Ven. Pomnyun Sunim At JTS India Sujata Academy

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim spends his days at JTS India Sujata Academy and Jivaka Hospital.

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim spent his day going over and looking around JTS India Jivaka Hospital, Sujata Academy, and new construction sites.

At 5 AM, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim started his day by praying with other Korean activists in India. After having an alms bowl meal, they shared their day’s plans and went about their ways.

At 9:15 AM Ven. Pomnyun Sunim went to the new office construction site. On the roof of the construction site, there was a large space available. There was a suggestion that they install rails around the roof and turn it into a dining hall for the students.

Next, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim went to see the Jivaka Hospital. There was a student waiting in line to get his aching arm x-rayed. There were several other patients waiting in line. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim emphasized to the doctors and hospital staff that they must give thorough medical treatments.

Next, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim went to visit the elementary school and middle school of Sujata Academy.

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim asked who could read Hindi and checked how many students could read. It seemed half of the students in the first grade could not read yet. In some classes, there were only 7 students who could read among 20 students. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim suggested holding a special class to help students who need extra help.

While walking up to the second floor, someone mentioned that students often trip and fall on the stairs. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim suggested painting the edge of the stairs with color so the students are less likely to fall.

After checking the classrooms for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim went to see the library. The bookshelves were empty except for a few books. School staff mentioned that it was hard to get books written in Hindi. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim suggested that they at least get books written in English so the students can have access to books.

After inspecting all the classrooms, everyone came out to the field to take a picture together.

After having lunch, at 12:30 PM Ven. Pomnyun Sunim had a meeting with the middle school students. Most middle school students go out to 15 neighboring villages and act as kindergarten teachers. In the morning they teach kindergarten students, and in the afternoon they attend middle school classes.

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim asked the middle school students what was needed at the kindergarten. There were many suggestions including a bathroom installment, a cement-floored shower room, and a dance class.

At 2 PM, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim had a gathering with Indian JTS staff members. They shared their thoughts on their daily lives and Ven. Pomnyun Sunim had a Dharma Q&A session with them. After about 2 hours they ended the Dharma Q&A and shared tea together. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim continued to have meetings for the rest of the day and was able to end his day around 9 PM.