Ven.Pomnyun_Sunim's Dharma Talk

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 9. 9.🔹Question : What is a teaching from your teachers or the scriptures that you’ve come back to again and again throughout your life more than others?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 1. 15🔹Question : Thank you so much Sunim for Dharma School, and for Jungto volunteers. I’m very happy to have another opportunity to ask you a question. Because of our karma and the practice of repentance often requiring further practice and repeated effort until new habits are gained. Can you please speak to the harm that comes to others, as we are gaining the new habits and the insight? What do you recommend when someone tells us that they don’t want to hear any more apologies, or similarly for us, what do you recommend that a person does when we don’t want to hear any more apologies from someone else after being hurt repeatedly? Especially, when it is family members, it’s hard to get distance from. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2022.2.20🔹Question : Thank you for being with us today, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim. I’m having problems bowing 108 times for the 1000-Day Practice. I have trouble standing back up our of the bow. But more importantly after 108 bows, my legs shake for hours afterward, which has made it dangerous to help my friend transfer from his wheelchair, which usually happens half an hour after I end practice. Sunim, what do you suggest? Can I modify bows? Maybe not stand all the way up or possibly just visualize bows during practice? Thank you.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’s social platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 9. 9🔹Question : I have a question about inner life. I’m relatively new to Dharma. We talk about letting go of myself and recognizing our oneness with everyone, even with those that I may contend with. Recently I have difficulty doing that, and I heard of the idea that if I didn’t recognize my own agency or free will, I might let go of myself more easily. But I don’t find that’s helping. I’m wondering about your experience. How do you let go of yourself? How do you recognize thoroughly your unity with everyone? What does that feel like for you internally?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session in UCLA (Nov. 16,2014)🔹Question :  My question is how do you plan for the futurewhile living in the moment? Because I know you’re teaching that when you’re living in the moment, you don’t think about the past or the future. I’m just wondering how do you plan yourself.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint  

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session in UCLA (Nov. 16,2014) 🔹Question : Regarding the belief that thoughts become things and that our subconscious mind controls 95%of our actions, how does one go about cleansing our thoughts and really being able to take out the negative patterns that we may have in terms of our thought progresses to essentially manifest positive outcomes? And second part to that question. As far as being able to quiet the mind, when it comes to society so much addicted to caffeine to wake up in the morning, pills to go sleep at night, how does one quiet the mind? Specific exercises? Be it meditation or reading to really get a good rest?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2021. 07. 12🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A This video clip is a part of the Dharma talk given to JungtoPractitioners at the 1000-Day Practice Opening Ceremony in 2021 from South Korea. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim explains how to apply the Middle Way in practice.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from Casual Conversation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim(August 15, 2021) 🔹Question :  I have been practicing for about seven years.Not very long. The practices are beautiful. But I am a mom, I have two very small children, a husband, a household to run, and work commitments outside the household. I find those things, all those worldly things, very time-consuming. It leaves me little time to do spiritual practice formerly on my meditation cushion and it upsets me. I feel quite anxious that I don’t get consistent time to do that. The anxiety is now habitual and it affects my sleep. I feel that death is coming, it is there in the background, but I’m not getting enough time to practice. And it worries me. I ask for your advice. Thank you.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023.12.5🔹Question :  Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure to hearfrom you and take our questions. My question is, for someone that is beginning this new way of seeing things with the Dharma talks, the lessons, and the activities, what advice you would give to somebody who’s getting a lot our of this but wants to continues after the classes are over. What can I do topractice them in everyday life?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from Casual Conversation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim 2023.09. 20🔹Question :  I believe my understanding of mindfulness isvery limited, and I was hoping that your comments on my question could help with that. I wonder how the practice of mindfulness works for people with dementia, brain injury, or some other neurological disorder which limits memory andcognitive functions.