[Post-Religion Era] ④ Beings, Both Non-Possession and Possession Are Alright

30 Years Ago, Hierarchical Culture and Hardship Disappeared
Meat and Alcohol Are Not Absolutely Forbidden... Private Property Is Also Possible
If It Does Not Harm Others, It Is Not Considered Sinful
One Simply Moves Away from Desire on the Path of Self-Enlightenment
If Curious, Try It and Discover a New World

Editor's NoteIn most religions, there is a noticeable decline and aging trend among prospective clergy. While this is a natural phenomenon due to population decline, the influence of an era that values materialism is also cited as a major reason. How do religious communities perceive and respond to this phenomenon? Furthermore, how does religion exist in our society today, and what impact does it have? We take a closer look at the inner workings of Catholicism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

In the past, in much of the public perception, leaving the secular world to become a monk was seen as a life devoted to seeking the Way (求道) by entering the mountains and focusing on ascetic practice. Shaving one's head, wearing simple robes, living a life free from worldly worries to seek enlightenment. To the public, such an image was regarded as a life of non-possession and asceticism, which led to reverence. In fact, Venerable Beopjeong, who practiced 'non-possession,' was revered as a sage of the era. The public positively viewed his life and nodded in agreement with his words. Since Buddhism was first recognized during the Three Kingdoms period, it has long served as a psychological support for the people. It maintained an attitude of detachment in the face of wealth's splendor and embodied patriotic strength during national crises. However, with the prevalence of materialism and the re-examination of traditional values, Buddhism, like other religions, now faces a crisis amid the tides of the times. Various surveys show Buddhism as the most familiar religion, yet there is a noticeable reluctance to become ordained. The number of ordinations, which once exceeded 500 annually, dropped to double digits last year. Many view ordination as a 'sacrifice' of the comforts enjoyed in life and thus give up on it. How does the Buddhist community perceive this trend? We asked Venerable Beomhae, Director of the Education Institute of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, about this matter.

Beomhae, Director of Education at the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
[Photo by Seo Mideum]

- I heard the number of people ordaining has significantly decreased.

▲The highest number of applicants was 528 in 2000. Since then, it has declined to 287 in 2010 and 131 in 2020. Last year, 84 people ordained. The statistics show a steady decrease over about 20 years. Looking at the age of ordination, in the past, most were in their 20s to 30s, but now the majority are in their 30s to 50s. According to the rules, juniors greet seniors first when they meet, but now, if you greet first based on age, you might find the other person is actually younger. (laughs)

- Are the rules among monks strict? Recently, content showing strict monks has gained attention on OTT platforms...

▲Before 30 years ago, there was indeed a top-down culture. Some novices even protested, saying, "This is like the military." However, back then, such resistance was considered to come from the 'ego,' and rigorous training to empty the mind was enforced. Venerable Seongcheol was the spiritual role model at the time. The argument "He did it, so why can't you?" was justified. But times have changed a lot. The era and generations have shifted, and the tendencies of the new generation now dominate. Things need to change. We need to be gentler. Rather than setting high barriers from the start, it is better to let people in first and then let them choose their path.

- What are the practical reasons that block ordination?

▲It comes down to personal will. If a person sets their mind, they can move mountains. Everything depends on the mind. The difference between a billionaire and others starts with the decision to become a billionaire. So why don't people make that decision? Because they feel there are many restrictions. No meat, no alcohol, no smoking... Indeed, many rules must be followed. Although not as early as 2 or 3 a.m. like before, waking up at 4 a.m. to prepare for morning prayers is a rule that is hard to keep with an ordinary mindset. However, even if one is not an ordained practitioner, to live a good life, both groups and individuals need to uphold some agreed-upon rules with responsibility and pride.

- Have the rules changed much compared to before?

▲Ordination means a commitment to live the most ideal life. Rules exist for that purpose, but many changes have occurred. For example, eating meat is now allowed. It depends on the monk; there is no rigid standard of what is absolutely right. It is a matter of choice. Drinking alcohol is not strictly forbidden either. If done at the right time and place without harming others, it is not considered sinful. There are hundreds or thousands of precepts, but they are reinterpreted diversely depending on the era and circumstances. They can be discarded or changed according to the situation. There is a story of a monk who refused to eat noodles made by a devotee because it contained a bit of salted shrimp, which shows how the direction of precepts can vary depending on interpretation and context. In Korea, where Seon Buddhism is highly valued, the teaching is that one should not be absolute but should open and close precepts with discernment. This is called Jibeomgaech'a (持犯開遮), meaning one should know how to hold, violate, open, and close precepts. The Buddha himself likened his teachings to a raft. Even after crossing the sea on the raft, one can discard the raft afterward.

- In the past, Venerable Hyemin had a big gap with public expectations, causing significant negative backlash.

