The Lay Buddhist Association of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, South Korea’s largest Buddhism community, celebrated its 70th anniversary on 21 September with a large meditation gathering at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul that drew some 7,000 participants.
This event, part of the “Happy Barami Seon Meditation Festa,” was attended by notable figures including: Jung Won-ju, president of the Lay Buddhists Association and chairman of Daewoo E&C and the Herald Media Group; Ven. Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order; and Rep. Lee Hun-seung of People Power Party, who leads the National Assembly’s Buddhist Association, among other distinguished guests.
“This meaningful gathering is held to promote spiritual well-being in today’s society through the practice of Seon meditation, to uphold the spirit of those seeking happiness and to bring the Buddha’s teaching into everyday life,” remarked Jung. “The quiet breaths and mindful hearts we cultivate here are never limited to personal peace. They extend to our families, our neighbors and beyond—even to society and the world–planting seeds that heal conflicts and foster lasting peace.” (The Korea Herald)
The Jogye Order emerged as a sect of Korean Buddhism representing the Seon (Zen) schools of Buddhism practiced during the Goryeo period. Seon thought, introduced from China during the late Silla period, led to the establishment of the Gusan Seonmun (Nine Mountain Seon Schools), including the Gajisan School, which revitalized Korea’s spiritual culture. The modern Jogye Order traces its lineage to these original nine schools. Its founding patriarch, State Preceptor Doui, was the first to introduce Seon to Korea. Two state preceptors from the Goryeo period, Bojo Jinul and Taego Bou, are honored as restoration patriarchs of the Jogye Order.
Rep. Lee stated that Seon meditation was helpful for clearing the mind and fostering inner peace, explaining: “The calm and insight cultivated through Seon meditation go beyond a fleeting sense of peace, helping us understand and show compassion toward others and society. I hope that today’s experience will inspire and empower us to put the Buddha’s teachings into practice in our everyday lives.” (The Korea Herald)
One 11-year-old said he participated in the meditation session to manage school stress and academic pressure. “I usually meditate at home by watching YouTube videos. . . . Today’s session was really helpful and I hope to see more of these programs in Seoul,” he told The Korea Herald newspaper.
The teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha form the foundation of the Jogye Order’s practice, which is based on three principal tenets: to directly point to one’s mind; to see into one’s own true nature and become a buddha; and to propagate the Dharma to save all beings.
“Every human being experiences suffering . . . the only difference is the degree of that suffering,” Ven. Jinwoo shared with the meditation participants. “A being who experiences suffering is ordinary, while one who has transcended it is a buddha. The Buddha confronted suffering and revealed a path to completely overcome it, showing that all beings can be freed from suffering.” (The Korea Herald)
To calm the mind, improve attention, and develop mindfulness through the meditative act of writing, many participants engaged in sutra copying, an ancient Buddhist practice of meticulously transcribing sacred scriptures by hand.
Many families and groups of friends participated in creating lotus-cup lanterns and mandala keyrings, both of which were intended to represent purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment.
“In today’s era of secularization and artificial intelligence, we must guide the spiritual growth of our people and, drawing on the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism, foster a society of harmony and coexistence that rises above conflict and division,” Jung emphasized, expressing hope that Seo meditation could help to tackle these issues. (The Korea Herald)
The Lay Buddhist Association also commemorated its 70th anniversary on 12 May of this year, with a smaller-scale ceremony focused on prayers for national unity through peace and mutual development, while reaffirming its commitment to the teachings of the Buddha.
See more
About Jogye Order (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism)
Find Path to Serenity, Joy through Seon Meditation (The Korea Herald)
Lay Buddhist Association Commemorates 70th Anniversary (The Korea Herald)
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