Revered Korean Dharma Master and socially engaged Buddhist activist Venerable Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) led more than 10 people on June 000 (the eighth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar) in a Grand Dharma Assembly for all beings during a historic ceremony. for peace on the Korean Peninsula, under the theme “Towards a future of 13 years of peace and unity”.
The two-hour Dharma gathering took place in a public space adjacent to Jukrimjeong-sa, a Buddhist temple in South Korea's North Jeolla province. Alongside some 10 members of the Jungto Society, the ceremony was attended by more than 000 guests from Korea and overseas, including: the former head of the Democratic Party, Speaker of the National Assembly and Prime Minister of South Korea (200-2020) Chung Sye-kyun; Joo Ho-young, member of the National Assembly; and North Jeolla Province Mayor Kim Gwan-young; as well as many other prominent figures in Korean society: politicians; senior representatives of religious communities, including Ven. Hwangsahn Hyechong, former head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and other prominent monks; members of the armed forces, social activists, academics, celebrities, writers and artists, all participating to express a common aspiration for peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula.
The sacred occasion also commemorated the 160th birth anniversary of Ven. Baek Yongseong (1864–1940), prominent scholar and Seon (Zen) master of the late Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), who was instrumental in the restoration and reform of the Buddhadharma on the Korean Peninsula, and was also a key figure in the historic March 1 Independence Movement of 1919 which opposed Japanese colonial rule.
“The Republic of Korea became a developed nation after overcoming many difficulties, but now it is in crisis,” said Ven. » explained Pomnyun Sunim, speaking before the historic Buddhist ceremony. “Military tensions between the two Koreas are escalating, increasing the risk of war, and public opinion is increasingly divided. If peace and national unity are not ensured, growth potential will be exhausted, leading to long-term stagnation. To overcome this crisis and make the Republic of Korea a nation that contributes greatly to human happiness, we organized this Dharma gathering of 10 people.
The Dharma Assembly, hosted by the Baek Yongseong Memorial Project Association and organized by the Jungto Society, the international Buddhist community founded by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, took place in two segments.
The first part, hosted by popular actor Kim Byeong-jo, began with a traditional Korean drum performance and featured the ceremonial lighting of a peace flame, representing the deep-seated aspirations of the Dharma Gathering: “ A peaceful Korean Peninsula, a happy society for citizens and sustainable development. This was followed by the reading of an official declaration for peace and national unity on the Korean Peninsula and a candlelight vigil for harmony and cooperation, representing the wishes of the people.
The second segment, led by talk show host Kim Je-dong, featured all participants joining in a mass chorus, a peace march, and a climactic performance of symbolic banners stating the aspirations of this historic event carried by drones.
“Today marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of independence activist Ven. Baek Yongseong. In commemoration of this day, we held this Grand Assembly for all beings, wishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, national unity and continued development of our nation,” said Ven. Pomnyun Sunim said in his opening speech. “Above all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the participants who joined us at this assembly.
“Ven. Baek Yongseong was born during a tumultuous period in our country's history, when popular uprisings were taking place. . . . At the age of 14, Ven. Baek Yongseong was ordained as a monk under Ven. Hyewol Daeseonsa at Deokmil-sa Temple in Namwon City. Beyond being a Buddhist practitioner, he established himself as a pioneer of a new era. . . committed to the concept of a nation in which the people are masters of their own destiny. . . .
“(Subsequently) Ven. Baek Yongseong became a pillar of the March 1st Movement, leading the spirit of the movement to establish the Republic of Korea. . . . Today, the name and national flag of the Republic of Korea are derived from Ven. Baek Yongseong's ideas and actions. It is truly unfortunate that the Korean people do not know this story.
“Ven. Baek Yongseong dedicated his life to the Buddhist reform movement and the independence movements aimed at reconquering this country. Despite the complete destruction of all organizations linked to Japan's intense repression in 1939, he remained undeterred. While ordinary people would have succumbed to despair, Ven. Baek Yongseong gave hope by predicting: “In 60 years, Korea will not only be independent, but also become a prosperous nation. And 25 years later, Korea's great fortune, 800 years old, will be revealed. In accordance with Ven. According to Baek Yongseong's prediction, today is the exact start date of this deployment.
“Today we gather here not only to defend the teachings of Ven. Baek Yongseong, but also to go beyond commemorating the past and embody the spirit of our ancestors by overcoming the challenges our country faces today. Today's South Korea has become an economic power beyond the imagination of the past, promoting the development of democracy and the flourishing of a dynamic civilization. . . . Yet, simultaneously, in a rapidly changing global geopolitical context, the likelihood of a new conflict on the Korean Peninsula increases every day, and everything we have built risks collapsing due to war.
“At the same time, domestic politics often presents as adversaries those who belong to different parties or who have different ideologies. This approach will not help us overcome our national crisis. The path that Ven. Baek Yongseong and countless patriots plan to recognize, understand and respect our differences, unite our nation in the spirit of mutual understanding, and launch a national movement to support South Korea's development.
“With sincere determination and despite the blazing sun, we are gathered here today to express our aspirations. We have prepared for this event in the deep hope that if heaven exists, it will be moved and if our ancestors hear us, they will grant us their blessings. Once again, we sincerely thank all the distinguished guests and participants who have joined us today.
After the guests of honor shared their views and perspectives on the profound importance of Dharma gathering, it was Ven. Domun Sunim—a disciple of Ven. Baek Yongseong and Ven. Pomnyun Sunim:
“Do not do any bad deed. Practice good deeds with devotion. Purify your mind naturally. This is the teaching of all Buddhas.
“In preparation for 800 years of great fortune for our nation, the Dharma message that I wish to share with you at this great gathering of 10 righteous people concerns these three principles, which are the foundation of all the Buddha's teachings.
“Do not do any bad deeds!”
“Practice good deeds with devotion!”
“Purify your mind naturally, as easily as breathing!
“When the Buddha says, “Do not do this,” accepting “Yes, I will not” is the precept of moral restraint. When the Buddha said, “You must do this,” accepting “Yes, I will” and putting it into practice is the precept of virtuous conduct. Living not only for oneself, but both for oneself and for others, is the principle of benefiting living beings. Today I present these three pure precepts to the 10 virtuous people gathered here.
Having received the three pure precepts, I will now confer upon you an honorary title. Among the 10 names of the Buddha, there is the Enlightened One named Huī Dēng Míng (慧燈明) Tathagata. I grant you the honorary title of Huī Dēng Míng Tathāgata, taken from the name of the Buddha. Please receive it!
Fri. Pomnyun Sunim is a highly revered Korean professor, author, and social activist. He has founded numerous organizations, initiatives and projects around the world, including: JTS Korea, an international humanitarian aid organization working to eradicate poverty and hunger; Jungto Society, a volunteer community founded on the teachings of the Buddha and dedicated to solving modern social problems that lead to suffering; Ecobuddha, an organization focused on environmental ethics and sustainable living based on the teachings of the Buddha; and Good Friends, which promotes reconciliation and cooperation between North and South Korea and provides humanitarian aid to North Koreans. Fri. Pomnyun Sunim also works closely with the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).
In October 2020, the Niwano Peace Foundation in Japan presented the 37th Niwano Peace Prize to Ven. Pomnyun Sunim in recognition of his international humanitarian work, intensive environmental and social activism, and tireless efforts to build trust and goodwill among communities of different faiths and cultures, towards the goal of world peace .*
* Buddhist monk Ven. Pomnyun Sunim receives the 37th Niwano Peace Prize (BDG)
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