Peace Starts with Us: HWPL’s Korea Reunification Lecture Inspires Youth and Citizens

On May 31, 2025, over 300 citizens gathered at Manbuljeon Hall of Heungnyunsa Temple in Incheon to discuss a vision of peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula. Hosted by the Incheon Buddhist Cultural Promotion Foundation and organized by HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), the event brought together spiritual leaders, youth, and members of the community under the theme: “Walking Together for a Peaceful Future on the Korean Peninsula.”

Citizens and Youth Take the Lead in Peace Dialogue

Unlike many academic or political discussions on Korean reunification, this lecture focused on making peace a lived, shared value among ordinary citizens. From cultural performances and congratulatory remarks to youth presentations and a special lecture, the event served as a practical platform for dialogue and action.

The lecture highlighted HWPL’s unique peace philosophy, known as “Heavenly Culture”—a grassroots, citizen-driven approach to peace that transcends politics and emphasizes shared humanity.

Ven. Beopryun, one of the featured speakers, emphasized the long-term value of reunification:

“Security, economy, and the prosperity of our people all begin with reunification. It is the greatest legacy we can pass on to future generations.”

He encouraged today’s youth to lead the way in overcoming division and building a peaceful future.

Peace Is Not an Ideal — It’s a Practice

A youth representative from the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) echoed this sentiment, saying:

“Reunification begins with empathy. Peace must become part of our daily life, and that requires the voice and action of every citizen.”

Rather than approaching reunification as a distant or purely political issue, the event reframed it as a personal and generational mission, especially for the youth.

The program concluded with a heartfelt group singing of “Our Wish is Reunification”, and reflections shared by audience members, affirming that peace is not the work of one group — but a shared responsibility across generations.

Heavenly Culture: A Vision for Peace We Can Live By

More than a lecture, the event represented HWPL’s ongoing commitment to building peace from the ground up — one conversation, one action, one community at a time.

A representative from HWPL stated:

“Heavenly Culture is about making peace a part of daily life — not just a slogan. We hope this lecture helps citizens recognize reunification not as a national burden, but as a personal mission.”

As HWPL continues to lead peace education, youth mobilization, and global dialogue initiatives, the message is clear:

Reunification begins in the heart, and peace begins with us.

Source: https://vo.la/FLtcnlq