GANGNEUNG, Oct. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – A Cheondojae, a Buddhist ritual to honor the deceased, will be held to pray for the peace of fauna and flora that have perished for various reasons, including environmental destruction.
Hyeondeok Temple on Mt. Manwol, affiliated with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, announced on Tuesday that it will hold the 24th Cheondojae ceremony for fauna and flora at its Daewoongjeon Hall on October 21.
Established to emphasize and uphold the sanctity of life, Hyeondeok Temple has been hosting the Cheondojae for fauna and flora annually, a rare event across the country. Thanks to these efforts, Hyeondeok Temple has been recognized as a leading temple for environmental contemplation.
Cheondojae is one of the representative rituals in Buddhism aimed at praying for rebirth in the next life.
Despite the development of material civilization and the advent of a digital society, the number of cases where the lives of voiceless fauna and flora are sacrificed is increasing, and the culture of respecting noble lives is diminishing.
The Ukraine-Russia war, the major earthquake in Afghanistan, and the extensive flooding in Libya have led to the loss of not only human lives but also animal lives and the destruction of the environment.
During this year’s Cheondojae, cabbage, eggplant, cucumber, water parsley, carrots, rice straw, fruits, and snacks beloved by animals will be placed on the table for the memorial ceremony, praying for the rebirth of the fauna and flora that lost their lives due to human greed.
Hyeonjong, the chief monk at Hyeondeok Temple, said, ‘In modern society with advanced science and material civilization, many lives are sacrificed due to various disasters and diseases. We hope this Cheondojae will serve as an opportunity for people to recognize the preciousness of life and the natural environment.
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