Jungto Society, the international Buddhist community founded by the revered Korean Dharma master and prominent social activist Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, has opened registration for its popular online study and practice course, Jungto Dharma School: Introduction to Buddhism I.
“Learn the original teachings of the Buddha under the guidance of Ven. Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님),” Jungto Society stated in an announcement shared with BDG. “You will learn how the mind works and experience changes in your perspective on life. As students of Jungto Dharma School, you will not only study Buddhist doctrine—the Buddha’s core teachings—but will also gain practical wisdom that can help you to resolve various problems in your lives. Additionally, you will practice applying the teachings to your daily lives.”
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, the guiding Dharma teacher of Jungto Society, first opened Jungto Dharma School more than 30 years ago in South Korea as way to share the original teachings of the Buddha with lay practitioners. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jungto Society created an online English-language syllabus, Jungto Dharma School: Introduction to Buddhism I, which is now available to students of Buddhism all over the world.
The Dharma school has proved so popular among prospective Buddhist practitioners that Jungto Society now offers the course in five languages: English, French, German, Japanese, and Korean.
“Throughout its 33-year history, Jungto Dharma School has helped countless people transform their lives.,” Jungto Society noted. “This 20-week program will help participants learn how to live freer and happier lives in accordance with the Buddhist teachings.”
The self-paced program includes all course materials and online tools, weekly online meetings with group members and facilitators, and live Dharma talks with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim. The course content encompasses foundation modules on understanding the Buddha’s core teachings, and approaching key philosophical concepts, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, causality, dependent origination, and enlightenment, and how these concepts and practices can be applied to everyday life.
The course, which begins on 10 March 2026, is open to all, regardless of religion, age, or academic background. There is a weekly commitment of a 70-minute online group meetup, with self-paced learning materials, and home-practice exercises. Click here for full details of Jungto Dharma School
“When the Buddha came to this world, he lit up the world for many people who were wandering in darkness. He said that our suffering is simply the consequence of our ignorance,” Ven. Pomnyun Sunim explained. “No matter where or how you were born, whatever your skin color, class, gender, however you were born and raised, if you become the master of your own life through enlightenment and help others, then you become a buddha. Consequently, the conditions of your life are nothing more than a process that inevitably leads to the path of enlightenment from birth. By changing one thought, today can be the day you become a buddha. Today should be the day that your inner buddha is born. I pray that the Buddha’s teachings reach not only Buddhists but all living beings so that they can enjoy peace and comfort in their lives.”
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim is a widely revered Korean Dharma teacher, author, and social activist. He has founded numerous organizations, initiatives, and projects across the world, among them: JTS Korea, an international humanitarian relief organization working to eradicate poverty and hunger; Jungto Society, a volunteer-based community founded on the Buddha’s teachings and dedicated to addressing modern social issues that lead to suffering; EcoBuddha, an organization focused on environmental ethics and sustainable living based on the teachings of the Buddha; and Good Friends, which promotes reconciliation and cooperation between the North and South Korea, and provides humanitarian aid to North Koreans. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim also works closely with the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).
In October 2020, the Niwano Peace Foundation in Japan presented the 37th Niwano Peace Prize to Ven. Pomnyun Sunim in recognition of his international humanitarian work, intensive 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.*
* Buddhist Monk Ven. Pomnyun Sunim Awarded the 37th Niwano Peace Prize (BDG)
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