In May 2026, a walking meditation session was held at the UN Garden at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, attended by high-ranking UN officials and staff members.

The event was made all the more meaningful by the presence of Ven. Gou, the abbot of the B.U.D. Zen Center in New York. Over the years, Ven. Gou has built deep trust with UN staff through numerous meditation programs.

The walking meditation session aimed to promote the mental well-being of UN staff working in the intense environment of international diplomacy by providing them with an opportunity to rest and reflect amid their busy schedules. The event was featured on the UN’s official internal website, iSeek, attracting considerable attention.

In the UN Garden, where a cool breeze blew in from the East River and lush greenery abounded, participants took slow, mindful steps under Ven. Gou’s guidance, focusing on their breath. Mindful of the present moment, they let go of distracting thoughts and tension, experiencing deep peace and healing.

“Seeing UN leaders and staff, who constantly deliberate and coordinate for world peace, reflect on their minds and discover peace, moved me deeply,” said Ven. Gou. “I believe that only when the individual mind is at peace can peace for the community and the world be achieved.”

A staff member who attended the event shared, “It was special to step away from the tense work environment and take care of myself by slowly walking through the most beautiful garden at the UN headquarters.” They added, “Although it was only for a short while, my heart felt much lighter, and I gained the strength I needed to refocus on my work.”

Ven. Gou is working as a full-time intern at the UN Headquarters for six months and has been using her lunch breaks to lead meditation programs for UN staff. These programs have been well received by employees and regarded as a meaningful way to promote the compassion and spiritual practice of Korean Buddhism within an international organization.