[Reporter’s Notebook] Haeinsa Must Reflect on the Meaning of Mumyeongcho

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] Haeinsa, the Beopbojongchal temple housing the Tripitaka Koreana, is in turmoil. The secluded monks’ place of practice is being sharply scrutinized by the secular world. Allegations that would be problematic even by secular standards, beyond Buddhist discipline, continue to surface.

The head monk faced ‘Sanmun Chulsoong (expulsion from the temple)’ over suspicions of visiting lodging facilities with a nun wearing a wig and in plain clothes. Physical clashes also broke out during the process of selecting his successor. There are allegations of a large-scale gambling game involving Yutnori, and even evidence of two high-ranking monks from Haeinsa going on overseas golf trips has emerged.

The Jogye Order appears unable to hide its embarrassment. The fact that such scandals occurred at a leading monastery representing the Jogye Order damages the reputation of the entire order. Haeinsa is a major monastery equipped with an educational institute called ‘Gangwon,’ a meditation center called ‘Seonwon,’ and a disciplinary study institute called ‘Yulwon.’ Since the current Jogye Order was established in 1962, Haeinsa has held symbolic significance as the first major monastery.

The replacement of the head monk at Haeinsa seems almost certain. The Jogye Order’s Central Disciplinary Committee has decided to suspend the duties of the current head monk, Hyun-eung, and most notably, he has submitted his resignation and has not appeared publicly. Following the announcement of disciplinary action by the Hobup (the Buddhist judicial office) regarding the sexual misconduct scandal, the selection of a successor is expected to begin.

In Buddhism, hair is called Mumyeongcho (無明草), meaning ‘the grass of ignorance,’ representing worldly desires. This is why monks shave their heads when they ordain, cutting off worldly desires. It is ironic that a place filled with such monks has become a battleground of desires. If there were no greed for possessions, there would be no need to cling to positions. Yet worries about Haeinsa are growing like hair. One cannot help but ask why they ordained if they indulge in lust, enjoy gambling, play overseas sports, and fight over high positions.