Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, performs 108 prostrations alongside lay followers and monks during the “1,000-Day Prayer Dedication for Peace in the World” ceremony held at the Daeungjeon Hall of Jogyesa Temple in Jongno District, Seoul, on June 23. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 23 (Korea Bizwire) — With the rhythmic crack of a jukbi (bamboo clapper) echoing through Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul, more than 400 monks and lay followers bowed in unison—once, twice, continuing until they completed 108 prostrations.
The ritual, representing the 108 earthly afflictions in Buddhist teachings, marked a deeply symbolic milestone: the 1,000th day since Jinwoo assumed office as President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the country’s largest Buddhist sect.
Since his inauguration on September 28, 2022, President Jinwoo has performed 108 bows every day without exception. On Sunday, he led the ritual once more during a commemorative ceremony titled “1,000-Day Prayer Dedication.”
“That vow, which felt like only yesterday, has now passed through the stream of 1,000 days,” Jinwoo reflected after the ceremony, held at the temple’s main hall.
His address, however, quickly turned from the personal to the institutional challenges now confronting Korean Buddhism. Jinwoo voiced deep concern about the twin crises of an aging lay community and a declining number of new monastics. “We are facing a double burden,” he said. “But I believe the answer lies with the younger generation.”
Venerable Jinwoo stated, “The Seon Mindfulness Dharma Movement is about reinterpreting Seon practice in contemporary language and making its teachings easily accessible to everyone.”
The photo shows a scene from a Seon mindfulness session.
Pledging never to abandon efforts to connect with youth, Jinwoo emphasized the need for innovation through culture, performance, and authenticity. “We must reshape how monastic life is understood,” he said, “so that young people can see it as a calling once again.”
At the heart of his vision is a bold digital transformation of Korean Buddhism. Jinwoo unveiled plans to digitize the order’s vast textual heritage—including sutras, commentaries, and Seon (Zen) records—and to harness artificial intelligence to make Buddhist teachings accessible in contemporary language.
“There is no time left for hesitation,” he warned. “Much of our tradition remains undigitized. Our wisdom is abundant, but too often fails to reach people in a language they understand. We must systematize and digitize all of our teachings, and use AI to ensure this knowledge is carried forward.”
Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, delivers a greeting during the “1,000-Day Prayer Dedication for Peace in the World” ceremony held at the Daeungjeon Hall of Jogyesa Temple in Jongno District, Seoul, on June 23. (Yonhap)
He announced that the Jogye Order will soon release a comprehensive plan, including a digital strategy for Buddhist content, an AI-based Dharma platform, and a smart education system tailored to future generations.
Jinwoo also emphasized the national rollout of Seon Mindfulness—a modern reinterpretation of traditional Seon practice. Temples across the country, he said, will offer localized mindfulness programs and integrate them with popular templestay experiences, creating accessible gateways to Buddhist practice for the general public.
In addition, he addressed the need for ethical, Buddhist-aligned revenue models and called for comprehensive safety measures following a recent fire at the order’s international conference hall.
Throughout his remarks, Jinwoo returned to the foundational principles of Buddhism: self-cultivation and compassion. He urged monks, temples, and followers alike to pursue the path of “benefiting both self and others”—a core tenet of Mahayana Buddhism.
In Ganhwa Seon meditation, which centers on focusing deeply on a hwadu (meditative question), the key is letting go of the self. For instance, if you’ve shown kindness to someone but they don’t remember or acknowledge it, you shouldn’t feel disappointed—instead, you should adopt the mindset of simply doing what needs to be done.
Venerable Geumgang emphasizes, “You must let go of yesterday to fully encounter today. You can’t meet today wholeheartedly if you’re still filled with yesterday.” (Image supported by ChatGPT)
“Buddhism has always walked the path of self-benefit and altruism,” he said. “Now is the time for every temple, every monk, every layperson to unite in spirit. We must realize the ideal of simultaneous enlightenment for self and others—Jata Ilsi Seongbul (自他一時成佛). That is the future we must build together.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
