Global Leaders Unite in Seoul for the 2nd World Meditation Day Forum: “The Unified Mind”
Seoul, South Korea – March 20, 2026
The 2nd World Meditation Day Forum, themed “The Unified Mind: Bridging Science and Tradition for the Future of Meditation Globally,” officially opened today at the Jungto Social and Cultural Center in Seoul.
Organized by the World Meditation Day Committee (WMDC) in collaboration with the Jungto Society, and supported by the global community including the World Meditation Foundation, the forum brings together leading voices from spirituality, science, and public leadership across 12 countries.
Distinguished Opening Ceremony with Global and National Leaders
The opening ceremony was marked by the presence of prominent global and national figures.
Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, representative of the WMDC, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of interreligious dialogue and shared human consciousness.
A special highlight was the participation of former Prime Minister of South Korea, Mr. Chung Sye-kyun, who joined the ceremony, underscoring the growing recognition of meditation as a tool for societal well-being and global peace.
He was followed by official congratulatory speeches from:
● Mr. Kim Young-soo, First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism
● Rep. Kim Kyo-heung, Chairperson of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly
Spiritual Authority Meets Global Dialogue
A defining moment of the forum was the keynote address by Most Venerable Hyeguk Sunim, one of the highest-ranking Zen masters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
Highly revered across Korea, his presence drew deep respect from attending national leaders and spiritual communities alike. His keynote emphasized the transformative power of meditation and the mastery of one’s inner world.
Bridging Science and Ancient Wisdom
The forum features a unique convergence of:
● Spiritual masters from Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Islamic Sufi and Christian traditions
● Scientists and researchers from leading institutions including Harvard Medical School
● Global experts exploring meditation’s impact on mental health, neuroscience, and human performance
This cross-disciplinary dialogue reflects a shared vision: to make meditation a practical, accessible, and scientifically grounded tool for modern life.
Historic Global Synchronized Meditation
On the evening of March 20, the forum culminated in a powerful and symbolic moment:
A Global Synchronized Meditation, uniting participants across countries and traditions. The session was guided by four distinguished meditation masters, including:
● Fr. Cyprian Consiglio
● Siddhartha Krishna
● Bhante Anuruddha
● Shaykh Abdalmalik Rajahadayan
The event concluded with a 15-minute global meditation led by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, founder of the Jungto Society, creating a shared moment of stillness and unity across borders.
Participants described the experience as “profound,” “transformative,” and “a rare moment of global harmony.”
A Global Call for Inner Peace
In an era of increasing complexity and division, the forum sends a clear message: Inner peace is not a luxury — it is a necessity.
Through initiatives such as the Global Synchronized Meditation and the “15 Minutes Daily Meditation” movement, organizers aim to make meditation a daily practice accessible to people worldwide.
About the Organizers
The World Meditation Day Committee (WMDC) is dedicated to promoting meditation as a universal pathway to inner peace and global harmony.
The Jungto Society, founded by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, is an international Buddhist community focused on social engagement, peacebuilding, and humanitarian work.
The World Meditation Foundation supports global initiatives that integrate meditation into everyday life, bridging Eastern wisdom and modern society.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Fei Yu
Board Member
World Meditation Foundation
Email: fei@worldmeditationfoundation.org
Website: www.worldmeditationfoundation.org
About the World Meditation Foundation
The World Meditation Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the practice and benefits of meditation worldwide. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative initiatives, the Foundation seeks to create a more mindful, compassionate, and sustainable world.