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from Casual Conversation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim(August 7, 2021) 🔹Question :  I’ve been a follower for a while now. My question is when I first started your recommendation to do daily 108-prostration practice 14 years ago, I was just going through a very difficult period in my life and was practicing the daily 108-prostrations just to kind of keep my sanity. There were times I didn’t want to do it but I knew if I didn’t do it, I would be haunted by flashbacks and nightmares that made it difficult to sleep so I was actually diligent with my practice for about a 5year period or so. But then fast forward to now life has become more comfortable, I admit that I’m not even practicing at all anymore. I try practicing from time to time but then I’ll make up excuses or reasons not to do it. I also keep thinking that I don’t need to practice anymore. Or will findmyself running out of time in the day to do it. Yeah I admit that I became what the Greeks kind of call as a lotus eater. In my head I know that this behavior could potentially lead to disaster but it’s kind of like a difficult behavior to shake off. And just asking what are the next steps from this point to sortof get out of this louts eater situation.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint  

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session 2023, 7, 18🔹Question :  Hello, Sunim, It’s my honor to have thisopportunity again to ask a question today. Last time I asked about a question regarding Mother Teresa, I realized how dumb the question was, and I could be more open to different perspectives now. I have been through my personal issues realizing that it is true that nothing is permanent, and it’s really necessary to have correct mindframe to comprehend the things around myself. Today’s question is a bit conceptual. I think it’s somewhat related to your teaching just before. I hope I won’t be scolded by Sunim with another stupid question today. I have been watching my thoughts as part of the efforts to understand myself more and find a way to more happiness. Recently, I have read about an idea that anythingarises in my life is simply the reflection of my mind projected to everything and every person I encounter in my life. I could understand this concept in theory, but I am struggling to accept by heart. I can’t really comprehend the idea that the injustice or selfishness that I see from people couldn’t be justa simple reflection of myself. I thought to myself that it’s not fair to say that I’m responsible for everything that’s happening around myself. I want to hear about Sunim’s advice on this perspective. If I understood it correctly first, and if this is true, then how do I have to embrace this idea to make mylife better? 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session 2022, 7, 17🔹Question :  Hi, Sunim. Thank you so much for letting mecome and ask a question. I was very lucky to ask a couple talks ago, and I learned a lot. And I have more questions. So I am ready to make changes in my life with my job and maybe even where I live so that I can focus on working on the climate crisis. But I also have two children who are 13 and 15 years old. They’re very attached to their home, their friends, and their school. And in order for me to change my focus, I think we would need to move from where we live because where we live is very expensive. So I’m trying to think about what makes sense here, and I feel a little stuck balancing what they need and want and this very short 3 to 5 year timeline that we have. I would love to know your thoughts. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’s social platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at PrincetonUniversity on October 1, 2014🔹Question :  I would like to hear you speak more about yourwork with environmentalism and how you think that Buddhist teachings might be really valuable for Western societies that don’t know the ideas of Buddhism one facing an issue like an environmental crisis or global warming🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 7. 16🔹Question : Hi, Sunim. Thank you for the opportunity to ask you a question. Japan will soon begin releasing treated radioactive water into the ocean 12 years after the nuclear meltdown from the Fukushima nuclear power plants damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. From the environment concerns and the fear about food safety, I’vebeen feeling angry against the Japanese government and frustration at the Korean government’s lack of action to protect its own people. So many thoughts and emotions occur to me when it comes to this issue. What would be the Buddhist approach to reviewing and addressing these issues? How can I apply the Middle Way in this situation?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at George WashingtonUniversity (Oct. 8, 2014)🔹Question : I worry about injustice, climate change, corruption, lack of democracy. What is in your opinionthe best, buddhist way to seek political change quickly? How do you feel about civil disobedience? Do you recommend that we do that? Do you feel that we’re in a serious threat over these political issues that we have? I’m wondering what yourtake is on that. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2022.07.08🔹Question :  I’m a healthcare worker. It’s been almost 3 years plus 5-6 months of the pandemic. It’s not going away, and there’s another spike. I can’t speak for other people, butat least those around me who are healthcare workers, are getting burned out if not burned out already. There was a record retirements among colleagues. The workload is not any less. The patients are angrier and more anxious, and so are we. And I do everything, like work out, eat, sleep, meditate, but the burnout is real. I’m trying to figure out how to deal with that because I love what I do. I want to be able to be resilient in it and still do a decent job so far. I am usually the one who tries to cheer other people up, but it’s very hard with COVID and any related outcome from it. So, what advice can you give someone like me, who works in healthcare or maybe even teachers or others? I think COVID has changed our lives. As a healthcare professional, it’s very hard for me to think, “Untilwhen can I work? Am I looking at retirement?” A lot of times, we start thinking of escaping.