▲While Venerable Hyemin was not entirely without fault, the gap was likely due to public expectations being the standard. Monks can own private property. If there had been no communication issues with the public beforehand or sufficient efforts to explain the situation, it might not have become a problem.

- Venerable Beopjeong was greatly respected by the public in the past. But now, such elders are rarely seen.

▲Even though it has been over ten years since Venerable Beopjeong passed away, his teachings are still widely discussed, showing how excellent his guidance was. However, times always have rhythms like climbing and descending mountains. Although it seems there are no elders like Venerable Beopjeong now, there are still monks who are diligently practicing, and I believe that someday a monk as remarkable as him will emerge. Venerable Beopjeong approached the public warmly through essays, but not all monks need to do so. From afar, it may be hard to tell who is special, but upon closer look, many monks exert influence on the order and society through diverse practices and innovative methods. Broadly speaking, I believe we are still advancing toward a hopeful future.

- Recently, two books encouraging ordination were published, introducing various cases and emphasizing that ordination can be a new 'challenge' rather than a 'sacrifice.'

▲There is some sacrifice. For married people, marital relations and custody must be settled. But beyond that, there is little to give up. Private property is allowed, and renouncing worldly desires is not legally enforced. Ordination is a life pursuing eternal happiness, and on the path to greater enlightenment, desires naturally fade. If you can invest a short life to gain eternal joy, isn't it worth trying? You must sacrifice the cow to gain the herd. If you cling to cheap coffee, you cannot fill your cup with expensive coffee. You need to empty yourself and focus on what you truly want, reinterpreting your desires and needs. Activities have also diversified. Recently, a meditation center was opened in the youthful district of Hongdae, enabling communication across statuses and fields, and some monks travel nationwide making YouTube videos. Changing one's status to a Buddhist for personal values while maintaining precepts and engaging in diverse activities is the life of an ordained person.

- If many things have become possible after ordination, what is the difference between a devout Buddhist and an ordained monk?

▲For example, if someone wants to become a judge or prosecutor by passing the bar exam, going to a cram school can be likened to ordination. You can study alone at home or in a study room, but at a cram school, you follow rules and study. Like the binding power of the group helps maintain focus and provides abundant information, ordination has many advantages. I hope people understand this.

- From a personal perspective and beyond, what kind of existence is a monk to the public? Are they helpers of enlightenment?

▲The origin of the word 'monk' (Seunim) means 'teacher.' Monks are, in a way, leaders. They help those in suffering. They can teach a hungry person how to fish or sometimes give them fish. In the past, when non-possession was emphasized, monks mainly taught a mindset to escape suffering through 'Dharma giving.' They focused on meditation to develop happiness. But now, everything is possible. They can also help materially through 'wealth giving.' It is an era where ordained monks who develop various abilities to help materially and guide others to spiritual happiness are praised.

- What efforts are being made to encourage ordination?

▲We have expanded the role of resident guiding monks at Temple Stay programs to provide ordination counseling, developed a dedicated ordination website, and operated research and education programs. We run promotional booths at various events such as the Lotus Lantern Festival and Buddhist Expos and have worked on publishing essays promoting ordination. Scholarships are provided for young ordinees aged 17-20 and adult ordinees over 20. We introduced a course linking admission to Dongguk University with military chaplain support. Last year, we organized a nationwide university student missionary group, supporting Buddhist clubs, improving scholarship systems, and raising scholarship funds, leading the foundation for new activities among university students across the country. We are making various efforts to pool wisdom and capabilities to produce 200 ordained monks annually by 2027.

- What social role does Buddhism pursue, and how is it fulfilling it?

▲The Buddha said, 'Be a lamp unto yourself, be a refuge unto yourself' (法燈明自燈明). This teaching means to rely on the Dharma as a lamp and not depend on others, and to be a lamp unto oneself without relying on others. According to the Buddha's teachings, Buddhism is not a religion that prays for wishes or salvation. Buddhism is a 'self-power religion.' It implies that by developing one's abilities, one realizes the power to save oneself. Buddhism spreads this teaching to the world. The Buddha's words, "Come and see! The teaching is good at the beginning, good in the middle, and good at the end!" show his confidence in this teaching.

- Any message you want to convey to improve social perception?

▲Monks' living standards have significantly improved, and unreasonable asceticism or top-down systems have almost disappeared. They can learn as much as they want and have as much as they desire. But that does not mean all past concepts have been discarded. Those who wish to practice non-possession can do so, and if they want, they can maintain their beliefs and practice asceticism. However, I want people to understand that we now live in an era where the new and old coexist in Buddhism. Beyond having the same hairstyle and clothes, diverse individuality is allowed. If you are interested, do not be afraid to come in and live. You will discover a new world. It is not a place you cannot leave once you step in, so do not worry too much. (laughs)