Pomnyun


Ven.Pomnyun Sunim Sunim is a Korean Buddhist monk and a Seon master renowned as an author, a Dharma teacher, and for his humanitarian work.
He is also a social activist, leading various movements, such as ecological awareness campaigns and the promotion of human rights, as well as working toward world peace and the eradication of famine, disease, and illiteracy.
In recognition of his efforts and achievements, Pomnyun Sunim was a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding in September 2002.
Pomnyun Sunim is the head master of Jungto Society Korea, an organization dedicated to a life of sharing and simple, sustainable living, informed by Buddhist teachings, environmental outreach, and supporting peace in Korea and around the world.
He addresses the role Buddhism has played in defining modern Asia’s religious, cultural, social, political, and economic dynamics. His dedication to Buddhist ideals has not only earned him accolades for his work, but has shaped his outlook on the prospects for peace and reconciliation between North and South Korea.
Rather than leading a secluded life of quiet contemplation, Pomnyun Sunim has taken on an unlikely role for a Buddhist monk, focusing on his aim to bring peace, reconciliation, and eventually unity between the two Koreas. Pomnyun Sunim established the Peace Foundation to engage experts in analyzing how best to bring about peace between the two Koreas and between North Korea and the United States, as well as bringing together Buddhists and Christians in dialogue on the subject of world peace.
He also established Good Friends for Peace, Human Rights, and Refugee Issues, an organization that has been instrumental in his quest for peace in North Korea.
When the tragic flood of 1995 occurred in North Korea, Pomnyun Sunim was quick to extend a helping hand to those across the border. Since then, he has constantly and consistently campaigned for the rights and struggles of the North Korean people.
Through his work, thousands of people in North Korea have received aid during times of famine.
When Good Friends began publishing its newsletter in 2004, it became an important source of information smuggled out of the isolated country and quickly became a must-read among South Korean policymakers and journalists.
Pomnyun Sunim has worked extensively to supply humanitarian aid to famine victims in North Korea and to defend the human rights of North Korean refugees in China.
He has appealed to the world and South Korean government to put politics aside to help North Korea, and has encouraged South Koreans to give liberally to their starving neighbors.

International and domestic relief activities for peace and human rights

Public Dharma Talks