Jungto Society Organizes Korean Study Tour for the International Network of Engaged Buddhists Craig Lewis Buddhistdoor Global , June 06, 2019
The South Korea-based Jungto Society, a humanitarian
South Korea, where they are hosted by hardworking
organization founded by the Seon (Zen) master and
Jungto Society volunteers. The objective was to learn
social activist Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, organized a
from the activities of Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and Jungto
nine-day intensive study trip for members of the
Society members on applying the Dharma in the
International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).
context of modern society by studying the ways in
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim has served as a special advisor
which Korean monastics and Jungto Society members
to INEB for several years.
practice the Dharma and conduct social engagement.
The study tour was aimed at providing an
This also offers an opportunity for monastic and lay
opportunity for monastic and lay Buddhists to meet,
Buddhist visitors to discuss and exchange ideas for
present and exchange ideas for expressing and
applying the Dharma in their respective societies.
practicing engaged Buddhism in today’s increasingly
This year 20 guests attended the study trip
polarized world. The itinerary included visits to retreat
from as far away as Bhutan, Cambodia, India,
centers, group presentations, discussions, and Dharma
Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The Jungto
talks given by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim.
Society team was especially pleased to welcome INEB
The event program, which ran from 27 May to 4 June, included educational seminars on the various
founder Sulak Sivaraksa as a special guest among the visiting delegates.
humanitarian, social, and environmental organizations
INEB’s members include monks, nuns,
and projects founded by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim. These
activists, academics, and social workers from more
projects included Join Together Society for helping
than 25 countries in Australasia, Asia, Europe, and
people in need; the Peace Foundation for resolving
North America. While a Buddhist organization, INEB
conflicts within the nation and around the Korean
welcomes members from other spiritual traditions and
Peninsula; EcoBuddha for addressing environmental
recognizes the importance of interfaith activities,
issues; Good Friends, which works toward reunifying
stating: “INEB’s philosophy and practice is based on
North and South Korea; and Jungto Dharma Centers
compassion, social justice, non-violence, and co-
and Jungto Retreat Center, which offer settings for
existence as put forth by Gautama the Buddha. The
individuals to study and practice mind cultivation for
network’s core mission is to confront and end suffering
inner peace.
using analysis and action guided by the Four Noble
In June each year, the Thailand-headquartered
Truths.”
International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)
Each day of the study trip began with an early
forms a group of delegates and guests who travel to
morning chanting ceremony, followed by a period of 26
