A unique assembly of religious figures – Buddhist monk Seongjin, Protestant minister Kim Jin, Catholic priest Ha Seong-yong, and Won Buddhism teacher Park Sewoong – unite to offer solace and guidance. (Image courtesy of Bulkwang Publishing)
SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – In a groundbreaking collaboration, four clergy members representing four major religions have come together to form a chorus, drawing attention with their new book on happiness.
In their book, “Different Religions, Same Human Worries,” published by Bulkwang Publishing, a unique assembly of religious figures – Buddhist monk Seongjin, Protestant minister Kim Jin, Catholic priest Ha Seong-yong, and Won Buddhism teacher Park Sewoong – unite to offer solace and guidance to those struggling with contemporary issues like anxiety, anger, and frustration.
During a press conference held in Seoul on January 8 to celebrate the book’s release, the four clergy members shared stories about the formation of their chorus, its objectives, and their views on the relationship between religion and society.
Though they were familiar with each other through television appearances and various events, the idea to form a chorus only emerged in June 2022, during a post-event dinner.
The chorus has performed over 60 times since its formation, spreading messages of peace and coexistence. The members emphasized that their aim was to convey a message of peace to those burdened with conflict, hurt, and various difficulties. For the clergy members themselves, the chorus provided a sense of peace and joy.
The chorus has performed over 60 times since its formation, spreading messages of peace and coexistence. (Image courtesy of Bulkwang Publishing)
Each member reflected on their unique perspectives on happiness. Seongjin, the Buddhist monk, noted the comfort of not always having to be right in a conversation. Park Sewoong, the Won Buddhist teacher, discussed the shifting concerns about religious figures. Kim Jin, the Protestant minister, highlighted the importance of actions over words in conveying religious messages.
The group also engages in charity work, such as planning a joint performance in Jeju with children from a Seoul community center who have never flown before, covering their airfare and experience costs with their earnings.
Additionally, the royalties from their book will be donated to the Religious Peace Service Corps. A book concert is scheduled for January 26 near Hongdae to engage with the public.
In their book, the clergy discuss the essence of happiness, emphasizing its dependency on one’s state of mind. They share their individual insights, ranging from gratitude for what one has, to the satisfaction and thankfulness for one’s existence, to focusing on eliminating what causes suffering, and to recognizing a ‘life energy’ that transcends specific conditions of happiness.
“Different Religions, Same Human Worries,” published by Bulkwang Publishing (Image courtesy of Bulkwang Publishing)
While acknowledging the importance of money, they caution against becoming ensnared by it, urging a balanced perspective where money is a tool for personal growth rather than a master.
The book also explores topics like relationships, emotions, addiction, and death, offering insights transcending religious boundaries. One anecdote shared by Seongjin beautifully illustrates this unity: when a student, whose father was a pastor, asked if it was okay to attend a temple stay, Kim Jin, the Protestant minister, immediately encouraged the student to do so, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
