Yoon: "I Will Always Remember Buddha's Heart and Do My Best to Carry Out Proper State Affairs" (Comprehensive)

Attending Jogyesa Temple Ceremony on Buddha's Birthday
"Will Carefully Attend to Even the Smallest Parts of People's Livelihood"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a congratulatory speech at the Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony for the year 2568 of the Buddhist calendar, held on the 15th at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 15th, Buddha’s Birthday, "I will always engrave the Buddha’s heart and do my best to carry out proper governance."

On the morning of the same day, at the special Dharma podium set up in front of the Daeungjeon Hall at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, during the 'Buddha’s Birthday Celebration Ceremony for the 2568th Buddhist Era,' President Yoon said in his congratulatory speech, "We will warmly hold the hands of those in need and carefully attend to even the smallest parts of people’s livelihoods to further increase the happiness of our citizens."

President Yoon added, "When we acknowledge the differences between ourselves and others and understand each other, peace of mind comes. When each individual’s heart is peaceful, our society will become happier. I pray that the compassionate teachings of the Buddha will become a great light for this country, leading us together toward a peaceful and happy new world." He continued, "I will devote all efforts of myself and the government so that the Republic of Korea can overcome crises and leap forward even greater."

The celebration ceremony proceeded in the order of the Jogye Order United Choir’s Three Refuges Ritual (Samgu Uirye), recitation of the Heart Sutra, bathing the Buddha (Gwanbul), Ma Jeong Su-gi ritual, and Buddhist hymns. The event was hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and this year’s celebration slogan was "Peace of Mind, Happy World."

President Yoon, together with Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and Jagwang Sunim, the Senior Chairman, offered lanterns praying for happiness to all citizens. The ceremony continued with prayers, the Buddhist Award presentation, Seon (Zen) meditation, and the Chief Executive’s congratulatory address.

Yoon: "Buddhism is the Foundation of Our Spiritual Culture, Playing a Central Role"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is seen with hands clasped together during the 'Three Refuges Ceremony' at the Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony marking the 2568th year of the Buddhist Era, held at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 15th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon referred to the phrase Sanggu Bori Hwahwa Jungsang (上求菩提 下化衆生), meaning "Seeking enlightenment above and teaching sentient beings below," saying, "Korean Buddhism has always been with the people, using the Buddha’s teachings as a lamp." He added, "Buddhism has been the foundation of our spiritual culture and continues to play a pivotal role in keeping our society healthy."

He also said, "When the country faced difficulties, Buddhism led in uniting the hearts of the people to overcome crises," and explained, "Recently, Korean Buddhism has attracted the hearts of the younger generation and has been receiving great attention and interest worldwide." President Yoon promised, "In particular, the Seon meditation program, which the Buddhist community is focusing on, greatly contributes to improving the mental health of our people. The government and I will also support the Buddhist community’s efforts to care for the hearts of the people."

President Yoon mentioned the return of the true relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, as well as the relics of Naong Seonsa and Jigong Seonsa, to their homeland on April 18 after 100 years, expressing gratitude to the Buddhist community for their efforts toward Hwanji Boncheo (還至本處, returning to the original place). He added, "I congratulate the Buddhist community on this great event and hope that it will serve as an opportunity for Korean Buddhism’s culture and spirit to spread further throughout our society."

The event was attended by Buddhist figures including Seongpa Daejongsa, the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order, Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive, and Daedeok Sunim, as well as political and governmental figures such as floor leaders of various parties, members of the National Assembly, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo, and diplomats including Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming.

From the Presidential Office, Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok, Policy Chief Seong Tae-yoon, Senior Secretary for Civil Society Jeon Gwang-sam, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Cheol-ho, Senior Secretary for Public Relations Lee Do-woon, and Deputy Director for Security 2nd Division In Seong-hwan participated.