On the morning of May 5, Park Kangsoo, Mayor of Mapo District, visited Seokbulsa and Seongrimsa, two temples located in Mapo District, in celebration of Buddha's Birthday, the 2569th year of the Buddhist calendar. He attended the Buddha's Birthday ceremonies held at each temple.
Seokbulsa, a temple located in Mapo-dong, Mapo District, and one of the community meal service institutions for seniors, began its Buddha's Birthday celebration with vibrant pre-ceremony performances by a samulnori troupe, a folk song group, and a traditional dance troupe.
The subsequent Buddha's Birthday ceremony included the Six Offerings, the Threefold Refuge, the Heart Sutra, congratulatory speeches by guests, the main Buddha's Birthday address, the reading of a prayer of aspiration, the Four Great Vows, the closing address, and the bathing of the Buddha ritual.
In his congratulatory remarks, Mayor Park Kangsoo stated, "It is a great honor to be able to join the Buddha's Birthday ceremony. I sincerely thank Venerable Gyeongryun, the monks of Seokbulsa, and all the Buddhist followers for always taking the initiative to help our neighbors."
Later, during his visit to Seongrimsa in Seongsan-dong, Mayor Park Kangsoo expressed his greetings to Venerable Gwangyong, Venerable Hyeondam, and the entire Seongrimsa community, saying, "I wish that the Buddha's light of compassion and blessing will be abundant for Seongrimsa and all Buddhist followers," as he shared in the meaningful spirit of Buddha's Birthday.
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