The Korean Seon (Zen) master Venerable Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) wears many hats: Buddhist monk, teacher, author, environmentalist, social activist, and podcaster to name a few. As a widely respected Dharma teacher and a tireless socially engaged activist in his native South Korea, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim has founded numerous Dharma-based organizations, initiatives, and projects that are active across the world. Among them, Jungto Society, a volunteer-based community founded on the Buddhist teachings and expressing equality, simple living, and sustainability, is dedicated to addressing modern social issues that lead to suffering, including environmental degradation, poverty, and conflict.
Here Ven. Pomnyun Sunim shares a heartfelt memorial for Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Upon Hearing the News of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh’s Passing
Today, in the early morning of 22 January 2022, I heard of Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh’s passing. May he rest in peace.
May he come to eternal rest from samsara and reach nirvana!
As one who has always had great respect for Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I would have liked him to stay with us a little longer for those who are suffering in this world.
Born in Vietnam during the French colonial rule, he experienced the Vietnam War and witnessed the atrocities of mass killing and destruction, which led to a refugee crisis in Vietnam.
Despite all the adversity and danger, he did not hesitate to sacrifice himself in realizing social justice based on the spirit of peace and reconciliation. Furthermore, he spread his philosophy of peace and reconciliation beyond Vietnam to the entire world.
He led a peace movement based on nonviolence and compassion.
We, the practitioners around the world, regardless of nationality, ideology, and religion, vow to continue the nonviolent peace movement you have led. Please entrust us with the task.
May you rest in eternal peace!
I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Bhikkhu Pomnyun
From South Korea on 22 January 2022
See more
Pomnyun
Jungto Society
JTS Korea
JTS America
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
Thich Nhat Hanh memorial practice resources (Plum Village)
Thich Nhat Hanh’s full biography (Plum Village)
The essential teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh (Plum Village)
Free mindfulness app with guided meditations by Thich Nhat Hanh (Plum Village)
The Way Out is In official Plum Village podcast (Plum Village)
Related videos from BDG
Dharma Q+A with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
Wisdom Notes from Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
Related news reports from BDG
Engaged Buddhism: Ven. Pomnyun Sunim Delivers Compassion to the Vulnerable in Korea
Engaged Buddhism: Jungto Society Delivers Compassion for the Vulnerable in Korea
Engaged Buddhism: JTS Korea Distributes Emergency Flood Relief in Cambodia
Engaged Buddhism: JTS Korea Donates COVID-19 Relief Supplies to Myanmar in Cooperation with INEB and KMF
Engaged Buddhism: Jungto Society Sharing the Gift of Compassion this Winter
UPDATE: Buddhist Relief from JTS Korea Transforming the Lives of Rohingya Refugees
Engaged Buddhism: JTS Korea Brings Warmth to Vulnerable Communities amid Winter Freeze
Related features from BDG
Dharma Q+A with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim: Turning Old Wounds into Life Assets
Dharma Q+A with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim: Facing the Challenges of COVID-19 Lockdown
The Hungry Should Eat: JTS Brings Buddhist Compassion and Relief to India
Engaged Buddhism: Seon Master Pomnyun Sunim Pledges 10,000 Tons of Food Aid for Children in North Korea
Engaging with Suffering, Realizing Freedom: An Interview with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
