By Noh Hyun-gi

The monks of the Jogye Order, the largest sect of Buddhism in Korea, embarked on a 100-day afternoon fast, a traditional practice, Monday.

Some 200 participants are taking part in the “4th 100-day Alliance for Introspection and Reform.” The Jogye Order has organized the event since 2010.

The monks are voluntarily participating in the fast to renew their devotion to a life of purity. The participating officials have also vowed to give up drinking and smoking for the period.

“At temples located on mountains, monks practice afternoon fasts regularly but it has been difficult in the cities where there are a lot of external activities. Thus, this event shows the determination of the participants to abide by the sprit and codes of Buddhist practice,” an official said.

The Jogye Order is also addressing the issue of monks driving expensive cars.

A recent survey of 1,512 Koreans by the research institute within the Order found that 34.6 percent of the people expressed a negative sentiment toward Buddhist monk’s driving pricy vehicles.

This led Ven. Jaseung, head of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, to change his car from an Equus, a luxurious sedan, to a Starrex minivan.