Jogye Order Chief Stresses Communication
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The Most Venerable Ja Seung, the head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, promised a year of expanding the Buddhist faith to the public through communication and harmony.
``The year 2010 reminds us of many things, including the Japanese invasion, the Korean War and the 4/19 Student Movement, which are heartbreaking memories. On the other hand, it also brings promise and development, especially with the upcoming G20 summit. As the 33rd executive director of the Jogye Order, I am expecting once again to open a new door for Korean Buddhism,'' Ven. Ja Seung said during a press conference at Jogye Temple, Tuesday.
In the New Year's ``balwon,'' or pledge made to Buddha to guide the people, ``Buddhism through Communication and Harmony,'' the Order announced three key policies: ``Enhancing Meditation Practices,'' ``Reviving Buddhism through Education and Missionary Work'' and ``Social Communication and the Realizing of Seon.''
Korean Buddhism mostly focuses on meditation. However, this had made it difficult for the public, and even Buddhists, to fully grasp the religion in practical terms and join in.
``It is true that we have failed to catch up with various Buddhism educational methods and meditation trends around the world because we were too proud about our tradition. We will help fellow Buddhists to follow a more practical system staring this year,'' he said.
Meditation will still be the key practice of the religion, but monks and Buddhists will get to learn about it more systematically through books, lectures and other activities.
Korean Buddhism boasts a history of more than 1,700 years, but still lacks in practical and easy-to-understand education, hence the need for more books and methods that explain the religion.
The Order will expand the number of Buddhist organizations so that people can visit and learn from monks and Buddhism experts, while also introducing a membership program for Buddhists. Members will be informed of upcoming events and also given other information about the religion.
Buddhist cultural contents, including temple food, temple stays and various art exhibitions, are some of the most interesting features of the religion, and the Jogye Order will increase the number and upgrade content of such activities as well.
``In case of the templestay program, we are aiming to make it a tourist activity that will attract foreigners. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recognized it as one of the most important tourist activities in the nation, and we will strive to help visitors experience Korean Buddhism,'' said Ven. Jong Hun, the director of the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism.
Through communication, the Order will also strive to bridge the gap between different social groups, families and even South and North Korea.
``We have mainly focused on our own problems within the walls of the Order. However, we will work together with the society, and offer advice and help those in need through Buddha's teachings and wisdom,'' Ven. Ja Seung said.
The Order will work in numerous fields, including aiding the environment, helping multicultural families and increasing welfare through various programs and events. It will also contact Buddhist leaders and temples in North Korea and cooperate in promoting the Buddhist faith.
``The word communication means two things: It means there is no blockage and everything goes smoothly, and it also means to share ideas and understand when there is a misunderstanding. I will do my best to push both communication and harmony during my term of four years, and that will be the only way for the Order to ascend to the next level,'' Ven. Ja Seung said.