Hyeondeok Temple in Gangneung is preparing for its annual memorial service dedicated to animals and plants on October 12. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
GANGNEUNG, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – In a unique blend of Buddhism and environmental consciousness, Hyeondeok Temple in Gangneung is preparing for its annual memorial service dedicated to animals and plants on October 12.
The event, now in its 23rd year, stands as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Under the theme “Souls hurt by humans, comforted by humans,” the ceremony aims to honor the lives of animals and plants lost to human activities, from medical experiments to traffic accidents and environmental destruction.
“We hold this ceremony annually to console animals and plants sacrificed by human greed, following Buddha’s teaching that ‘all beings have Buddha-nature,’” said Venerable Hyeon Jong, the chief monk at Hyeondeok Temple.
“We hope this becomes a step towards harmonious coexistence between humans, animals, plants, and nature.”
The service, which began in 2000, is believed to be the first of its kind in South Korea. Its origins trace back to Venerable Hyeon Jong’s childhood, when he held a small ceremony to atone for killing a baby swallow.
This year’s event will feature a dharma talk by Venerable Won Cheol, director of the Jogye Order’s Institute for Buddhist Society Studies, addressing the provocative question: “Do dogs have Buddha-nature?”
The talk is expected to explore the Buddhist concept that all sentient beings possess the potential for enlightenment.
Following the talk, the Gangneung Fine Dance Troupe will perform a traditional Korean dance called Salpuri, intended to comfort the souls of departed creatures and pray for a world where humans and nature coexist peacefully.
The memorial service itself presents a unique spectacle. An altar is prepared with offerings favored by animals, including cabbage, eggplant, cucumber, water dropwort, carrots, corn, rice straw, and fruits.
These offerings symbolize a gesture of respect and reconciliation towards the natural world.
Hyeondeok Temple’s commitment to environmental causes has not gone unnoticed. It has been designated as the 25th Green Temple by the Buddhist Environmental Alliance and was selected as the best temple for temple stays in 2023.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
