Speaker attends Jogye Order's international Seon meditation conference
'National Assembly will do its best to improve mental health, quality of life,' speaker says
National Assembly Speaker Jo Jeong-sik attended the Jogye Order's International Seon Meditation Conference at the National Assembly Members' Hall on Wednesday, where he praised those who have worked to bring Seon meditation to the wider public and said mental health and self-reflection are more important than ever in the AI era.
The conference was held under the theme "Mind, Peace and Seon Meditation in the AI Era," bringing together participants to explore ways of nurturing inner well-being amid rapid social change.
In his congratulatory address, Jo said, "We are living in an age where advanced technologies, including AI, are rapidly transforming every aspect of our lives." He added that while AI brings undeniable benefits and convenience, it also generates anxiety about an uncertain future and how human life will change in a world of constant upheaval.
Jo also stressed the need to balance technological progress with care of the mind. "If technology expands the possibilities of life, the wisdom of tending to the mind shows us the direction in which human life should move," he said. "Korean Buddhism has long sought the wisdom to find inner peace through reflection and practice."
He said Seon meditation, which has adapted that tradition to the needs of modern life, offers a path to calm and peace of mind in a rapidly changing AI era. Jo expressed deep gratitude to members of the Jogye Order for establishing Seon meditation healing centers and practice spaces across the country and for their efforts to bring Seon meditation to the general public.
Jo also highlighted the role of Seon meditation in resolving social conflict and restoring a sense of community. "Our society today is experiencing various forms of conflict as it becomes divided along generational, regional and other lines," he said. "I believe our society can continue to develop only when we are able to respect and understand one another with open hearts. I hope the wisdom of Seon meditation can go beyond individual mental health to help build a warm community grounded in mutual respect and consideration."
He added that he hoped the conference would serve as an occasion to spread the value of Seon meditation and share the wisdom of inner peace and coexistence. "The National Assembly will also do its best, guided by the wisdom of Seon meditation, to improve the mental health and quality of life of the people," he said.
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