Attendance at the Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony in Buddhist Era 2567
Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria Inspire the World
Abolition of Cultural Heritage Admission Fees Appreciated by the Buddhist Community
Government Pledges Best Efforts to Preserve and Pass Down Traditional Cultural Heritage
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 27th, "The government's philosophy of respecting human rights, protecting the vulnerable, and promoting world peace is derived from the teachings of Buddha," pledging to work for marginalized citizens and global peace.
In his congratulatory address at the 'Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony for the Year 2567 of the Buddhist Era' held at Jogyesa Daewoongjeon Hall that morning, President Yoon said, "This year's Buddha's Birthday celebration slogan is 'Peace of Mind, Buddha's World.' Buddha's world is about practicing Buddha's teachings to care for the community and neighbors."
He continued, "The government will warmly look after those in need, ensure hope permeates every corner of citizens' lives, and do its utmost so that all global citizens can help each other and find peace together."
President Yoon also remarked, "All humans are noble and dignified, and Buddha's teaching to embrace and soothe the pain of those in hardship serves as a warm light in our society. Korean Buddhism, which has practiced Buddha's teachings on this land for thousands of years, shares in the joys and sorrows of our people and has taken the lead in overcoming national hardships. The spirit of patriotic Buddhism, which has been with the lives of our people, is deeply ingrained throughout our history."
He added, "Recently, the relief activities by our Buddhist community to help countless disaster victims regain their daily lives amid the earthquake damage in T?rkiye and Syria have been deeply moving," expressing his gratitude.
Regarding the recent abolition of cultural heritage admission fees, he said, "Korean Buddhism fulfills the role of a custodian of our precious cultural heritage, nurturing and flourishing it as part of our national culture. I deeply thank the Buddhist community for opening the doors of temples wide by abolishing cultural heritage admission fees so that our citizens can freely enjoy traditional cultural heritage. The government will also do its best to preserve and pass on traditional cultural heritage."
The Buddha's Birthday celebration ceremony that day was attended by over 10,000 people, including Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Elder Chairman Jagwang Sunim, various senior monks of the Buddhist community, central assembly members, National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, leaders and members of various political parties, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo-gyun, Senior Secretary for Civil Society Kang Seung-gyu, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Jin-bok, key Buddhist figures, political and diplomatic officials, foreign ambassadors, leaders of neighboring religions, and citizens.
The ceremony began with the Jogyesa United Choir's Samgui-rye (Three Refuges Ceremony), followed by the chanting of the Heart Sutra, bathing the Buddha ritual, Ma-jeong-su-gi ceremony, and Buddhist hymns. President Yoon and Jinwoo Sunim, Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, offered lanterns praying for national fortune and peace. The ceremony continued with prayers, the Buddhist Award presentation, the President's congratulatory address, and Dharma talks to celebrate Buddha's Birthday.
Meanwhile, President Yoon attended the New Year's Great Dharma Assembly in early February this year, becoming the first sitting president and spouse to do so, and has continued his engagement with the Buddhist community by sending presidential congratulatory messages to major temples nationwide on Buddha's Birthday.
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