By Lee Hana and Cho A-la
Photos=Jeon Han
May 3, 2017 | Seoul

The Dharma Ceremony for Buddha's 2561st Birthday was held this year on May 3, honoring the core message that "we can make a world without discrimination."

On this day, close to 10,000 devotees congregated at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple, the center of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The guest list included Speaker of the National Assembly Chung Sye-kyun, Acting Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Song Sookeun, the leaders of several religious sects, as well as a delegation of foreign diplomats stationed in Seoul.

With just six days remaining before the presidential election on May 9, the ceremony was also attended by presidential candidates leading the polls.



The Venerable Jinje, supreme patriarch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, delivered the dharma speech at the ceremony.

"Today is a day filled with bliss, as it is a time of celebration for the spiritual enlightenment of humanity. On this day, the nativity of Buddha took place through the light of wisdom, in the mundane world of ignorance. For sentient beings drowning in the sea of agonies, he declared the true identity of the self with great compassion, and he made clear the true nature of all living things in the dharma realm of the universe," said the Ven. Jinje.

The Ven. Jaseung, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in turn recited a congratulatory speech. "Ultimately, with the mindset of the Buddha, we can attain peace in the global community, happiness among our community and the safety of our country. Let us pray for the wise and compassionate light of the Buddha to fill the entire world. Let us pray that we can all lead a life with the mindset of the Buddha," he said.

On behalf of Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, Acting Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Song Sookeun attended the ceremony and delivered a congratulatory message to the nation.

"We should strive to follow the Buddha's teachings, and walk along the path of forgiveness and coexistence. In the light of the Buddha's mercy and wisdom, we hope to create a better world for all."







hlee10@korea.kr