A Conversation with Sŏn Master Pomnyun on Violence, Nonviolence, and Social Justice

Most of the world’s major religions teach nonviolence. Social activists and political scientists have been working on this topic as well. In today’s world, where wars, social discrimination, economic inequity, and differing values create increasing polarization, how should we understand nonviolence? How should we envision and practice it? How would nonviolence help us move toward a more just society?

In this plenary panel, the renowned South Korean Sŏn (Chinese Chan, Japanese Zen) master Venerable Pomnyun shares his views on violence, nonviolence, and social justice. Pomnyun is not only a Sŏn master but a humanitarian activist whose organization has been actively involved with humanitarian aid for North Korea. He has been doing world tours to engage with people on various issues they encounter in their lives and to provide advice from Buddhist perspectives. In the hopes of reviving the spirit of traditional Chan dialogic learning, in addition to Pomnyun’s talk this panel includes pre-solicited questions from participants and will hear Pomnyun’s views on the issues raised by the submitted questions.