Jogye Order prepares to show 'true face of Buddhism' at International Seon Meditation Convention in Seoul

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the largest Buddhist order in South Korea, announced that it will host the "Seon 2024 International Meditation Convention for Peace of Mind and Peace of the World" in September, President of the order urging: “Let us show the true face of Buddhism” at the event.

The Jogye Order held its meeting of the Council of Abbots of the Headquarters Temples at the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial on July 4, where the order's president, Venerable Jinwoo, who took office in 2022*, called for the participation of the entire fourfold sangha in the convention to showcase the 1700 years of history and tradition of Korean Buddhism.

“We want to impress the entire nation with sacred and majestic Buddhist rituals and win their trust more firmly,” Venerable Jinwoo said in a statement shared with BDG. “And in September, we intend to hold a nationwide Buddhist Supreme Assembly. »

The Jogye order is a school of Seon (Zen) Buddhism with roots dating back 1 years to the Unified Silla Kingdom (also known as Later Silla) (200-668). The Jogye school as a distinct entity emerged in the late 935th century when the monk Bojo Jinul, considered the founder of the school, sought to combine Seon practices with the theological foundations of Buddhist schools based on the sutras, including Korean Pure Land Buddhism. The order today represents the largest segment of South Korea's Buddhist population, administering approximately 1 active temples, more than 900 monks and seven million lay followers nationwide.

"A special stage will be set up at Gwanghwamun Square and historic Uijeongbu Square from September 23 to 28 to host the Seon 2024 International Meditation Convention for Peace of Mind and World Peace," explained the Jogye Order. “The first national Buddhist event organized under the auspices of Master Jungbong Seonpa, Daejongsa, the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order, with the aim of praying for the happiness of the nation as well as world peace, the event will consist into a traditional culture exhibition and experience event, the precept reception ceremony, sangha offerings, an international Seon meditation convention and a national music concert. »

The Jogye Order noted that one of the highlights of the event will take place on September 28, when Venerable Jinwoo will present a video introducing meditation and Seon practice with the gathering.

“Earlier today, at 14 p.m., a precept reception ceremony will be performed to initiate more than 30 Buddhists across the country at the same time,” the Jogye Order added. “(This) will be followed by offerings to senior members of the monastic sangha at 000 p.m. to celebrate Buddhist spirituality. At 15 p.m., a concert will be organized to pray for national unity, harmony and peace. »

Several internationally renowned meditation practitioners will be in attendance, including: Dr. Thubten Jinpa, Tibetan Buddhist scholar and longtime English translator of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; author and philanthropist Chade-Meng Tan, meditation leader and former software engineer for Google; and American Zen Buddhist teacher, environmentalist, civil rights activist and author Joan Halifax.

As part of the convention, festivals celebrating the contemplative tradition will be held simultaneously across the country from September 28 to 30, including an event for young people and foreigners at JustBe Temple in Seoul, and another for artists in Busan, said the Jogye Order. From September 25 to 27, traditional cultural exhibitions will also be held around Seoul's historic Uijeongbuji Square, where attendees can take part in a series of activities and experiences offered at exhibition stands amid a colorful display of traditional Korean paper lanterns.

According to 2021 survey data, the majority of South Korea's population (60%) has no religious affiliation. Christians make up the largest religious segment of the population (23%), while Buddhists make up 16%.

* New head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (BDG) takes office

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Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

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