Ven. Pomyun Snim is considered one of the leading intellects in South Korea today, preaching on how to harmonize cultivation with social engagement. In 2002, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which has been called the ‘Asian Nobel Peace Prize. His lectures based on teachings on the Buddha and his long, diverse experiences as an activist can transcend language and cultural differences to help people all over the world. Ven. Pomnyun Snim was the subject of a New York Times profile In 2012, highlighting his efforts to establish one of South Korea’s first relief organizations, Good Friends, for North Koreans fleeing that country’s deprivations, and his ongoing activism on the North Korean people’s behalf.

He is not an only a peace activist but as a Guiding Zen Master, he has begun holding lectures for English speaking audiences through an interpreter.In April 2013, he conducted a “Dharma Dialogue” lecture for the participants of International Buddhist-Christian Conference ""Engaged Buddhists and Liberation Theologians in Dialogue"" at the Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York and received positive reviews.

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim will launch his 2014 World Lecture Tour and hold lectures more than 100 cities across Europe, North America, South America, Oceania  and Asia during  Aug. 26 - Dec.18. His lecture is a form of talk show engaging audience: audience asks questions and he responds.He delivers a very brief intro, and a majority of the time would be spent for a Q&A style dialogue at his talk. The talk would be highly engaging with the diverse question in its topics.

“2014 Creating a World Full of Hope” will provide an opportunity for participants to obtain clear answers to their religious, personal, or social concern as well as diverse life problems through in depth communication made possible by Venerable Pomnyun Sunim’s extensive insight and wisdom.