By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Buddhists repeated their demand Monday for President Lee Myung-bak to apologize for alleged discrimination against their beliefs. They announced that they are preparing for a drawn out protest against the administration.
``If the government continues to neglect our demands, it will have to take full responsibility for the terrible situation that may follow,'' Ven. Seungwon, the spokesperson of the Jogye Order said at a press conference held at Jogye Temple Monday.
He also added that the Buddhist community will strengthen its countermeasure commission and make it a permanent organization.
``Buddhist leaders will hold a meeting Wednesday and make specific decisions,'' he said.
The leaders of the Buddhist community held ``protest'' services at temples nationwide Sunday.
President Lee, a Presbyterian, has been criticized for filling his Cabinet with member of his church and for not sending a congratulatory messages on Buddha's birthday, which was later explained as a technical error.
The Buddhist leader mentioned that despite the ongoing efforts demanding an apology and the prevention of similar religious discriminations at a Buddhist rally Thursday, the President invited New Right leaders to Cheong Wa Dae the following day.
Regarding Ven. Sambo's suicide attempt Sunday, Ven. Seungwon advised fellow Buddhists that they should express their demands in a peaceful way.
``Ven. Sambo attempted to disembowel himself based on the `webeopmanggu' (willing to hurt the flesh for justice and law) spirit. Our beliefs of trying to end religious discrimination and realize public harmony must be carried out peacefully and abide by Buddhist teachings, not radical actions,'' he added.
The monk concluded that if the government does not offer a convincing response, Buddhists will continue their protests and rallies starting in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province after Chuseok, or Korean Thanksgiving.