Chondogyo: from social movement to spiritual practices

By Chung Ah-young

Under the brutal Japanese colonial rule (1910-45), Koreans were eager to get back their freedom and independence. Such strong yearnings led to the March 1 Independence Movement in 1919, which involved 33 national leaders who signed and proclaimed the Declaration of the Independence.

Among the 33, 15 were Chondogyo (Korean native religion) members, including Son Byeong-hi, the chief signatory and organizer of the group. Some 1,461 believers, including Son, the then Chondogyo leader, were arrested and imprisoned during the independence movement.

After liberation from the Japanese occupation in 1945, the religion continued to organize social and cultural movements for justice, equality and spiritual and moral reform during the dawn of modern Korea.

Chondogyo has played a significant role in the development of Korean nationalism and democracy affecting other religions as Jeungsangyo, Ilsimgyo and Won Buddhism as well as modern civil movements.

However, in the 21st century, things have changed and the religion is seeking to redefine its social roles to become more spiritual and eventually preach its egalitarian and philanthropic virtues to the rest of the world.

The Korea Times had the opportunity to hear about the visions for the present and future in an interview with Yim Woon-kil, 82, supreme leader of the religion, at the central headquarters of Chondogyo, in Gyeongun-dong, Seoul.

Q: Chondogyo is one of the most important native religions in Korea. But it is less known compared to others. What is your opinion on the current status of Chondogyo?

A: Chondogyo is a native Korean religion and at the same time a universal religion that can appeal to people around the globe as we have great principles and ethics. Particularly, “innaecheon,” (which literally means people are equally important to heaven,) is the central doctrine of the religion that exemplifies the spirit of equality of all people. This is a treasure we Koreans have yet to recognize.

This universal value should be promoted globally. In fact, in the past, there were Chondogyo believers in the United States, China and Cuba, although their numbers were small. Currently, we have a parish in Japan. We are planning to expand our overseas parishes. But before that, we have to strengthen the religion within Korea.

Q: Since you were elected as the supreme leader of Chondogyo last year, what has been the top priority for you?

A: In the past, we focused more on social movements to protect the nation from foreign invasions.

But since liberation, the influence of the religion has waned. So I feel a great sense of responsibility to resurrect it. To do that, we have to concentrate on more spiritual cultivation such as prayers and practices. “Isinhwanseong” (transformation from flesh to blood through temperament) and “Jeongsin Gaebyeok” (spiritual awakening) are the two most basic but most important spiritual principles.

To reclaim the past glory, we have to go back to religious basics. The principles can make us more solid and renew our faith. So for three years, we will have three major prayer events. I will make this the occasion for Chondogyo to rise again.

Q: Chondogyo had the largest number of believers — some 6 million — before and after the March 1 Independence Movement. How was it so big at that time?

A: At that time, there were between 3 and 6 million Chondogyo believers. Given the ratio of the then population of 20 million, it was a huge number. The religion was vigorous culturally and socially. We had the youth political party called “Cheongwoodang” in the 1920s. Bang Jeong-hwan waged the children’s welfare movement with Chondogyo members. And the first event for the commemoration of children was held at the Chondogyo headquarters in Seoul. But during that time, the Japanese colonial rule severely persecuted us. After sacrificing our energy, finance and human resources, we began losing our momentum.

But I think all religions have their moment to prosper according to social needs as there were eras dominated by Buddhism and Confucianism. I think our religion’s humanistic and philanthropic sides are currently suitable. To live well, we have to practice “Isinhwanseong” and “Jeongsin Gaebyeok.”

Q: In Korea, diverse religions coexist relatively peacefully. It’s a rare case that can hardly be seen in other countries. What kind of role should the religions play in a diverse society?

A: Traditionally, the religions were interconnected very well. Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism were mixed into unique Korean thoughts. Among others, Chondogyo is very embracing and open to other religions from the start. Chondogyo includes elements similar to those of Christianity, Buddhism and Confucianism to some extent. Inclusiveness and harmony are the characteristics of our religion. We are trying to forge a new religious culture that encompasses all the elements of religions.

Q: How is Chondogyo different from other religions in tenets and principles?

A: We worship Hanul-nim, the Lord of Heaven but we say we bear Hanul-nim in our minds. It pierces into the concept of “sicheonju” (Bearing the spirit within) which means all people bear Hanul-nim in their minds and therefore people’s dignity is the same as Hanul-nim’s dignity.

It emphasizes a new lofty humanistic ethic as all people revere Hanul-nim in their mind. This spirit of equality of all people is the central doctrine of Chondogyo and the source of Korean democracy. Through people’s spiritual cultivation, they have the capacity to manifest the spirit of Hanul-nim, thus transcending an ordinary human’s capacity.

What is Chondogyo?

Chondogyo is a native Korean religion, which literally means “the heavenly way.” It was established by Choe Je-u in 1860 and is rooted in the Donghak (the Eastern Learning) Movement of the late Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).

On Dec. 1, 1905, Son Byong-hi, the third supreme leader succeeding Choe Si-hyung, officially changed the name from Donghak to Chondogyo, to identify it as a religious group. The following year, Chondogyo began its activities as a modern religious organization with its central headquarters in Seoul.

The religion’s fundamental doctrines are based on “Donggyeong Daejeon” (Great Eastern Scripture) and “Yongdam Yusa” (The Legacy of Yongdam). The object of worship is “Hanul-nim,” the Lord of Heaven, which is originated from ancient local beliefs. The concept of Hanul-nim is based on theism and the direct relationship between God and man without the need of a mediator.

Unlike other religions, Chondogyo’s utopia is the practical establishment of paradise in this world to improve the quality of the present life rather than in an after world. Its view of the world is to establish “paradise in this world.”

The core principle is “innaecheon,” which means people are like heaven, and therefore, all people have equal dignity as heaven. Presently, Chondogyo has some 200,000 believers in Korea and about 130 district parishes nationwide.