By Richard Ha, D.O.
Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, a monk widely featured in Korean media outlets and publications, will host a question and answer session on applying the Buddha’s teachings to daily life challenges for an English speaking audience at Cal State University Northridge Campus’ Orchard Conference Center on September 21 at 7 pm.
Pomnyun is well known in Korea for answering all manner of questions about life, including, but not limited to “How do I handle stress?” “How do I help my relationships?” or “How can I suffer less and be happier?” Korean people from all walks of life have come to Pomnyun seeking answers to their life problems.
In addition to providing public Dharma talks, Pomnyun is a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Niwano Peace Prize for his compassionate attention to the human cost of Korea’s bitter division (and his hopeful appeal for reconciliation) and his sustainable development initiatives in many Asian countries including India, Philippines, and Indonesia. He continues this work through the non-profit organizations he established (Jungto Society, Join Together Society, EcoBuddha, and Good Friends.
At the age of 71, Pomnyun continues to travel the world to give his Dharma talks and tend to his global community development initiatives. His most recent project includes signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Royal Government of Bhutan in April 2024 to survey the country and create environmentally friendly sustainable development projects in its rural communities. He was recently invited by the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha Council to share how he operates Jungto Society in Korea and he was one of the featured speakers at a psychology symposium in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland based on the theme, “Tracing the Footsteps of Guilt” (Der Schuld auf der Spur).
Interested attendees may register to attend for free at jungtosociety.org/casual-conversation-with-ven-pomnyun-sunim-2024/.
Although walk-ins are welcome, seating is limited at the Orchard Conference Center and attendees are encouraged to register for guaranteed seating at the event.
