Returning from Sangwol Gyeolsa India Pilgrimage... "A New Horizon for the Revival of Buddhism"

The 'Sangwol Gyeolsa' pilgrimage group, which embarked on a pilgrimage to India, completed their 43-day journey and returned home on the 23rd. Large-scale welcoming ceremonies were held at Ujeongguk-ro in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and Jogyesa Temple to greet the returning pilgrims.

The pilgrimage group of over 100 members, including Ven. Jaseung, the head monk of Sangwol Gyeolsa and former Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, entered the courtyard in front of the Daeungjeon Hall at Jogyesa Temple, recited the Heart Sutra, and performed 108 prostrations to mark the conclusion of their pilgrimage. The group, which departed on the 8th of last month, traveled 1,167 km by car and on foot over 43 days across India and Nepal, visiting the eight major Buddhist sacred sites.

After completing a 1,167 km walking pilgrimage in India and Nepal over 43 days, the Sangwol Gyeolsa India pilgrimage members are heading to Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 23rd, where a closing ceremony is held amid a warm welcome from Buddhist believers.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The closing ceremony began with various performances and choir singing. Approximately 30,000 monks and believers gathered to welcome the pilgrimage group.

Jinwoo, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, said, "It is the joy and great blessing (Hongbok, 弘福) of the order that each practitioner has returned safely. With confidence in the Buddha’s Dharma, we have opened a new horizon for the revival of Korean Buddhism and the respect for life, bringing national peace and prosperity (Guktaeminan, 國泰民安)."

President Yoon stated, "To wisely overcome numerous challenges and tasks, it is necessary to sow the seeds of the vow that the great monk spoke of. I once again congratulate the meaningful completion of the Sangwol Gyeolsa India pilgrimage and pray that the Buddha’s compassionate light be with us all." The congratulatory message was read by Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Ven. Jaseung said, "The Buddha devoted his entire life to teaching the Dharma for the benefit of sentient beings, but today, none of our monastic community stops passersby to preach the Buddha’s teachings. Let us spread the Buddha’s Dharma."