduces your personal consumption even a little, it will help slow climate change. And if you share what you save with those in need, you can both protect the environment and help people. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Lions Clubs International for your active volunteer work helping those in need.

Why Do Things We’re Congratulated for Feel So Difficult?

When we live naturally, life isn’t difficult. However, because we live too artificially, life feels hard. People are called the “crown of creation.” This means we’re superior to rabbits, squirrels, deer, and roe deer. Yet rabbits, squirrels, deer, and roe deer never say, “Life is hard. Please help me!” Why do only humans say, “Life is difficult. Help me!”? People pray to God or Buddha for a marriage partner, and they pray for many customers to come to their newly opened store. They also ask God for help with exams rather than relying on their own efforts. But shouldn’t people do what they’re supposed to do by themselves?

When people get married, they receive everyone’s congratulations, but then they say married life is difficult. When they have a baby, they receive congratulations, but they say childcare is hard. When they pass an exam, they’re happy, but then they say college life is difficult. When they get a job, they receive congratulations, but they say work life is hard. When they open a store and even receive flower wreaths, they still say running the store is difficult. This is a contradiction. Why do things we chose ourselves and even received congratulations for feel “difficult”? That’s why we need to reflect on our lives at least once. This isn’t a problem with God or Buddha, nor is it about past lives or fate. It’s not that things are difficult because something went wrong—even things that went well and were celebrated can be difficult. In life, there are moments when we wonder, “Why is this happening?” Dharma Q&A is precisely a place to freely share and examine such questions together. Dharma Q&A is not a place where Sunim “gives answers.” There are no right answers in life. So how should we live? It’s simple. Live as you please. But the problem is that even when people live as they please, life is still painful. Examining the reasons for this together is what Dharma Q&A is about. Dharma Q&A is not a place where Sunim instructs, “Live this way!” Through dialogue, it’s a time to realize on your own, “Oh, I can do it this way,” or “It’s not a big deal,” and find your own direction in life.

Anyone could raise their hand and ask Sunim questions. During the two-hour session, twelve people had conversations with Sunim. One of them shared their struggle, saying it was uncomfortable to cut ties with someone who hurt them, yet painful to maintain the relationship.

**Would You Feel Comfortable or Uncomfortable Not Seeing Someone Who Hurts You?
**
“I think relationships are the hardest part of life. I get criticized even when I buy someone a meal or give them a gift. Every time I hear them talking behind my back, I get deeply hurt and find it hard to recover. When I don’t see this person, I feel uneasy, but when I do face them, I also feel uncomfortable. So I often think I should be more cold-hearted and tough, but I can’t seem to do it. Sometimes I lie awake all night worrying about it. I want to become someone with a stronger heart. What should I do?”

“What does it mean to have a strong heart? How would you describe someone with a strong heart?”

“Actually, I want to be cold and not see that person, but when I try to do that, I feel uncomfortable. I’d rather just turn my back and walk away from them.”

“Then just turn your back and walk away.”

“I can’t do that.”

“If you can’t turn your back and walk away, then meet them.”

“But when I see them, I feel uncomfortable again.”

“Then part ways again.” (Laughter)

“That’s why relationships are so difficult.”

“When you want to eat, you eat. When you don’t want to eat anymore, you put down your spoon. When you get hungry again, you eat again. Why is that difficult? You said you get criticized even when you buy someone a meal. Then why do you buy them meals?”

“Because an acquaintance or a close junior asks me to have a meal together.”

“So you’re buying meals to hear nice things. You should just buy the meal and be done with it. The fact that you get criticized even after buying a meal means you were expecting praise. You’re happy that you bought your junior jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), but your junior wanted tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork). They’re thinking, ‘If you’re going to treat me, do it properly. What’s with just jjajangmyeon?’ So they criticize you after eating. This is your problem, not someone else’s.”

Relationships aren’t difficult. They become difficult when you help a little but expect a lot of praise. If you want to buy someone a meal, just buy it and be done with it – then relationships won’t be difficult. Even among friends, you think things like, ‘I’ve bought that person drinks three times, but they haven’t bought me any.’ That’s not friendship; that’s business. You may call them your junior or whatever, but you have the same mentality as if you’re doing business. You’re calculating profit and loss right now. It’s the same as saying, ‘Business is tough.’ If you think, ‘I’ll treat them when I can, I won’t when I can’t, and if I get criticized, so be it,’ then meeting people won’t be difficult. Some people ask me, ‘Sunim, isn’t it hard doing Dharma Q&A?’ But what could be easier than Dharma Q&A? I don’t know what questions will be asked, so I can’t prepare. I just show up. When someone asks a question, I just respond to it. It becomes difficult if you think you need to know everything when someone asks you something. If someone asks about something I don’t know, I can simply say, ‘I don’t really know about that either.’ It’s the simplest answer. It becomes burdensome when you try to pretend you know something you don’t. A few days ago, someone who was about to become a father asked, ‘I’ve never been a father before. How should I fulfill the role of a father?’ So I said, ‘Why are you asking me, a monk, about that? I’ve never done it either.’ That’s how we start conversations lightly. (Laughter)

The reason we become anxious about conversations is because we want to look good in front of others. We get stressed trying to pretend we know things when we don’t. When talking with friends, if you don’t understand something, you’d say, ‘I don’t really get that. Wouldn’t it be better this way? What do you think?’ You can have conversations with other people the same way, but it seems you want to appear impressive. You’re getting stressed because you want to show off.”

“Next time, I’ll buy the sweet and sour pork.”

“You’ve had a great awakening!”

Questions continued to come in.

Human relationships always feel the most difficult in life. How can I feel at peace when dealing with people who hurt me?
I always feel lonely and exhausted because of my husband’s indifference and cynical attitude. Can I still be happy in such a relationship?
I feel frustrated with myself for staying silent even when treated unfairly at work. How can I speak up courageously?
Does a predetermined life really exist like fate? Or is everything the result of my choices?
I’m repeatedly suffering because of my financially irresponsible father. How can I balance between filial duty and self-protection?
Should I endure for my children despite conflicts with my husband? Or should I make a decision for my own happiness?
I always get hurt in relationships and feel more comfortable alone. How should I understand these feelings?
Even after practicing for a long time, my anger and irritation haven’t decreased. How can I truly have a peaceful mind?
My body hurts, making daily life difficult, and I’ve lost the will to live. Can I still find meaning in this suffering?
I always feel uncomfortable even when giving gifts to my parents. What is true filial piety?
I once loved my son so much, but now I dislike him to the point of hatred. How should I manage these feelings?

Although there were more people who wanted to ask questions, it was time to conclude the lecture. The lecture ended with loud applause.

After the lecture ended, President Yoon Jun-ho presented a bouquet to Sunim as a token of gratitude. After receiving the bouquet, Sunim came down from the stage and took a group photo with all the attendees.

A book signing session was held on stage. Most attendees received Sunim’s autograph and expressed their gratitude.

After the book signing, Sunim took a commemorative photo with the volunteers who had prepared the lecture before leaving the venue.

Departing from Ulsan after 9 PM, Sunim arrived at Dubuk Jungto Retreat Center at 10 PM and concluded the day’s activities.

Tomorrow, Sunim will depart from Dubuk Jungto Retreat Center at 2:30 AM and travel to Seoul. In the morning, he will conduct a live online Friday Dharma Q&A broadcast. In the afternoon, he will attend a public lecture at Korea National Open University for a Dharma Q&A session. In the evening, he will hold a Friday Dharma Q&A lecture at the underground auditorium of Jungto Social and Cultural Center.