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2022/6/19🔹Question :  Hello, Sunim. It’s very nice to meet you. With climate change and the few years we have left to avert worldwide disaster, just as the Buddhist monks fought forKorean liberation from the Japanese occupation, what can we do as practitioners to help liberate all beings from the impending climate disaster? Many people in the modern information age do jobs that are not focused on solving the climate crisis. Do we need to rethink how we spend our lives, our time and our resources before it it too late to change the course of the climate emergency?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023.9.22🔹Question :  I have a question to ask. My beloved family member passed away. I know it sounds impossible, but can I meet them after death? If so, how and when? Also do lovedones wait for you before being reincarnated?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023.9.20🔹Question :  I have a question about loss and grief. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Bethesda ChevyChase Regional Service Center in Washington D.C. (September 18, 2019)🔹Question :  I have a problem or I notice fear comes about in different parts of my interactions as I go throughout my day. And most specifically when I’m golfing, I get over a shot and I have, you know, what I wanna do with this shot. But when I go about the action of actually completing the shot, my mind goes blank. And I understand, you know, in golf, a lot of things in golf are connected to everything in my life. So I’m trying to make if there’s a connection in life where I’m fearful of something but (inaudible).🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Union TheologicalSeminary (Oct. 2, 2014)🔹Question :  I have a hard time saying no to people. I end up making promises I don’t want to keep. As a result, I hurt my own relationships with people. How can I effectively sayno?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s DharmaQ&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Jogye-sa Temple,Seoul, South Korea (June 15, 2018)🔹Question :  My question is, you live in a very modern society with lots of technology right at our fingertips which allows us instant gratification. What I would like to know is if you have advice or thoughts about how we maintain our patience in theface of this growing instant gratification. Patience with the challenges we may face throughout our daily lives are even more complex. Things that we face that we may feel we have no control over.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from Casual Conversation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim(October 10, 2021)🔹Question :  In one of your lessons, you paint a picture of animals running headlong to a cliff-edge in their potential death without wondering why they do so. I fear we have the burden of death as a shadow, knowing we're going to die no matter what. The animals seem all to contend with which my heavenly influence of consciousness and actions. Some Buddhists talk about death, not just our inevitable demise but dying to edge of end in our life. It's second dying beingwith own anew from moment to moment. Do you see any value in this approach? How do you think we might contend with the shadow?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at SouthdaleLibrary, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Sep 12, 2018)🔹Question :  I would like to know how you feel about crystals and essential oils. If you use them and if you feel that, they can contribute to a mindfulness practice?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Jogye-sa Temple,Seoul, South Korea (June 15, 2018)🔹Question: I always feel like I don’t have enough that I am not enough. I find myself trying to strive for more, to have more, to be more. So my question to you is : How do we knowhave enough or whether we should do more to strive for more? So what do you think is a worthwhile pursuit?  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’s social platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Busan City Hall,Busan (June 15, 2019) 🔹Question: I find that when I’m alone I’m generally at peace, you know, in my day to day life. But whenever I’m in a relationship, I start to stress and think is this person what’s best for me. Is this person on my path, so to speak. I just want to know how to have more peaceful and connected relationship and get away from these kinds of thoughts.  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Bethesda ChevyChase Regional Service Center in Washington D.C. (September 18, 2019)🔹Question: Hi Sunim, it is very nice to meet you. I’m really a big fan of your work and then I watch a lot of your Youtube videos. So a hundred million accounts some of my watch aswell. So my questions is how do I really know what I want? So when I was 20 something I used to know, and I wanted to go to graduate school, I wanted to learn different languages, and I wanted to get that kind of job. So luckily I did a lot of them but then after that I don’t really know what I really want. So someone offered me a job outside of where I am right now, but I wasn’t sure if I want that or not. But it’s not only that. A lot of questions in life, it’s very difficult for me to figure out what I really want. And maybe it’s something related but it’s also difficult for me to make a decision. So I’m looking for a house to buy around here. For some people it takes one day or forsome people it takes one month, but for me it takes much more than a year I have not made my decision. So for big question like in life what I want, and small question, like decide which house I like, I want to get your advice on how Ican make my decision.  