Beomeosa Seongbo Museum to Hold Special Exhibition for the 60th Anniversary of Venerable Dongsan's Nirvana: "The Path Opened by Patience, Gamin Daedo"

Shedding Light on the Spirit of Venerable Dongsan Hyeil, Who Walked the Path of a Practitioner in Turbulent Times Through Silence and Endurance, With His Calligraphy and Relics
First Immersive Exhibition Since the New Construction of the Seongbo Museum... Media Art Content Based on the Monk's Calligraphy

Beomeosa Seongbo Museum of Geumjeong Chongnim (Chief Monk and Museum Director Jeong O) will hold a special exhibition titled "The Path Opened by Endurance, Gamin Daedo (堪忍待道)" from the 20th to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the passing of Venerable Dongsan Hyeil (1890?1965).

This exhibition focuses on the monk’s calligraphy and relics, shedding light on his life and reflecting on the calm and steadfast journey he walked as a practitioner.

The title of the exhibition, "Gamin Daedo (堪忍待道)," means "by enduring (堪), persevering (忍), and waiting (待), the path (道) finally opens." It encapsulates the spirit of Venerable Dongsan, who practiced the original teachings of Buddhism through silence and endurance even in turbulent times.

'The Path Opened by Patience, Gamindaedo' Poster.

The exhibition "The Path Opened by Endurance, Gamin Daedo" is structured around three main themes of the monk’s life.

Part 1, "The Path of Practice, Taking the First Step," looks back on Venerable Dongsan’s ordination, his years of training in the mountains, and the process of receiving the dharma lineage from Venerable Yongseong. Relics and photographs trace the first steps toward Buddhist faith and the marks of a life devoted to inner cultivation.

Part 2, "The Path of the World, Leaving a Mark with Buddhist Faith," highlights his journey through the purification movement of Korean Buddhism, postwar peace efforts, international Buddhist exchanges, and the commemorations after his passing, showing a life lived in tune with the times.

Part 3, "The Path of Calligraphy, Engraving the Mind," offers a space to reflect on the silent teachings of Venerable Dongsan through his calligraphy works such as "Gamin Dae," "Manbeop Guiil," and "Jeungdoga." It is a place to revisit the essence of spirit and practice that permeated his silence and tranquility.

Notably, this exhibition will unveil for the first time since the museum’s new construction the "Immersive Video Hall," presenting media art content based on Venerable Dongsan’s calligraphy. This video content, a modern reinterpretation of his practice and teachings, is designed to offer visitors a more immersive exhibition experience.

There will also be an interactive space where visitors can write letters expressing their thoughts to the monk and display them as digital lanterns. This experience will provide a special moment for each person to commemorate the monk and return their hearts in their own way.

Chief Monk Jeong O of Beomeosa said, "This exhibition is an opportunity to feel how the life and spirit of Venerable Dongsan speak to us today," adding, "With immersive video and interactive spaces, we hope it becomes a meaningful experience for all visitors."

This exhibition is expected to serve not only as a look back at the past, but also as an opportunity for us today to reflect on our own "Gamin Daedo" and reexamine our respective paths.

Beomeosa Seongbo Museum will continue to offer a variety of cultural and educational programs after this exhibition. From May 2, a special exhibition titled "Nevertheless: Great Compassion" will explore the role and message of temples connecting past, present, and future under the themes of relationships, conflict, and harmony. In addition, hands-on educational events for families, such as "Daewoong, In Search of the Great Hero" and the children's museum festival "Yadanbeopseok," are planned. For more details, visit the Beomeosa Seongbo Museum website.

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