Reflections and Farewells: The Conclusion of the INEB Jeongtohoe Tour

The INEB (International Solidarity for Participatory Buddhism) Jeongtohoe tour program has come to an end, and participants are returning to their respective countries. The tour program, which focused on promoting participatory Buddhism, included various activities such as Buddhist services, ceremonies, and discussions on pressing issues.

The day began with a morning prayer at the Jeongto Social and Cultural Center in Seoul. The monks from Southeast Asia showed familiarity with Korean ceremonial texts, impressing the attendees. Following the Buddhist service and the thousand-day prayer, a ceremony was held by Ven. Zheng Chao and Myohai, both from China.

During the tour, the INEB delegation had the opportunity to meet Bodhisattva Won Man-seong, the patron of INEB, in Busan. Ven. Zheng Chao, who currently heads the Zen meditation center at Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, engaged in a conversation with the patron in Chinese characters. The monks also conducted a ceremony in accordance with the tradition of Zen Buddhism.

After the ordination ceremony, the two monks received the Dharma gatha and became perfect Zen monks. The attendees congratulated them with loud applause, and a commemorative photo was taken at Sahong Seowon.

Following the ceremony, a balwoogongyang, a traditional Buddhist meal, was held with the public of the Seoul community. The monk emphasized the importance of mindfulness during the meal, highlighting the need for silence and awareness of every movement.

The monk also expressed gratitude towards the staff who worked tirelessly during the INEB study tour. The head of the Seoul branch and Ven. Phra Itthiyawat from Thailand thanked Venerable Pomnyun and the members of the Jungto Society for their teachings and hospitality.

As the study tour came to an end, the participants bids not right. We should all live together and help each other. So, let’s work together to create a facility for nuns as well.”

The two nuns nodded with gratitude.

Lastly, we had a meeting with two monks from Cambodia. The monk asked about the current situation in Cambodia and what kind of help they needed.

“In Cambodia, there are many poor people who cannot afford to go to school. So, I hope that JTS can provide scholarships or support for education. In addition, there are many people who are suffering from various diseases and cannot receive proper medical treatment. So, if JTS can provide medical support or build medical facilities, it would be a great help.”

The monk listened carefully and promised to discuss and consider what kind of support JTS could provide.

After the meetings, the monks and nuns from each country gathered together and had a group photo taken. They all smiled brightly, but there was a sense of sadness in their eyes as they knew it was time to say goodbye.

At 12:30 p.m., the monks and nuns left the Jeongto Social and Cultural Center and headed to the airport. They will return to their respective countries and continue their Buddhiste JTS can actively participate in this process.”

“Thank you for your suggestion. We will definitely discuss and consider how we can provide assistance to the people in Laos. We understand the importance of helping those in need and we will make it a priority in our activities.”

Lastly, we had a meeting with Ven. Tenzin from Bhutan and Ven. Sopheap from Cambodia. They both expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the INEB study tour and learn from the teachings of Ven. Pomnyun and the members of the Jungto Society.

“We have learned so much during this study tour and we are grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that we have gained. We will bring back what we have learned to our respective countries and share it with others. We hope to continue our collaboration with the Jungto Society and work together for the betterment of our communities.”

The meetings concluded with a sense of gratitude and hope for future collaborations. The INEB study tour has come to an end, but the impact and lessons learned will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of the participants. As they return to their respective countries, they carry with them the teachings of compassion, mindfulness, and the spirit of participatory Buddhism. The journey may have ended, but the journey of spreading the Dharma and working towards a more compassionate world has just begun.

How did the Jeongtohoe tour program promote participatory Buddhism among its participants?

The Jeongtohoe tour program organized by INEB (International Solidarity for Participatory Buddhism) came to an end, participants are now returning to their respective countries. The program was dedicated to promoting participatory Buddhism and included various activities such as Buddhist services, ceremonies, and discussions on important topics.

The day started with a morning prayer at the Jeongto Social and Cultural Center in Seoul. The monks from Southeast Asia impressed the attendees with their familiarity with Korean ceremonial texts. Following the Buddhist service and the thousand-day prayer, Ven. Zheng Chao and Myohai from China conducted a ceremony.

During the tour, the INEB delegation had the opportunity to meet Bodhisattva Won Man-seong, the patron of INEB, in Busan. Ven. Zheng Chao, who currently heads the Zen meditation center at Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, engaged in a conversation with the patron in Chinese characters. The monks also performed a ceremony according to the tradition of Zen Buddhism.

Following the ordination ceremony, the two monks became perfect Zen monks and received congratulations from the attendees. A commemorative photo was taken at Sahong Seowon to mark the occasion.

Subsequently, a balwoogongyang, a traditional Buddhist meal, was held with the public of the Seoul community. The monk emphasized the importance of mindfulness during the meal, highlighting the need for silence and awareness of every movement.

The monk expressed gratitude towards the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly during the INEB study tour. The head of the Seoul branch and Ven. Phra Itthiyawat from Thailand thanked Venerable Pomnyun and the members of the Jungto Society for their teachings and hospitality.

As the study tour reached its conclusion, the participants expressed their desire to continue working together and supporting each other. They proposed the creation of a facility for nuns and the two nuns expressed their gratitude.

Lastly, a meeting was held with two monks from Cambodia. The monk inquired about the current situation in Cambodia and the type of help needed. The monk mentioned the high number of impoverished individuals unable to afford education and suggested providing scholarships or support. Additionally, there is a lack of proper medical treatment, so the possibility of offering medical support or building medical facilities was brought up.

The monk carefully listened to the concerns and promised to discuss and consider what kind of support JTS could provide.

After the successful tour program, participants are now departing with a renewed dedication to promoting participatory Buddhism and making a positive impact in their respective communities.