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from Casual Conversation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim(February 20, 2022) 🔹Question: My Son is on the Autism Spectrum. How can we help him to be back to normal self and when would that be? 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2018. 12. 16 🔹Question: I graduated college one year ago. I’m working a job that I like doing but doesn’t pay a lot of money. My family owns a business that I would make much more. I am verytalented at it, but I’m not 100% passionate about it. And I’m still trying to figure out what’s the best option for me. How do I decide which  one to go with?  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Union TheologicalSeminary (Oct. 2, 2014)🔹Question: MY question is how to control my mind that's becoming more and more greedy. I was able to graduate from the program that I wanted to study. I think I could potentiallyget a job that I've been dreamed of. Anyway I was able to marry the person that I wanted. I was able to graduate from the program I know there were lots of things I could be appreciative of. But these days, I had trouble getting a jobafter the graduation. I noticed myself wanting more and more, becoming more resentful of not being able to get a job. I try to control myself. I try to be more mindful of what's going on in my mind. But at times, it's hard to control myself and to be appreciative of what I have already. Do you have any tips tohelp me to learn how to control my mind? You say, you have trouble getting a job.  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’s social platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at HarvardUniversity (Sep. 20, 2017)🔹Question :  My question is about finding balance. As college students, we struggle. We have to balance maintaining a social life, spending enough time with friends and professors,and also maintaining good academic standings and extra-curricular activities, and also taking time to take care of ourselves. Do you have any recommendations for mechanism for finding the right balance and how to maintain a good balance?🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q & A at Harvard University(Sep. 20, 2017)🔹Question :  Hi. Thanks for speaking to us. So I am a recent graduate of Harvard. I just graduated in May. I am leaving tomorrow for England to do a master’s program. I want to ask you about uncertainty and how to deal with uncertainty. So, for example, basically, the reason I am doing this master’s program is because I want to see if I want to study for a Ph.D. And basically, because the program is a year, if I want to do a Ph.D. next year, I need to decide in the next month. Let’s say, whether or not I want to do it, do applications, to get stuff, you know, basically to get the process go. But I can’t really make that decision until I go and see how this next program is going to be. The way that I deal with uncertainty in these kinds of situations right now is to think about the time frame. How much time that I have to deal with it, and really take everything day by day and see how things evolve. So focus more on the present and how things come instead of resigning myself to something that just kind of could say ‘I am going to do this in the future’. But I wanted to see what you might have to say about dealing with uncertainty in these kinds of situations.🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Ven. Pomnyun's Answer to "My Students Struggle toMaintain Their Motivation in Learning English." Selection from a DharmaQ&A session at Jogye-sa Temple, Seoul, Korea (Jun. 15, 2018)🔹Question :   I am married to a Korean woman and we have a small English school and I wanted to ask a question about education. In our school, we help elementary students tolearn English and English is a very difficult topic. It takes years to become proficient. And All of our students would like to be better in English. They know that it's good for them and it can help them to achieve their dreams. But it's also very difficult. In that way it seems to me it's very similar to Buddhist’s practice, which can be very long and difficult and sometimes boring.And Sometimes we can really want to achieve things, but when it comes to actual practice, it's hard to maintain motivation. So any advice that you could have for my students and for me to help my students develop that motivation tolearn, we would really appreciate it. And also thank you for making this teaching available to us in English. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 7. 3🔹Question :   Hello. First, I would like to thank you for doing this and making it available for many people. I personally have learned so much from your videos. I'm a graduatestudent studying interdisciplinary field in math, physics, and engineering. And I enjoy learning and doing research. My concern is regarding the future after my graduate study. Recently I've been thinking that I don't want to go intoacademia because firstly, it is extremely competitive and I don't like being in a competitive environment. And secondly, I feel like it is a bit isolated from the outside world. But if I consider industry, I feel like there's no guarantee that the technology that I'll be developing will be used for positive causes. I was working for several years before coming to thegraduate school. The reason why I came to graduate school was partially because I didn't find the job interesting and partially because I didn't see much value in what I was doing. My question is which quality should I consider more whenit comes to choosing my career. Whether I find the job interesting or whether I find it meaningful. Thank you. