What Peers Say
Oscar Arias Sanchez, President of Costa Rica, Nobel Peace Laureate
"It is by now a truth recognized across the globe, that the pursuit of peace must be rooted in education and specifically in the training of empathetic, creative, and ethical citizens and leaders. Peace begins in the individual, and the individual must be considered not only on the political and sociological levels, but as a vastly complex being with spiritual and moral aspects as well. An educator who creates new methods for combining peaceful social interaction and individual development could have great influence in creating healthier and more humane societies. For that reason, it is with all humility that I now seek to call your attention to the path-breaking work of Ilchi Lee.
Ilchi Lee's work flows from a deep curiosity and regard for the spiritual dimensions of human experience. Out of a synergy of ancient Korean philosophy and modern neurological discoveries, Mr. Lee created the discipline of Brain Education over 25 years ago…. Brain Education is a tool of empowerment, recognizing that every member of society has the capacity and the right to seek self-awareness and open, creative thought.
After initial sessions with small groups in Seoul, Mr. Lee quickly realized that Brain Education also fulfills a powerful social function by unlocking the potential of each individual to be a force for peace. He understands the brain not simply as an organ, but as the center of the whole human body energy system. As such, a holistic approach to developing the brain's full potential is deeply linked to any struggle for peace that understands individual development as the basis of social change. As Mr. Lee explains, 'The human brain is instinctively peaceful; all we have to do is train it to recover its original state of peacefulness.'
I personally have been honored to collaborate with Mr. Lee, as both co-chair of the World Earth-Human Alliance and as honorary president of the International Brain Education University. His transcendent work is a constant inspiration, and I am deeply pleased to witness the increasing worldwide influence of Brain Education and its accompanying peace activities.
For decades we have been hearing exhortations to 'visualize world peace,' but rarely does someone come along with the creativity and the leadership to propose how this vision relates to our innermost selves. Ilchi Lee promotes an understanding of peace not only in its sociological aspects, but as an integrated human state. He takes the struggle for peace out of the virtually inaccessible realm of international politics and law, and places it back in the hands and minds of the people."
Elkhonon Goldberg, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Neurology at New York University School of Medicine
"I met Ilchi Lee through his work with the United Nations in his capacity as the founder of the International Brain Education Association (IBREA). I was immediately impressed with the educational initiatives launched by IBREA. IBREA is in a unique position to disseminate knowledge and to serve as a very effective platform for numerous worthwhile projects. Ilchi Lee should be applauded for his pioneering creative vision in conceiving and launching this innovative organization with a truly international outreach."
Tommy Tune’s introduction to Ilchi Lee
at the Brain Art Festival 2009 in NY
"The great and very famous movie star, Cary Grant, once told me that a gentleman over forty should never show his elbows in public. He also told me that from fifty every individual should aspire to take up a new activity every single year, because it keeps the brain fresh and the body invigorated. And for the last twenty years I've been trying to do that. On January 1st, 2009, this year, I strolled across Union Square, entered this building, ascended to the second floor and was ushered into the beautiful room where in began my training for Brain Education. I've become more aware and more energetic than I've ever been in my life, and I'm so grateful to this evening and to this technique and this training. And I am deeply honored to be here tonight at the Brain Art Festival to introduce you to the man who started it all. I have met him, he has inspired me, and what an honor to introduce to Mr. Ilchi Lee. Mr. Lee has dedicated his life to traveling the world, sharing inspiration and information about the potential of the human brain. From starting in this small park in South Korea, helping this singular stroke survivor, to over 1,000 centers throughout the world teaching his method of training, the body and
the brain, to working with the non-profits which are working with the UN, to teaching kids in schools in New York City
and beyond, and finally at last tonight, on this great stage of the Radio City Music Hall."
Seymour Topping, Author and Professor of Journalism
"For Ilchi Lee, enlightenment is not some obscure mystical path attainable only for those few who sit meditating on a mountaintop. He offers a common sense way to fulfillment for every individual. His philosophy guides us to a peaceful world in which all living creatures are accorded respect and compassionate treatment."
Hee-Sup Shin, National Scientist Awardee, South Korea
"I agree with Ilchi Lee that the brain will be at the center of cultural development. From the viewpoint of the brain, people will analyze and make plans regarding politics, economy, society, and culture. Brain Education's development and delivery will foster the acceleration of cultural evolution in positive directions. According to Ilchi Lee's philosophy, when humanity chooses happiness and peace, then substantial progress is possible. I expect that his Brain Education to be a major force in the world's cultural advancement."