We warmly welcome the UN’s recognition of December 21 as World Meditation Day. 

In September, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism created a spectacle of transforming the whole world into meditation for five minutes in the heart of Seoul during the International Seon Meditation Congress the Order hosted in Gwanghwamun. The Order also presented a proposal for World Meditation Day to the United Nations headquarters on October 8 when we visited New York. Joan Halifax, Thupten Jinpa, Chade Mnng Tan, Brother Phap Luu, Jigme Rinpoche, and Ven. Misan cosigned the proposal with me representing the 30,000 people attending the 2024 International Seon Meditation Congress. We hope that the shared desire for peace expressed during the Congress contributed to the creation of World Meditation Day. 

On the occasion of the establishment of World Meditation Day, the Jogye Order of Buddhism pledges to step up our efforts to popularize Korean Seon meditation so that not only Koreans but all people around the world can benefit from it and learn how to find peace of mind.

The whole world is on fire with conflicts and discord, but we will continue to strive to make our traditional Seon meditation practice, including Ganhwa Seon, blossom and thrive. We hope that you will continue to be interested and support us in this endeavor. 

December 11, BE 2568 (2024)

Most Venerable Jinwoo

President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism