[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace Academy in Korea

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's Peace Academy in Korea :)

HWPL Global 02 Branch Holds ‘Peace Academy for the Cessation of War and Saving Lives’ in Damyang in Observance of Patriots and Veterans Month

 

On June 20, HWPL Global 02 Branch held the ‘Peace Academy for the Cessation of  War and Saving Lives’ in Damyang, Jeollanam-do Province, Republic of Korea. 

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The event was organized to reflect on the meaning of Patriots and  Veterans Month, promote a culture of peace, and encourage practical efforts to share and protect life. Around 600 people attended, including representatives from civil society, politics, the media, and the diplomatic community, as well as local citizens.

The first session began with welcoming remarks from Yoo Jae Hyeock, Director of HWPL Global 02 Branch. Venerable Sanghwa, an ambassador for HWPL Global 02 Branch and the director of the  Buddhist Chanting and Meditation Center of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, introduced HWPL’s vision and major initiatives, emphasizing that peace can be realized through a culture of mutual understanding and respect.

 

Venerable Sanghwa, Venerable Yonghyeon

 

A Peace Academy session was then held under the theme, “In an Age of Conflict, What Are We Willing to Let Go of for Peace?”

Venerable Yonghyeon, head of the Bodhidharma Meditation Center of the Shaolin Seon Order of Korean Patriotic Buddhism, said that peace begins when individuals let go of greed, anger, and rigid attachment to their own views. The president of the 6·25 Korean War Student Soldiers Memorial Association reflected on the spirit of sacrifice shown by the student soldiers who served during the Korean War. He emphasized the need to let go of pride and hatred. Kim Hyung-wook, an instructor at Future Vision Academy, spoke about the importance of building a human-centered system for peace, upholding international law, and spreading a culture of peace.

Following the presentations, master pansori singer Kim Young-hee and daegeum master Oh mok dae gave traditional Korean music performances. Their music shared a meaningful message of peace and harmony with the participants. 

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During the second session, commemorative plaques of appreciation were presented in gratitude to the countries that participated in the Korean War. A child representative also read a Peace Letter.

The cultural performances that followed invited the participants to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in defense of the nation and to reflect on the precious value of peace. A blood donation initiative was also introduced as a practical way to share life and care for others.

Yoo Jae Hyeock, Director of HWPL Global 02 Branch, said:

“Although we may come from different generations, races, and religions, we share one heart for peace. I hope this event will help spread the values of honoring those who served and sacrificed for the nation, respecting life, and advancing world peace throughout the local community, based on mutual understanding and respect.”

The academy concluded by giving participants an opportunity to reflect once again on the meaning of peace and strengthen their commitment to putting peace into practice.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/