[Field Report] "Compassion Deeper Than Aedongji Superstitions"... Beomnyunsa Temple in Daegu Fills Dongji Dharma Service with Tears and Melodies

"Everything is Created by the Mind, Sincerity Over Formality"
Chief Monk Seongdam's Tears and Disciple Daemyeong's Support
Harmony Through Accordion Melodies and Devotees' Singing Contest

On December 22, 2025, which fell in the early days of the 11th lunar month and is known as "Aedongji," the main hall of Beomnyunsa Temple in Dong-gu, Daegu (with Chief Monk Seongdam) was filled with the warmth of compassion, defying popular superstitions.

Traditionally, it is believed that red bean porridge is not good for children on Aedongji, so families often eat rice cakes instead.

However, Beomnyunsa Temple did not adhere to this custom and instead offered red bean porridge, carefully prepared, as a communal meal for everyone.

The red bean porridge offering time is continuing after the Dharma talk.

The temple emphasized the Buddhist teaching that "everything is created by the mind" (Ilcheyusimjo), highlighting that the red beans' power to ward off evil and the merit of feeding one's neighbors outweigh the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of specific dates, and thus put into practice the true meaning of Dongji.

The "Small Concert to Celebrate Dongji," which followed the Dharma service in the main hall, became a touching event where the monastic and lay community shared their hearts.

When Chief Monk Seongdam took the stage and began singing Kim Kwangseok's "The Story of an Elderly Couple in Their Sixties," the atmosphere quickly turned solemn.

As Seongdam continued the song, he was moved to tears by the sight of the wrinkled hands and white hair of the middle-aged and elderly devotees filling the hall, overcome by a deep sense of compassion as a practitioner.

Monk Jungji Seongdam is on stage singing Kim Kwangseok's song "The Story of an Elderly Couple in Their Sixties."

At the moment the song paused, Daemyeong, a disciple of Seongdam, joined him on stage, supporting his teacher and finishing the song together, demonstrating the strong bond between teacher and disciple and their unified devotion to all beings.

Following the monks' performances, the concert became a space for direct participation by the devotees, fostering communication and connection.

The skillful accordion performance that resonated throughout the main hall stirred the emotions of the attendees and elevated the atmosphere.

Clapping along to the accordion's poignant yet lively melody, the devotees let go of the hardships of the past year.

A believer is playing the accordion.

During the subsequent singing contest, around 50 members of the monastic and lay community came together in harmony.

Devotees who took the stage showcased their well-practiced singing skills, and the small hall was filled with cheers and laughter.

Sharing a bowl of red bean porridge and wishing each other health truly embodied the genuine meaning of Dongji as a "small Lunar New Year."

Chief Monk Seongdam of Beomnyunsa Temple remarked, "What is more important than the formality of Aedongji is that our neighbors can forget their worries and regain their smiles with a bowl of red bean porridge and a song," adding, "I hope today's tears and laughter will become seeds of hope for the coming year."

Starting with this Dongji Dharma service, Beomnyunsa Temple plans to continue its outreach and acts of compassion in the community with events such as the New Year's sunrise Dharma service and prayers for dispelling misfortune at the beginning of spring.