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 11.19🔹Question :  Hello, Sunim. Thank you for taking my question. I hope you get better soon from your surgery. My question is about my current work and changing jobs. I'm wonderingwhat I should do when I don't know exactly what I want. Up until now at work, I've tried to do what I'm told to do as best as possible. But I often get annoyed and feel like I don't want to do it. I feel that this job won't help advance my career or even make me happy. But when I am about to quit the joband try to find something else, this thought comes to me, "What would be the big difference?" So, I rethink it and stay. I also feel sorry for the company and colleagues I work with whenever I am ready to leave the company. I think I have to be satisfied with what I have for now, but my greed for a newjob makes me suffer. I didn't do anything particularly wrong to my colleagues or to the company that I am currently working for. And they didn't do anything particularly good to me either. But whenever I think about leaving the company, I worry about being criticized and feel sorry for them wheneverI think about the moment to tell them, "I quit." I actually don'tknow why I feel that way. These worries and thoughts repeat every time I am ready to quit and change to a new job. I'd like to get your advice on this. Thank you. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2022.6.19🔹Question :  My question is how do we deal with feelings of shame like feeling bad or unwanted? Sometimes you might get hypersensitive to criticism or feel anxious.  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Union TheologicalSeminary (Oct. 2, 2014)🔹Question : I'm interested in working for North Korea. I believe the unification of South and North Korea should happen in the future. I'd like to be part of the help in terms of economics. What are the good directions? What kind of study should I do? My second question is , you said, we're doing too much study in masters, Ph.D , or in college. I'm not sure how I should understand that.  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Ven. Pomnyun's Answer to "I Am Really Bad at AngerControl " Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sunnyvale, California (Nov. 8, 2014)🔹Question:  Hi. I'm a graduate student at Stanford University studying biochemistry. To me or to us It seems like you have answers to most of the questions or conundrums. Do you still have a question that you really want to answer or want an answer for? And my another question is I am really bad at anger control. I think I am mature enough to recognize the moment that I lose my control, but I just can't suppress them. And I have a problem suppressing my anger, although,I recognize the moment that my brain just goes alright. How can I do better anger control? That's my questions.  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 6. 4🔹Question:  Thank you, Sunim. I have a question about whatI can do here in Australia for the peace in the Korean peninsula. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2023. 7. 16🔹Question: Hi Sunim. It's nice to see you. I appreciate having this opportunity. My question is about a relationship with a neighbor. I am someone who really loves nature on manylevels including the beauty of nature, and, in particular, I love flowers. Last year, we bought a new home, and it was not in great shape, so we made repairs. We had a landscaper put in a lawn and flowers to make it more beautiful. Our neighbors were really happy that we did this, and they acknowledged us. But this summer, they are allowing their dogs to urinate on our newly landscaped lawn and property. There are four dogs that are particularly a part of this. Last weekend, I got very sad about it, but I also was very angry. So, I was talking to my husband, and I said to him, "I want to find a Buddhist way to think about this." I'm wondering, "Am I too attached to the garden? Should I allow it to just be ruined?" As a Buddhist practitioner, I'm really interested in your wisdom on what would be the best for me and my neighbors?  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the death and thedestruction that we see on the media are heartbreaking. In all conflicts, each side has justifiable reasons, but it is not right to resort to military intervention to resolve disputes. I sincerely hope that the current military conflict comes to an end as soon as possible and that the Ukrainian people can quickly recover their sense of normalcy and peace. Let’s take a moment ofsilence (and meditation) to wish for peace. For the war to end as soon as possible, the international community must come together and send a unified message that it is not right to settle disputes with military force. However, the most effective solution will be for the Russian citizens to raise their collective voices in asking the Russian government for a prompt end to the war. The crucial factor in ending the Vietnam War was not military victories or defeats.Ultimately, it was the anti-war movements by many people asking for peace within the U.S. that helped to end the war. It is necessary for the international community to cooperate to restrain Russia’s unjustifiable actions with economic and diplomatic sanctions. However, it is also very important forpeople in all corners of the world to continuously raise their voices for peace. May all living beings be happy and peaceful. February 27, 2022 Ven. Pomnyun Sunim🔹Question: None 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at University ofMichigan (Oct. 26, 2014)🔹Question: My Question is, I know you spoke last year at Union Seminary about liberation theology. Were you involved in the Korean liberation movement, the theological movement like Min-jung Theology? And how were you involved? My second question is how did your spirituality or your spiritual growth, affect your social change? 