Jungto Society, the international Buddhist community founded by the revered Korean Dharma master and social activist Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, hosted an intensive seven-day study tour in South Korea in October for female monastics and activists affiliated with the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).
Running from 22–30 October, the “2025 Women’s INEB Jungto Society Study Tour” offered these female bodhisattvas—bhikshunis and female activists from five nations in Asia: Cambodia, Ladakh in northern India, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand—a unique opportunity to engage in a transformative spiritual journey to deepen their understanding of the Buddhist teachings and the practice of engaged Buddhism as practitioners, activists, and members of INEB.
INEB is a global network of individuals and organizations who are committed to building compassionate societies and working toward environmental sustainability and world peace. INEB emphasizes the importance of developing ethical, Dharma-based approaches to its work, and encourages members to work collaboratively and respectfully based on a foundation of shared values and aspirations. Headquartered in Bangkok, INEB has established a wide range of social projects and outreach programs aimed at overcoming suffering and empowering vulnerable communities through the practice of the Dharma and social programs such as education and training, community development, advocacy and lobbying efforts, and interfaith dialogue.
Assembled in a warm and welcoming atmosphere of kalyana-mitrata* the participants gathered to practice, learn, connect, and exchange ideas, with three foundational objectives: to learn how Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and Jungto Society are implementing the Buddha’s teachings in modern society through exposure to Jungto Society’s activities and philosophy; to overcome gender discrimination in Buddhist communities and promote the status of female Buddhist activists; and to explore the challenges facing female social activists, and their solutions.
Jungto Society is a volunteer-run community that aspires to embody the Buddhist teachings through social engagement, and by promoting a simple lifestyle centered on sustainable living. The community seeks to address the crises of modern society, such as greed, poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation, by applying a Buddhist worldview of interconnectedness and living in line with the principle that everyone can find happiness through Buddhist practice and active participation in social movements.
“The Buddhadharma is not simply a matter of knowledge; it’s a teaching to address: ‘How can the mind be freed from suffering?’ Ven. Pomnyun Sunim explained to the program participants on their first day with Jungto Society. “Let’s first ask ourselves the question, ‘How am I living now?’ If you’re living with stress and suffering, we need to examine why. Usually it’s because we’re being greedy, trying to have things our way, or clinging in ignorance without understanding. So do you want to continue living in suffering? No, you don’t. Everyone wants to live without suffering. To live without suffering, we must recognize our ignorance and let go of attachment and greed. Then anyone can be free from suffering. This is the teaching of the Four Noble Truths: suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path.” (Jungto Society)
The women’s study tour was led by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, and organized by the committed and tireless volunteers who make up Jungto Society and INEB veteran activist Anchalee Kurutach, coordinator of INEB’s Regional Network for Peacebuilders project.
Each day of the tour began with early morning prostrations and meditation, followed by barugongyang, the traditional Korean ceremonial breakfast practiced by the members of Jungto Society. Barugongyang emphasizes the importance of eating mindfully and ensuring that not even a single grain of rice was wasted—an opportunity to practice gratitude and to reflect on impermanence and the interconnectedness of all things.
The exhaustive week-long itinerary included visits to Jungto Center, the headquarters of Jungto Society in downtown Seoul, as well as Jungto’s retreat centers in Mungyeong and Gyeongju. There the delegates would learn about Jungto Society’s training programs and social action initiatives, as well as the activities of affiliated organizations: JTS, an international humanitarian relief organization working to eradicate poverty and hunger; EcoBuddha, focused on environmental ethics and sustainable living based on the teachings of the Buddha; Good Friends, which promotes reconciliation and cooperation between the North and South Korea; and The Peace Foundation, an independent research institute working toward permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The essence of the study tour involved Dharma talks led by respected Jungto teachers, presentations, and open discussions, all aimed at providing opportunities for the participants to connect, and to ask questions, present ideas, and exchange insights for practicing engaged Buddhism in today’s increasingly polarized world.
The program featured a field visit to Silsangsa, a unique Buddhist monastery—known as the first Seon (Zen) monastery among the nine mountain schools of the Korean Seon tradition. The monastery is the focal point for the Indra’s Net Life Community, which pursues a communal model of Buddhist practice and sustainable living as a fourfold sangha of laymen and laywomen, and male and female monastics. The community includes a farm and alternative education initiatives, such as the Life Peace University and Sumdanji Fermentation Research Institute.
