Twenty-one years have created a profound circle in my journey. In 2004, I stood at this very temple in Korea as a Telematics PhD student from NTNU Norway, proudly submitting my second conference paper. Now in 2025, I find myself returning as a Buddhist monk, honored to speak at the Soen Meditation Summit organized by Jogye Buddhism of Korea.
The sense of déjà vu is overwhelming. I can still remember being a tourist at Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul, standing before the magnificent Maitreya Buddha, camera in hand. On April 1st, I found myself there again—not as a visitor, but as a participant in the opening ceremony of the Soen Meditation Conference, preparing to speak on April 4th. Yep, this is not an April's fool joke but it is the truth that has repeated two decades apart.
What moves me most is witnessing Korean Buddhists' devotion to their traditions, monks, temples, and meditation practices. Though Buddhism now represents only about 20% of the population, their foundation remains remarkably strong. The presence of young volunteers eagerly supporting temple activities and conference organization reflects a living tradition that continues to inspire new generations.
During this visit, I've had the privilege of spending time with monks from various schools and traditions, particularly those from Sri Lanka and Japan. Despite our apparent differences in practices and appearances, our core similarities remind me that the mind's journey toward inner truth connects us all at a fundamental level.
The path from being a pianist, photographer, and programmer with a PhD in Telematics to becoming a Theravada Buddhist Monk for 17 years has been transformative. My technical background has allowed me to pioneer "Peace Revolution," now the largest free online self-development and meditation platform, reaching users in over 200 countries.
Each time I travel to share insights on mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy—whether with individuals, organizations, or companies across 70 countries—I'm reminded of how this journey began, and how meaningful it is to return to places that were once part of a different chapter in my life.
Coming back to Korea has been more than a return to a familiar place—it's a testament to how life's path can circle back with new purpose and meaning.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.