Buddhist monks and believers circle a pagoda-shaped lantern after the lantern's lighting ceremony on April 29. The lantern is a replica of the pagoda at Mireuksa Temple.
Ahead of Buddha’s birthday, a lighting ceremony for a lantern shaped like the pagoda at the site of Mireuksa Temple was held on April 29 in Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul. About 2,000 people attended the ceremony. Participants included the Venerable Jaseung, administrative director of the Jogye order of Buddhism, leaders from other religious groups and religious Buddhists.
The Venerable Jaseung said, “We hope the lantern we light today will help us look back on our past in a humble manner and will lead us to act for the future so that everyone can be at peace with themselves. We also hope that this precious light can shine upon the many people who are in shock and in pain due to the earthquake that recently hit Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha.”
Buddhist monks, leaders from other religious groups and religious Buddhists light a lantern shaped like the pagoda at Mireuksa Temple, in Gwanghwamun Square on April 29.
After the lighting ceremony, Buddhist monks and believers alike walked around the pagoda-shaped lantern while praying for their individual wishes and the peace and happiness of the world. Immediately following the lighting ceremony, about 50,000 lotus-shaped lanterns were turned on, decorating the streets of Seoul.
To mark Buddha’s birthday, a lotus festival is held every year, coloring Seoul with beautiful lights. This year’s festival will be held on May 15 along with a variety of other related events. Buddha's birthday itself falls on May 25.
Article by Jeon Han, Yoon Sojung
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr
Religious Buddhists hold lotus lanterns as they walk around the pagoda-shaped lantern and pray on April 29.
Non-Korean Buddhists and supporters participate in the lighting ceremony as they circle the pagoda-shaped lantern while holding lotus lanterns of their own on April 29.
Buddhist monks, leaders from other religious groups and Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon walk through Gwanghwamun Square while holding lotus lanterns on April 29.
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