The itinerary also included a surprise visit to the 1,300-year-old Bulguksa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Korea, where the pilgrims gained a deeper understanding of the historical development of Korean Buddhism, with a focus on the bhikshuni tradition.
The end of this intensive study trip was a time for reflection on the experiences of the previous seven days and sharing of insights and valuable lessons gained.
“Through this study trip, I realized that life is not only about studying, working, and earning money—it’s about community, citizenship, and the next generation,” one participant emphasized. “Jungto Society showed me that consistent practice and collective effort make us powerful and confident enough to help others. I learned that lifelong learning is never too late, regardless of age or circumstance.” (Jungto Society)
Another reflected: “As the youngest participant, I learned the beauty of waking up early to chant and begin each day with a peaceful mind. I now understand why Jungto Society has such influence—because its people work tirelessly for humanity without discrimination or expectation of reward. This experience strengthened my commitment to live mindfully and contribute to society with sincerity.” (Jungto Society)
One senior monastic observed: “Before coming here, I felt like a withered tree ready to die. Now, through this experience, I feel as if sacred water has revived me. I’ve regained purpose—to live as a nun who helps the world and humanity. I will stand strong again, leading vulnerable children with love and calm strength. True practice is not only rituals but living with compassion and wisdom.” (Jungto Society)
INEB coordinator Anchalee Kurutach also shared her own insights: “Having women practitioners together in a warm, nurturing environment was profoundly empowering. Listening to Dharma teachers’ personal journeys showed me how leadership without ego—rooted in respect and equality—can bring true, lasting social change. This trip reminded me that faith-based movements succeed when led with humility and compassion.” (Jungto Society)
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim offered the assembled bodhisattvas some parting thoughts on the program and how the participants had been able to learn and benefit from each other:
Many women activists work together at Jungto Society. At Jungto Society, there is no distinction between monastics and lay practitioners. Whether living together in the community or volunteering while maintaining their own lives, there is no distinction at all. Those who live in the community are all ordained practitioners, but they don’t shave their heads or wear robes. Ordained practitioners should originally wear discarded clothes. Regardless of outward appearance, one must at least maintain the mindset of an ordained practitioner. . . .
For ordained practitioners, returning to the fundamental attitude of an ordained practitioner is more important than the formalities of wearing robes or shaving heads. However, in reality, when people shave their heads and become monks, they sometimes develop a sense of authority, feeling superior to others. That’s why Jungto Society no longer practices such formal ordination. . . .
Whether you are a monastic or not is not important. What matters is living faithfully according to the Buddha’s teachings and the Dharma, and maintaining the lifestyle attitude of a renunciant. This doesn’t mean you must practice alms rounds. Whatever food you eat is better than begging for it, so you shouldn’t complain about your food. Whatever clothes you wear are better than picking up discarded ones, so you shouldn’t be attached to clothing. Wherever you sleep is better than sleeping under a tree, so you shouldn’t complain about your sleeping arrangements. . . .
I hope each of you will continue your practice diligently from your respective positions. When there is work that requires cooperation, help each other. Don’t think you are being discriminated against because you are a woman or a bhikshuni. I hope you will live with happiness and vitality. (Jungto Society)
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, the guiding Dharma teacher of Jungto Society, is a widely respected author and social activist. He has founded numerous organizations, initiatives, and projects across the world. In October 2020, The Niwano Peace Foundation in Japan presented the 37th Niwano Peace Prize to Ven. Pomnyun Sunim in recognition of the revered monk’s international humanitarian work, environmental and social activism, and his tireless efforts to build trust and goodwill between communities of different faiths and cultures, toward the goal of world peace.**
* Kalyana-mitrata (Skt.), Kalyaṇa-mittata (Pali); the Buddhist concept of virtuous spiritual friendship.
** Buddhist Monk Ven. Pomnyun Sunim Awarded the 37th Niwano Peace Prize (BDG)
See more
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
Jungto Society
Why Are There No Monks in Robes or with Shaved Heads at Jungto Society? (Jungto Society)
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Engaged Buddhism: INEB’s 2025 Young Bodhisattva Program for Youth Leaders Commences in Taiwan
Engaged Buddhism Special Report: Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and INEB Conduct Field Survey in Earthquake-Hit Areas of Myanmar
Engaged Buddhism: INEB Invites Applicants for International Young Bodhisattva Program 2026
Engaged Buddhism: INEB Endorses Historic MoU to Protect Monastic Novices in Thailand
Engaged Buddhism: Jungto Society Hosts INEB Study Tour in South Korea for Buddhist Monastics from Southeast Asia
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