Welcome Address

Modern society is often described as an era of civilizational transformation. Yet, behind rapid technological advances and material abundance, deep challenges—such as spiritual emptiness, mental health issues, disregard for life, family breakdown, social polarization, and the climate crisis—continue to deepen.

This international academic conference aims to serve as a turning point for a "mind revolution" that reaffirms the sanctity of life and emphasizes the importance of moral practice.

Through this gathering, we propose that mindfulness, meditation, and mind-training offer essential pathways to address not only personal and spiritual development, but also pressing societal, economic, public health, and ecological issues.

The conference will synthesize ongoing efforts to socialize mind-practice and present key findings from the emerging field of mind-humanities.

It also celebrates the 80th anniversary of Wonkwang University, reaffirming its founding vision as a life-centered, morally grounded, glocal institution.

We hope this conference becomes a vital platform for sharing the significance of mind-practice with the local community and for shaping a hopeful and ethical future for both the nation and humanity at large.

Sung-Tae Park
President, Wonkwang University