"Closer Korea-U.S. Ties Provided a Breakthrough"
Jogye Order: "First Lady Kim Made Major Contributions to the Return of the Relics"
President Yoon Sukyeol and First Lady Kim Gunhee are entering the 'Hoamsa Sarira Relocation Commemorative Cultural Festival and Samdae Hwasang Daryejae' held at Hoamsaji in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province on the 19th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon Sukyeol and First Lady Kim Gunhee attended the 'Hoamsa Sarira Relocation Commemorative Cultural Festival and Samdae Hwasang Daryejae' held at the Hoamsa Temple Site in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province on the morning of May 19.
This was the first time in 169 days that First Lady Kim Gunhee made a public appearance in Korea since she visited the incense altar for former Jogye Order President Venerable Jaseung at Jogyesa Temple on December 2 last year.
The event commemorated the return and enshrinement (Hwanjae Boncheo, meaning 'return to the original place') of the sarira (Buddhist relics) of Kasyapa Buddha, Jeonggwang Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha, Venerable Naong, and Venerable Jigong (three Buddhas and two masters), which were returned to Korea from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, on April 16 after 100 years.
The returned relics were originally enshrined in the Sarira Stupa of Venerable Jigong at Hoamsa in Yangju, but are believed to have been illegally taken out of the country during the Japanese occupation. This marks their return to the original place after 100 years. Notably, this is the first time in 600 years since the late Goryeo period that the relics have been publicly displayed after being enshrined in the stupa.
In his congratulatory speech, President Yoon stated that this is "a great occasion for both the Buddhist community and the entire nation," expressing his joy at the return of the sarira of the three Buddhas and two masters, which had remained in a distant foreign land for nearly 100 years. He also said, "The relics that have now returned and been enshrined are a precious national heritage symbolizing the authenticity and lineage of Korean Buddhism."
President Yoon Sukyeol is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 'Hoamsa Sarira Relocation Commemorative Cultural Festival and Samdae Hwasang Daryejae' held at Hoamsa Temple Site in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province on the 19th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon explained, "It was not easy to bring back such precious relics," noting that "although the negotiations for the return of the sarira container ultimately broke down in 2013, I requested the resumption of discussions during my visit to the United States, and after much effort from many individuals, the long-awaited return was finally achieved this April after 10 years."
He continued, "It was a difficult issue that had remained unresolved for a long time, but as the Korea-U.S. relationship grew closer, we were able to find a breakthrough. I will continue to work tirelessly with a sincere heart for the people in the administration of state affairs."
Additionally, President Yoon stated, "Together with the Buddhist community, I will strive to create a Korea where the world is filled with the Buddha's compassion and light, where the people are happier today, and where the nation's future is even more hopeful."
The Jogye Order has previously expressed gratitude, noting that First Lady Kim Gunhee, who has shown great interest in culture and the arts, made significant contributions to the long-cherished return of the relics, which had been confirmed to be in the possession of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, for over 20 years. In particular, on May 15, Buddha's Birthday, Jogye Order President Venerable Jinwoo thanked the First Lady during President Yoon's visit to Jogyesa, saying, "The First Lady actively requested the return of the relics from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and played a major role in bringing them back to their rightful place."
The event was hosted by Venerable Beopryun and proceeded with rituals such as the Chiljeongnye and the Heart Sutra, followed by the Samdae Hwasang Daryejae. President Yoon and the First Lady, together with Venerable Jinwoo, offered a lantern with a wish for happiness for all the people. The ceremony continued with a report on the transfer of the relics, the Cheongbeopge, meditation, Dharma talk, and chanting.
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