"Though Difficult Situations Exist, I Consider Them Karma"
"I Will Not Waver for the People"
On the afternoon of the 22nd, President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Beomeosa Temple located in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, and vowed, "Although there are many difficult situations, I will consider them as karma and work steadfastly for the country and the people without hesitation," adding, "I will keep going even if stones are thrown at me."
Upon arriving at Beomeosa that day, President Yoon greeted temple officials and devotees, including Monk Jeong-o, and then moved to the Daeungjeon Hall while receiving an explanation about Beomeosa.
Beomeosa is one of the three major temples in Yeongnam, along with Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon and Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan. It is a renowned Korean temple that has nurtured many great monks such as Uisang Daesa, Wonhyo Daesa, and Manhae Han Yong-un. This is the second time a sitting president has visited Beomeosa since President Syngman Rhee.
After entering the Daeungjeon Hall, President Yoon offered incense and performed three bows to Buddha. He then told Monk Jeong-o, "I worked in Busan over 20 years ago, and even after leaving, I have visited here several times while hiking Geumjeongsan Mountain," adding, "It feels good to see Buddha on a rainy day."
When Monk Jeong-o said, "We decorated both sides of the entrance to the Daeungjeon Hall beautifully with chrysanthemums because the president was coming," President Yoon responded, "Thank you."
Monk Jeong-o said, "Your words about being loyal to the people rather than to individuals and your steadfast overcoming of difficulties to become president have given hope to many citizens."
Monk Jeong-o personally gifted the president a scroll inscribed with the phrase 'Mugu-muae (無垢無碍 - living life without faults or obstacles),' and President Yoon expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to the many teachings received here at Beomeosa to normalize the country, this nation has been able to stand upright."
Abbot Jeong-yeo said, "It is reassuring to see you remain unyielding despite difficult circumstances." President Yoon referred to the passing of Monk Jaseung last November, saying, "At that time, he often called me and gave me much encouragement, so his passing was a great shock."
In response, Abbot Jeong-yeo said, "Among Monk Dongsan's teachings is 'Gamin-dae (堪忍待),' which means to endure, be patient, and wait," and presented a framed calligraphy of 'Gamin-dae' with the words, "Like the saying 'Il-in-jang-rak (一忍長樂 - enduring once brings long-lasting happiness),' please look at this phrase whenever you face difficulties during your duties and overcome them wisely."
When President Yoon vowed, "I will keep going even if stones are thrown at me," Abbot Jeong-yeo replied, "It is reassuring to see you remain steadfast without being swayed."
Present at the Beomeosa visit were Abbot Jeong-yeo, Head Monk Jeong-o, and Jeon Gwang-sam, Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Presidential Office.
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