Ven. Pomnyun Sunim received the 37th Niwano Peace Prize, which is “awarded annually to an individual or an organization that is making a significant contribution to world peace through promoting interreligious cooperation.” The award presentation ceremony, originally scheduled to occur in Tokyo on June 3rd, was postponed and held online on October 26 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic situation.
In the reason for selection, the chair of the Niwano Peace Prize Committee and Senior Advisor for Religion and Inclusive Societies at USIP Rev. Dr. Susan Hayward wrote that Sunim was selected as the 37th recipient “in recognition of his extraordinary humanitarian work, environmental and social activism, and his inspiring effort to build relationships of trust and goodwill between those of different faiths and cultures as a central component of his work for peace. Venerable Pomnyun’s work serves as a poignant illustration of the Buddhist ideals that inspire it.”
Venerable Pomnyun’s work serves as a poignant illustration of the Buddhist ideals that inspire it – Rev. Dr. Susan Hayward
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim is the second Korean recipient of the prize in 20 years since the late Dr. Kang Won Yong in 2000. In his acceptance speech, Sunim acknowledged that “Dr. Kang inspired me with his Christian vision for peace and was a critical influence in my decision to dedicate myself to this path. Sharing this recognition with Dr. Kang is a greater honor.”
Sunim expressed respect and gratitude to the founder, officers, trustees, and staff of the Niwano Peace Foundation, as well as the International Committee of the Niwano Peace Prize. He also thanked Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa of Thailand, a respected Buddhist philosopher, activist, and co-founder of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists, for nominating him.
Sunim also acknowledged that “This internationally renowned prize is a huge encouragement not only for me but also for all my colleagues at Jungto Society who have worked with me tirelessly for the past 20 years to promote peace. In addition, I would like to share this honor with both known and unknown people who are working for the cause of peace around the world even today.”
Sunim ended the acceptance speech with an urgent appeal for peace:
“In terms of peace, nations must coexist peacefully without the threat of war.
As for the environment, people must coexist in harmony with nature.
To resolve structural inequality, structural violence must be eradicated so that different genders, races, and social classes can coexist peacefully.
The essence of my message today is peace. We must choose coexistence over mutual destruction.
May all living beings be happy and peaceful.”
We must choose coexistence over mutual destruction.
May all living beings be happy and peaceful.
You can read the acceptance speech in full text here.
You can watch the acceptance speech with English interpretation here.
Sunim watched the ceremony at Dubuk Retreat Center along with a small group of Jungto practitioners. Some of them have worked with him for more than 20 years. After the ceremony concluded, they shared their reactions and reflections.
Along with the award, Sunim was granted ¥20 million (US$190,000), which will be donated to support COVID-19 relief in Myanmar and INEB’s (International Network of Engaged Buddhists) education programs for women in Southeast Asia.
© 2024 Jungto Society - All Rights Reserved