Various ambassadors stationed in Korea attended the nation’s largest meditation festival, the 2026 International Seon Meditation Summit, where they practiced Seon meditation, experienced temple cuisine imbued with the spirit of peace and respect for life, and prayed for world peace.

On April 3, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, led by its president Most Ven. Jinwoo, hosted a Korean Buddhist cultural exchange event at Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul. The event was part of the 2026 International Seon Meditation Summit and invited approximately 30 foreign ambassadors from 12 countries, along with their families and embassy officials.

The event, hosted by Most Ven. Jinwoo, featured a Seon meditation session and a temple meal. Attendees included Italian Ambassador Emilia Gatto; Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima; Latvian Ambassador Janis Berzins; Sri Lankan Ambassador Marimuthu Karuppiah Pathmanathan; Indian Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das; Kamanay Orlabour, Ambassador of Laos; Nguyen Thi Thai Binh, Deputy Ambassador of Vietnam; and Wu Rikang, Counselor of China.

"The ongoing conflicts and wars in various parts of the world are causing anxiety and unease in many people’s hearts," said Most Ven. Jinwoo in his welcoming remarks to the diplomatic envoys from around the world. He added, "Seon meditation can be a precious path that goes beyond simply giving the mind a moment's rest. It helps one rediscover one's heart and restore peace."

The president of the Jogye Order went on to say, "I hope all of you experience a sense of quietness and relaxation, albeit briefly. If the ambassadors share the significance of this experience with their respective home countries, I believe that peace and stability will also be conveyed to their citizens’ hearts.”

In response to his kind words, Ambassador Emilia Gatto of Italy said in Korean, “Buddhism is an important part of Korea, and Buddhist culture represents its long, deep history. I was moved by the efforts to preserve these cultural roots.” She continued, "Although Buddhism is not widespread in Italy, we respect multiculturalism and are grateful for today’s experience."

Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima remarked, “Although Japan is also a Buddhist nation, I have not had many opportunities to experience meditation firsthand. I used to think meditation was solely for reducing suffering, but I have realized that it is also a path to obtain mental relaxation and peace." He expressed deep interest, adding, "I would like to continue practicing meditation."

Ambassadors from other countries also shared their impressions: “We are grateful for the opportunity to experience Korean culture,” “We would like to learn more about Korean Seon meditation,” and “It would be good to practice Seon meditation at our embassies as well.”

During the temple cuisine luncheon that followed, Ven. Seonjae, the first Master of Temple Cuisine certified by the Jogye Order, explained the meaning of each dish and the significance of temple cuisine.

“Temple cuisine never boasts about how many ingredients it uses. Rather, it focuses on what can be taken away,” explained Ven. Seonjae, adding, “We prepare temple meals as part of a spiritual practice to alleviate the afflictions of the body and mind. We use no meat, fish, or the ‘five pungent herbs,’ such as green onions, garlic, and onions, nor any processed foods.”

The day's menu featured eight types of cooked vegetables symbolizing the Eightfold Path, along with lotus root and seasonal greens. Dishes that embodied the vitality of nature were served, including water kimchi made with fruit and kimchi made with persimmons, radishes, mustard greens, and soy sauce. Additionally, soy sauce tea made with traditional soy sauce aged for over 50 years drew particular attention. Attendees from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds came together to experience Buddhist teachings, much like how various ingredients blend into one in a dish like bibimbap.

Meanwhile, the 2026 International Seon Meditation Summit Korea took place in the vicinity of Bongeunsa Temple from April 3 to 5, exploring the theme of “Seon Meditation in the AI Era.”

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