MIMC Ladakh and Hong Beop sa Temple, South Korea, Sign MoU to Build Bridges of Compassion and Peace
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A solemn and spiritually uplifting ceremony was held today at the Mahabodhi Ozen Sattori House Seminar Hall, bringing together a distinguished delegation from South Korea led by Venerable Shim San, Abbot of Hong Beop Sa Temple, Busan, along with members of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), under the guidance of most Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena. The gathering centered around a meaningful round-table dialogue on the theme “Building Bridges of Compassion and Peace,” reflecting a shared vision of fostering harmony across cultures and nations.
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The ceremony commenced with an auspicious prayer, invoking the blessings of the Triple Gem and setting a serene and contemplative tone for the proceedings. Welcoming the esteemed guests, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Venerable Shim San, describing him as a dynamic and compassionate spiritual leader whose work continues to inspire efforts towards global peace, ecological responsibility, and the revival of ethical and spiritual values in modern society. He fondly recalled their first meeting and the many meaningful interactions that have strengthened their bond over the years. Highlighting the deep-rooted historical and spiritual connections between India and Korea, Bhikkhu Sanghasena spoke of the enduring presence of the Buddha’s teachings in Korean culture and commended the sincere efforts of Venerable Shim San in preserving and propagating the Dharma. He also proposed the formation of a Korea-Ladakh Friendship Association as a platform for sustained collaboration, cultural exchange, and collective service.
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In his address, Venerable Shim San reflected on his long-standing association with Bhikkhu Sanghasena, recalling their encounters at various international spiritual and interfaith gatherings. He shared that their friendship, spanning over twenty-one years, is rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a common commitment to serving humanity. He described his visit to Ladakh as both a personal and spiritual milestone, reaffirming his deep admiration for the work being carried out by MIMC. Expressing his sincere intention to strengthen this partnership in the years ahead, he emphasized the importance of collective efforts in promoting peace, compassion, and inner transformation in an increasingly divided world. Referring to the proposed Korea-Ladakh Friendship Association, Venerable Shim San also conveyed his aspiration to install a Korean-style stupa within the Buddha Park for World Peace, envisioning it as a sacred symbol of unity, friendship, and shared spiritual heritage, a proposal that was warmly welcomed and appreciated by Bhikkhu Sanghasena.
The ceremony culminated in the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MIMC and Hong Beop Sa Temple, marking the beginning of a long-term institutional partnership grounded in shared Buddhist values of compassion, wisdom, and peaceful coexistence. Under this agreement, both institutions have committed to working collaboratively in the areas of spiritual practice, education, cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, humanitarian service, and youth leadership. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of monks, nuns, scholars, students, and volunteers between Ladakh and South Korea, and will also include the joint organization of meditation retreats, cultural festivals, academic programmes, peacebuilding initiatives, and environmental campaigns. A Joint Steering Committee will be constituted to guide and review the implementation of these collaborative efforts, ensuring continuity and meaningful impact. The agreement also envisions the installation of a Korean-style stupa at the Buddha Park for World Peace as a lasting testament to the friendship between the people of Ladakh and the Republic of Korea.
This Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in further strengthening the historic spiritual and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea, reflecting a shared commitment to compassionate action, environmental responsibility, and the collective pursuit of global peace and harmony.