The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism held a meeting to comfort minorities who have been speaking out in public arenas. The Order has long supported the socially disadvantaged and worked to enact anti-discrimination laws, led by its Social and Labor Committee. 

On June 20, Most Ven. Jinwoo, the president of the order, held a special Dharma assembly at Bongeun-sa Temple to pray for an equal world and deliver a Dharma talk, and invited the socially disadvantaged and discriminated against to attend the assembly. After the ceremony, he hosted a luncheon for the participants in the Bowdang Hall, where they discussed the hardships they had endured. The participants included representatives from the Rainbow Action Against LGBT Discrimination; the chairperson of the migrant labor union; bereaved families who lost loved ones in Jeju Air crash; representatives of parents whose children have disabilities; the head of the National Elderly Care Association; and Bulban, the LGBT Buddhist group.

In his Dharma talk, Most Ven. Jinwoo said, "Today's Dharma assembly serves more than just ceremonial functions. It is a small act of solidarity toward all those who are suffering unseen and unheard in all corners of our society, even at this very moment."

“We all know that the true Buddha's teachings do not belong to the wealthy,” said the president, “but they are firmly based on the practice of compassion for those who are suffering.” He added, “We have gathered here today to listen to and walk with those who are suffering.”

“All sentient beings have innate Buddhahood,” said Most Ven. Jinwoo, quoting the Buddha’s famous words. "This teaching that all sentient beings have inherent dignity by virtue of their existence and that no life is worthless, is not merely a doctrinal or philosophical concept. It is the truth that sustains all living, breathing beings here and now. The community of life is sustained when we care for one another. We must never forget that it is because of someone else's labor that I can laugh, and it is because of someone else's care that I can rest."

“Compassion for the suffering and the courage to speak out on their behalf is a practice of Buddhism in and of itself,” said the president, adding, “Remember that gratitude for all the connections that surround us is the beginning of our practice. We should live a life of care and consideration, and aspire to be a small light and quiet comfort to the people around us.”