`Coexistence, co-prosperity, unity as key words for Korean Buddhism`

“On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, we will make a declaration of national unification for Buddhism under the key words of coexistence, co-prosperity, and unity based on Korean Buddhism’s principle of dialogue.”

At New Year’s press conference held at the Buddhism History and Culture Hall in Seoul’s Jongno district on Wednesday, Rev. Jaseung, executive director of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism said, “To help ensure that righteous principle of unification is established at the national level, we will adequately gather opinions from not only the government but also all walks of life, and present direction of discussions for the public.

Rev. Jaseung announced communication, harmony and innovation as the principles of the order’s management on the day, while presenting as its core tasks a project to make sacred the Jogye Order headquarters, improvement of welfare for monks and nuns, development of central and regional dioceses, and improvement of the election system for electing the executive director of the order.

On incidents that tarnished Buddhist monks’ reputation, Jaseung said, “As a teacher, I feel shameful because all primary candidates for the master positions caused public criticism recently,” adding, “The justice department is giving stern punishment to deprive any monks, be it primary candidates or masters or any others, of all titles and roles, if they break the rules.”

Jaseung urged monks to constantly reflect on, citing an adage written at the right hand side by the steps at the entrance to the Buddhism History and Culture Hall. “If you visit the temple, you will see the phrase ‘carefully examine’ at the site where monks take off their shoes. It means ‘carefully look into your position right now as if you watch your own step, meaning that you first reflect on your own mind, and behave in a humble fashion.”