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2016. 3. 25.🔹Question: When we see the current movement of President Park Geun-Hye, she often talks about reunification and she mentions that reunification is a jackpot. She continuouslypromote the idea of reunification that might threaten North Korea in an aggressive behavior. How do you think about that? My second question is, have you ever thought about specific policies that we can embrace North Korean elites? 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session in UCLA (Nov. 16,2014)🔹Question: When we see suffering and when we see crimes being perpetrated by certain groups against the rest of the world, how do we approach that problem? How do we engage it? Today you could see in many parts of the world where similar things are happening, where people are very determined to advance their agenda and to exterminate physically destroy anyone who opposes them. We can look at communism, we can look at other ideologies that are very aggressive. That do not want to coexist with anybody, do not want to accept anybody’s alternative ideas. They see the world in only one way. And anyone who opposes them will be destroyed. So how do we address that? How do we as the conscious and enlightened human being deal with that? What’s your advice?  🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Google (Nov. 10,2014)🔹Question: Sunim, I have to ask you about North Korea because you are one of the world’s top experts on the topic. And I’m just going to ask you a very broad question, which is talk about peace and humanitarian issue in North Korea today. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2014.11.10🔹Question: Hi. I agree many of our sufferings are really due to our minds. But this year seems, I mean, this year has been especially complicated or hard to swallow for me. I mean, early this year starting with the Ukraine crisis, and then the conflicts in the Middle East. We had this Ebola outbreak and what not. I feel as if the entire universes is kind of inching towards the end or so to speak. And we are closing to the autumn of the universe. What’s going on this year? Is this thing goingto continue? What’s your opinon? 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A 2019. 8. 20.🔹Question: You began your talk very well with talking about the difference between an atheist and a believer. At least in that case. They agree on the topic of whether or not there is a God. That’s great. Now talking about reunification, I think thesituations are similar but different. For example, among the various reunification efforts and movements including within the Jungtohoi (Jungto Society), there is a focus on what they are doing more than what the other part, maybe recipients, understand what they are doing. There are so much confusion of people talking past each other. Simple example, somewhat relevant, is in the recent peace talks. There is not even agreement on what the summits are about like in Hanoi and Singapore, just the fact that they agreed to meet and talk past each other. So my concern and I don’t know if it’s a question, iswhen people get involved with these reunification ovements and spent a good amount of time, effort and money, I’m not sure if they are really doing it more for reunification than for themselves as feeling good that they are doing something for a noble cause that is not well defined. Because, ok, reunification. But what is reunification? There’s so many different opinions of what that would actually be. So I wonder maybe the Jungtohoi (Jungto Society) should be focusing its resources on other things such as elimination of the death penalty in South Korea or giving opportunities for conscientious objectors to find acceptable roles in society rather than compulsory military service. So I’m not criticizing the Jungtohoi (Jongto Society)but I’m just raising my concerns about allocations of resources and time.I understand thecorn donation is very noble and hopefully the corn will be given to the people who are actually hungry and not simply the people who do not actually need that food. But it could be a situation where people feel good about raising moneyfor the corn for North Korea when in fact it may not be so purposeful. But it makes them feel good. So I don’t know if I have a real question but only a simple concern that may not even be appropriate for this format. But here I am. 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint 

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Jogye-sa Temple,Seoul, South Korea (June 15, 2018)🔹Question: I've just recently returned from Japan after conducting research for a year. And my question is this. Is there anything we can take from Buddhist teachings to helpKoreans understand Korea-Japan relations? What is the way for it given the emotional suffering that our country has endured in the past? And whether there is a way that we can overcome those feelings of anger and anguish for moreproductive diplomatic relations? 🔻Jungto Dharma School(Introduction to Buddhism):https://www.jungtosociety.org/jungto-dharma-school-online-course/ 🔻 All Jungto Society’ssocial platforms: http://linktr.ee/jungtoint