Yoon "Will Do His Best in State Affairs While Embracing Buddha's Heart"... Shakes Hands with Jo Guk (Comprehensive Report 2)

Attending Jogyesa Temple Ceremony on Buddha's Birthday
"Will Carefully Attend to Even Small Parts of People's Livelihood"
"My Government and I Will Strive for Further Leap Forward of Korea"

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 at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 15th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 15th, Buddha's Birthday, "I will always keep Buddha's heart in mind 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 '2568th Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony,' President Yoon said in his congratulatory speech, "We will warmly hold the hands of those in need and meticulously take care of even the smallest aspects 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 Buddha's compassionate teachings 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 make a greater leap forward."

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, along with Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, and Jagwang Sunim, the Elder Chairman, offered lanterns praying for happiness for 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 and plays a pivotal role"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is seen with hands clasped together during the 'Samguire' ceremony at the Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony for the year 2568 of the Buddhist calendar, 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 "seek enlightenment above and teach sentient beings below," saying, "Korean Buddhism has always been with the people, using Buddha's teachings as a guiding light." He added, "Buddhism has been the foundation of our spiritual culture and continues to play a central role in keeping our society healthy."

He also said, "In times of national difficulty, it has led efforts to unite 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, "Especially, 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 people's minds."

President Yoon mentioned the return of the true relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, as well as those of Naong Seonsa and Jigong Seonsa, which were repatriated 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."

Before the event, President Yoon paid a courtesy visit to Seongpa Daejongsa, the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. During his candidacy in April 2022, President Yoon had visited Tongdosa Temple and met with Seongpa Sunim. Afterwards, President Yoon held a preliminary discussion with key figures of the Jogye Order, including Chief Executive Jinwoo Sunim, as well as Minister Yoo In-chon of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Representative Joo Ho-young, who chairs the National Assembly's Buddhist Association.

At the meeting, Jinwoo Sunim expressed gratitude, saying, "The return of the relics held by the Boston Museum was made possible thanks to the First Lady's active request to resume discussions during her visit to the Boston Museum. The Buddhist community is deeply thankful." President Yoon responded, "This was possible because of the strong Korea-US relationship. I consider it an honor to contribute to the Buddhist community," according to a written briefing by Presidential Spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung.

Yoon and Cho Kuk meet face-to-face at an official event for the first time in 5 years

President Yoon Suk-yeol is shaking hands with Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, after the Buddha's Birthday celebration ceremony for the year 2568 of the Buddhist calendar held at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 15th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

After the event, as President Yoon was leaving, he shook hands with political figures including Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party; Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party; Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party; and Yang Hyang-ja, floor leader of the Reform New Party.

Notably, the meeting between President Yoon and Representative Cho at an official event was the first since July 2019, drawing attention. At that time, Yoon, appointed as Prosecutor General under the Moon Jae-in administration, had a private conversation with Cho, who was then the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, during the appointment ceremony held at the Blue House. On this occasion, as President Yoon was leaving, he shook hands and exchanged eye contact with Representative Cho, but no special conversation was reported.

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

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 were present.