Venerable Pomnyun Sunim
The Guiding Dharma Teacher of Jungto Society
Once people become lighthearted and happier, they will start helping others who are suffering.
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim* (법륜스님) is renowned for his insightful yet accessible Dharma talks and for his far-reaching humanitarian and peace efforts. Since founding Jungto Society in 1988, he has dedicated his life to addressing suffering through Buddhist practice and social action.
* Sunim is a Korean title of respect for Buddhist monastics.
Life & Path
The Life & Path of Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
The Guiding Dharma Teacher of Jungto Society
He entered the Buddhist Sangha as a novice in 1969 under the guidance of his teacher, Ven. Bulshim Domoon Sunim, at Boonwhangsa Temple, South Korea. In addition to spreading the Buddha's teachings and helping individuals to free themselves from suffering through practice, he has participated actively in social movements to improve the society as a whole.
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim* (법륜스님) is renowned in his native South Korea and around the world for his insightful yet accessible Dharma talks and for his far-reaching humanitarian and peace efforts. In 1988, he founded Jungto Society, a volunteer-based community that follows the Buddha's teachings.
Based on the values of equality, simple living, and sustainability, the organization has dedicated itself to addressing social issues that lead to suffering, including environmental degradation, poverty, and conflict.
* Sunim is a Korean title of respect for Buddhist monastics.
Humanitarian Aid Expert, Peace Activist, and Environmentalist
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) has been advocating a new paradigm of civilization in which everyone becomes happy through practice, creates a better society through active participation in social movements, and protects the environment through a simple life-style.
He founded Join Together Society (JTS) in 1994 to eradicate famine in developing countries; Ecobuddha in 1994 to protect the environment; and Good Friends in 1999 to advocate human rights, help refugees, and promote world peace. He also established the Peace Foundation, a private research institute, in 2004, to bring permanent peace, stability, and unification to the Korean peninsula.
Through these organizations, he has devoted himself to advocating human rights, eradicating famine, disease, and illiteracy in many countries (Afghanistan, India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and North Korea) and promoting peace on the Korean peninsula.
Sharing Wisdom with People All Over the World
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) is also well known for his unique ways of engaging audiences in Dharma Q&A sessions. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, his talks took place in public places like community centers, libraries, universities, and churches and were free of charge. Thus, they were easily accessible to people from all walks of life and of different ages and religious backgrounds.
Responding to a wide variety of questions from the audience, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim helps us see how we can apply the insights and wisdom of the Buddha's teaching in tackling issues in our everyday lives, such as stress, anxiety or sadness, as well as social issues. His recorded Dharma Q&A talks on YouTube and podcasts have touched and inspired many people around the world.
Learn More About Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님)
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) is renowned for his Dharma teachings, humanitarian work, and peace efforts. While this website introduces his work and Jungto Society, you can explore his far-reaching contributions in greater depth at Pomnyun.com.
Discover more about his humanitarian aid, peace advocacy, environmental initiatives, and unique approach to sharing the Buddha's teachings.
Please take a moment to visit Pomnyun.com to explore further.
Visit Pomnyun.comFeatured Videos
Watch & Listen
Talk
At Justice Assembly at 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions
Speech
2020 Niwano Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- 2020
The 37th Niwano Peace Prize — Niwano Peace Foundation, Japan
- 2020
The Order of Civil Merit, Moran Medal — South Korea
- 2015
Kripasaran Award — The Bengal Association of Buddhists
- 2011
Reunification and Culture Award — Reunification and Culture Research Institute, Segye Daily
- 2011
POSCO Chungam Award — POSCO Chungam Foundation
- 2007
National Reconciliation and Cooperation Award — Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, Korea
- 2006
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Peace Prize — Gangwon Province, Korea
- 2002
Ramon Magsaysay Peace and International Understanding Award — Philippines
- 2000
Manhae Propagation Award — Korea
- 1998
Kyobo Environmental Education Award — Korea
Published Works
Books by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
Explore the wisdom and teachings through his published works
Why Am I Anxious?
Purchase
Awakening
Purchase
A Monk's Reply to Everyday Problems
Purchase
Prayer
PurchaseComplete Bibliography
English
- Why Am I Anxious?
- The Buddha — A True Revolutionary
- A Taste of Enlightenment: Stories from Seon Buddhism
- What Is Happiness?: A Monk's Guide to a Happy Life
- True Happiness
- True Freedom
- True Wisdom
- Prayer
- Awakening
Korean (한국어)
- 한반도 통일의 길 (The Way to the Unification of the Korean Peninsula)
- 일과 수행의 조화 (The Harmony of Work and Buddhist Practice)
- 세상에서 행복 찾기 (Looking for Happiness in the World)
- 희망의 사회 패러다임을 찾아서 (In Search of a Hopeful Paradigm for Society)
- 미래세대를 위한 새로운 리더십 (New Leadership for Future Generation)
- 불교와 평화 (Buddhism and Peace)
- 불교와 환경 (Buddhism and Environment)
- 금강경 강의 I, II (Commentaries I and II on the Diamond Sutra)
- 반야심경 강의 (Commentary on the Heart Sutra)
- 개구리가 우물 밖으로 뛰쳐나오다 (The Frog Jumped Out of a Well)
- 젊은 수행자를 위한 논서 (A Treatise for Young Buddhist Practitioners)
- 참여불교 (Engaged Buddhism)
- 동양철학과 환경문제 (Eastern Philosophy and Environmental Issues)
- 실수해도 괜찮아 (It's OK to Make Mistakes)
- 결혼을 위한 지혜 (Wisdom for Marriage)
- 엄마를 위한 지혜 (Wisdom for Mothers)
- 붓다 — 생애와 사상 (Buddha — The Life and Philosophy)
- 기도 (Prayer)
- 새 세기 (The New Century)
- 깨달음 (Enlightenment)
- 금강경 강의 (Lecture on The Diamond Sutra)
- 삶의 지혜 (Wisdom for Life)
- 깨어 있으라, 여기 그리고 지금 (To Be Awake, Here and Now)
- 행복 (Happiness)
Continue the Journey
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim's teachings offer practical wisdom for modern life. Whether through online dharma talks, meditation practice, or community engagement, there are many ways to begin.
Join our community and discover the path to true happiness and freedom from suffering.