Most Ven. Jinwoo, the president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, introduced ‘Seon meditation’ to the traditional religious leaders around the world, stating, “Inner peace achieved through Seon meditation can lead directly to world peace.”

“Cultivating the power to govern one's own mind through Seon meditation leads to inner peace, which can then expand into peace for all humanity,” said Most Ven. Jinwoo, in a congratulatory address read by Ven. Jeongbeom, a member of the Jogye Order’s International Exchange Committee, at the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions held on September 17-18 in Astana, Kazakhstan. He continued, “Recognizing deeply that all life and nature are interconnected, I pray for a world free from violence, war, discrimination, and hatred—a world filled with understanding, respect, compassion, and wisdom.”

The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is an international interreligious gathering established by the Government of Kazakhstan in 2003 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, in recognition of the need for interfaith dialogue. It is held every three years following annual secretariat meetings. The Jogye Order has participated consistently since 2007.

This year's conference, held under the theme 'Synergy for the Future' and chaired by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was attended by approximately 100 religious and political leaders, including Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia; Abdulkarim Al-Issah, Secretary General of the Muslim World League; and George Jacob Kubakad, the prefect (head) of the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Representing Korea, Venerable Jeongbeom, a member of the International Exchange Committee, attended on behalf of Most Ven. Jinwoo, the president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Ven. Munjong, also an International Exchange Committee Member, participated in the second Forum of Young Religious Leaders, which was held during the same period.