Won Buddhism of Manhattan

Won Buddhism is socially engaged in the fields of environment, education, social service, community service, human rights, religious freedom, humanitarian assistance, cultural exchange, and issues involving women, elderly, and youth. Won Buddhism was accredited by the Department of Public Information of the United Nations as a Non Governmental Organization(NGO) in 1992. A representative of Won Buddhism has served as the President of Religious NGOs at the UN, and the founding Co-Chair of Values Caucus at the UN and has organized Universal Ethics Millennium Conference at the UN. The principles of Won Buddhism dovetail with the principles of the United Nations. Won Buddhism provides a vision for One World Community based on the truth of interconnectedness and interdependency of all.

The Founding Master Sotaesan predicted that a universal and even cosmic interdependence would bring together people of all continents, all races and all religions to face a common future. He presented fundamental principles for peaceful coexistence of the world community, promoting peace and justice, love and compassion among the members of the earth community.

Master Chung-San proclaimed Triple Universal Ethics to clarify the vision for One World Community; all religions are based on the common source, all human beings are interconnected as One Extended Family, and all social and political enterprises should work toward a prosperous and peaceful world community. Won Buddhists believe that there are varying ethnicities and nationalities; humanity is One Family on earth, joined by the One Energy within the universe. Although opinions and methods may differ, there is agreement with respect to awakening the world and making it more peaceful and just. Although we come from different walks of life, we all have a common task: to build the House of Truth and to make a home for love and justice. All social, political and religious enterprises must apply their vast and unique resources toward the development of a peaceful world.

The Triple Universal Ethics provides a strong spiritual and ethical base with which to actualize the Charter of the United Nations. We the People of the United Natios have a Common Principle and Common Purpose as One Family to live well individually and to create a better world collectively.

* Ven. Chung Ohun Lee at the UN: World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012

Learn more about the UN: www.un.org/en

Learn more about NGOs: www.un.org/en/civilsociety