Yeongju Holds 'Celebration Buddhist Ceremony' and 'Memorial Service' for Buddha's Birthday

Honoring the Spirits of Wildfire Victims,
Citizens Light the Lanterns of Compassion

On April 26, the city of Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province and the 4·8 Buddha's Birthday Celebration Committee (represented by Venerable Beobun) solemnly held the 'Celebration Buddhist Ceremony' and the 'Memorial Service for Wildfire Victims' to mark Buddha's Birthday.

Organized by the 4·8 Buddha's Birthday Celebration Committee, the event took place on a special stage in front of the Rock-carved Seated Three Buddhas in Gaheung-dong. About 300 people, including citizens, Buddhists, and local dignitaries, attended and took time to reflect on the meaning of compassion and peace.

The event began with pre-ceremony performances by the Garungbinga Choir and the Maha Choir, followed by an opening address, the Six Offerings, the memorial service, introduction of guests and wreath laying, presentation of plaques of appreciation and merit, congratulatory and celebratory speeches, as well as the reading of the Buddha's Birthday message and a prayer of aspiration. Afterwards, a lantern lighting ceremony and lantern tower parade allowed all participants to share in the meaning of compassion and peace.

Notably, Venerable Deungun, the head monk of Gounsa Temple?the main temple of the 16th District of the Jogye Order, which recently suffered total destruction in a wildfire?personally attended the event, drawing attention. In his Buddha's Birthday message, Venerable Deungun conveyed a profound message, saying, "The practice of compassion is the first step in overcoming pain."

Venerable Beobun, chair of the Celebration Committee, said, "I am deeply grateful that so many citizens and Buddhists have gathered to share the light of compassion on Buddha's Birthday," adding, "I hope this event has served as a time to comfort the souls of those who tragically lost their lives in the unprecedented wildfire, to embrace each other's pain as a community, and to reflect on the meaning of compassion and sharing."

Lee Jaehun, Acting Mayor of Yeongju, said, "As we celebrate the holy birth of Buddha, who illuminated the world with the light of compassion and wisdom, I hope that today's celebration ceremony and memorial service have become a precious moment in which the light of compassion has gently permeated all of our hearts."